Studio Wills + Architects made use of a series of diagonal patterns to create a sense of lightness in this 4-room HDB flat
4 May 2016
There are plenty of space-enhancing tips and tricks that both homeowners and designers use to make our small homes look bigger. We knock down walls, buy look-through furniture, and install mirrors everywhere. For more of these tried-and-tested methods, here are 8 ways to make your home feel big.
But every once in a while, we come across a home that makes us re-think the way we approach interior design. In this resale flat, William Ng of Studio Wills + Architects made use of light and shadow – both real and illusionary – to not only introduce visual interest, but also to create a sense of lightness and spaciousness.
Situated in the middle of the neighbourhood, this 4-room HDB flat (1,162 sqft) is closely surrounded on all sides by high-rise flats. Despite the poor light and the lack of a view, the homeowners bought this unit for its close proximity to the bus and MRT station.
After the makeover by William, the whole place has been transformed into this light-filled space. The only original element restored to its former beauty is the flooring made of broken marble, which also provides the basis of the white and grey palette used in the design.
Entering the home
The original outdoor balcony has been converted to become part of the living room. On one side, a study nook is carved out of the space, while on the opposite wall, a similar space is set aside for a piano. Both the desk and the piano can be easily concealed by large sliding panels. Illusionary rays of light are evoked with the diagonal placements of the laminate finishing.
Living room
The living room and the study nook
Study nook
The study nook can be neatly hidden away
Besides not having any windows, the dining room was enclosed on both sides by a bedroom and the kitchen. The area was opened up by hacking away the boundary walls of the kitchen.
A set of pocket sliding glass door was introduced to enclose the kitchen when the homeowners wanted to do heavy cooking. Counters topped with Frosty Carrina from Caserstone provide sufficient workspace while maintaining the overall white and grey palette. Its white base and light grey veins complement the existing broken marble flooring.
Dining room
Kitchen
Looking out of the kitchen into the living and dining
The view of the dining room from the kitchen
The same design feature of illusionary light rays is seen in the private areas of the home, bringing in a sense of light and brightening the space.
Bedroom
Bed and wardrobe in the bedroom
Wardrobe in the master bedroom
Master bedroom
Photography by Beton Brut
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