SPACE FOR PASSION

FOR THE ARTIST

Love painting, crafting jewellery, creating textile art or woodworking? Designing a dedicated studio is good for the creative spirit – and in this home by Three-d Conceptwerke, the studio truly is the star. The first thing the owners see when they get home, it is segregated by glass partitions to create an airy vibe, and has glass doors to minimise audio distractions.

Also, storage solutions offer great flexibility. Here, trolleys and carts are perfect for organising art and craft supplies. Lastly, this need not be a solitary endeavour. A large studio table makes it possible to have friends and family share in the activities. When all play is done, the table is a dining space for hearty meals. 

FOR THE FITNESS JUNKIE

Exercising at home could help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly. Take inspiration from this four-room HDB flat conceptualised by Design Zage.

Owned by a couple, it has a gym that is a surprising contrast to the resort feel of the rest of the home. The cool grey, concrete-like vinyl flooring extends from the living area to the gym to create a subtle transition.

The bedroom walls were replaced with glass panels to showcase this gym.

The mirrors help to prevent injuries as people can see exactly what position they are in when stretching and lifting. They also help to make a space feel larger than it really is. The vinyl flooring stands up to the abuse of a home gym. It’s also mould-, mildew-, and moisture-resistant. 

“HDB FLATS ARE DESIGNED WITH AN IMPOSED LOAD OF 150 KG/M2. DISCUSS THE EQUIPMENT YOU WANT IN YOUR HOME GYM WITH YOUR DESIGNER SO HE CAN ADVISE YOU ACCORDINGLY.” 
– ZHUO JINHAI, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DESIGN ZAGE 

FOR THE FLEXIPRENEUR

Whether you are a mother or a woman running a business solo, you’re an entrepreneur juggling a variety of tasks throughout the week. Choosing this route comes with its own challenges, especially if you have young children at home vying for your attention.

Instead of working at your dining table, have a dedicated space to enhance your productivity. Styled by Make Room, this home office features an open-concept plan so parent and children do not feel isolated during working hours. The children can also use it to do homework. Managing clutter is crucial, so allocate enough storage for easy retrieval of documents. 

FOR THE PASSIONATE COOK

Cooking and baking are more than about showing love and care. They are also creative outlets for exploring new flavours. The kitchen must be equipped and designed well for you to enjoy the process even more. Consider how much equipment you have and allocate storage space for future additions.

Whatever the size of the kitchen, ensure you have sufficient countertop space for equipment and food preparation. Many have an island in the kitchen for this reason, and it often doubles as a socialising station when family or guests visit.

This kitchen by Designworx Interior Consultant has a seamless look with tall cabinets that match the colour of the refrigerators, and are flush with the walls. 

“THE BAKING KITCHEN SHOULD HAVE A COUNTERTOP THAT’S THE RIGHT HEIGHT FOR THE BAKER IN THE FAMILY, AS WELL AS THE RIGHT HIGHER-END OVEN WITH MULTIPLE FEATURES. PLUS, PULL-OUT DRAWERS TO STORE PANS AND TRAYS.”
– TERRI TAN, DESIGN DIRECTOR, DESIGNWORX INTERIOR CONSULTANT 

FOR THE FASHION LOVER

The world of fashion may be fickle, but a well-designed wardrobe stands the test of time. Traditional walk-ins come with open shelves and racks so that it’s faster and easier to view everything at a glance. However, some might find that a covered wardrobe, like this one by Black N White Haus, keeps the space uncluttered.

To maximise storage, consider a full-height wardrobe in an L-shaped configuration or along two facing walls. A custom wardrobe gives you freedom to organise your bags, clothes and shoes.

If yours is a small space, consider mirror-clad doors to enhance the sense of space. A light palette also keeps the room feeling spacious and elegant. Try and make space for a vanity, which can be used as a workspace when necessary. 

FOR THE MOVIE BUFF

A well-appointed entertainment room not only provides a cosy setting, but also ensures that the movie experience is at its optimum with a few strategies. For example, the watching distance should be at least 1.5 times the diagonal size of the TV screen.

Invest in a quality sound system with at least five speakers and a subwoofer. This entertainment room by MOW Interior Design can store more than a thousand DVDs. To meet this design objective, there are more storage solutions behind the sofa. Fabric wall covering and a large rug help to absorb sound. This space also serves as a guest room. 

Text Rossara Jamil