Knock Knock Studio strikes a chord with this five-room HDB resale flat, crafting a lively sanctuary where mid-century modern vibes harmonise with the bold personality of its music-loving owners.
22 December 2024
Text by Janice Seow
What happens when vibrant personalities meet thoughtful design? This five-room HDB resale flat in Bedok redefines the art of living, turning 1,300 square feet into a harmonious blend of mid-century modern aesthetics and bold personal expressions. Under the creative direction of designers Ze Ming and Chris from Knock Knock Studio, the space becomes a canvas for individuality – colourful, functional, and brimming with charm.
The clients, a refreshingly down-to-earth couple with a penchant for music and bold colours, had a simple yet striking vision: a home that could recharge their souls after a busy day. Their playful approach to self-expression became the creative heartbeat of this project. The result? A space that’s unapologetically unique yet supremely functional, with curated furnishings taking centre stage.
The renovation, completed in just over three months, opened up the home’s layout to create a fluid, light-filled environment. For instance, the wall between one bedroom and dining area was taken down to form an open study, while a carved out aperture in the kitchen wall ushers in light from unexpected angles, turning even the smallest details into opportunities for delight.
At the threshold, visitors are greeted by a sunny yellow door with blue accents inspired by Spanish architecture. Step inside, and you’ll find a terrazzo-style foyer floor, made from hand-smashed off-cut marble slabs – an artisanal touch that’s as playful as it is refined. It’s a hint of the surprises to come.
The living and dining areas serve as the social soul of the flat. Here, light concrete-patterned tiles from Hafary provide a subdued backdrop that lets statement furnishings shine. A dining table from Gamar Furniture and a King Living sofa radiate understated elegance, while a custom console – crafted by a close acquaintance – houses the couple’s prized vinyl collection, marrying nostalgia with practicality.
In the kitchen, contrasts rule the day. On one side, warm Dekton Umber sintered stone countertops; on the other, sleek stainless steel. Hafary’s Oro Crete tiles, laid in an organic manner on the floor, inject a subtle dynamism, while an oversized door – complete with stainless steel accents – conceals functional details like air-conditioning trunking without missing a beat. This is a space designed as much for culinary creativity as for visual delight.
The master bedroom leans into quiet sophistication. A full-height wardrobe in EDL Cifra walnut laminate provides ample storage and a touch of luxury, while a chamfered edge at the entrance ensures smooth navigation. This thoughtful feature also doubles as a compact vanity, complete with open shelving for curated personal touches.
The bathrooms, however, refuse to play it safe. In the master bath, blue-and-white checkered tiles cascade whimsically from wall to floor, balanced by soft, neutral tones of Chalky White tiles from Hafary. A custom sintered stone sink – elongated to accommodate two – adds a touch of practical magic. Meanwhile, the common toilet goes green, quite literally, with a diagonal checkered design of cream and sage tiles. Yellow-stained bifold doors cap off the space with a burst of sunshine.
Additional rooms reflect the couple’s diverse interests. The gym room keeps it simple and functional with wall-to-wall mirrors, perfect for workouts. The study, separated by steel-latticed glass panels, offers a playful twist with custom bookshelves featuring colourful acrylic and wood.
Throughout the home, original doors and windows were lovingly retained and refreshed with bright coats of paint, a nod to the past that seamlessly blends with the new. This thoughtful reuse of existing elements underscores a commitment to sustainability without compromising on style.
Ze Ming and Chris have delivered a home that’s as lively and layered as its inhabitants. By leaning into the clients’ love of music, colour, and functionality, they have created a space that’s both personal and universally inviting. This Bedok flat is a celebration of individuality, a place where creativity and comfort are in perfect harmony.
Knock Knock Studio
www.knockknockstudio.com
https://www.facebook.com/knockknockstudiosg/
https://www.instagram.com/knockknock.studio
Photography by Marcus Lim
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