This 1940s walk-up apartment fuses quirky design, mid-century vibes, and historical charm into a lively and functional home filled with personality.
26 November 2024
Home Type: Walk-up apartment
Floor Area: 900sqft
Owned by a charismatic duo who thrive on bold design choices and an undying adoration for their feline companion, this walk-up apartment in Tiong Bahru is anything but ordinary. Designed by Ong Jia Jun of No Sense Studio, it’s a theatrical stage for the owners’ vibrant personalities, amplified by their love for retro kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee shop) and mid-century design, and original 1940s elements.
The entrance hints at the home’s retro roots. The unassuming steel rack for shoes and the iconic grille door nod to Tiong Bahru’s historical charm. But inside reveals an explosion of character. In the living room, the Ligne Roset Togo sofa beckons while the Samsung The Serif Smart TV blurs the line between gadgetry and art. The couple’s humour and personality shine through whimsical decor choices scattered across the space, creating a living room that feels warm, inviting, and refreshingly quirky. As for their beloved feline, its presence is felt in every corner, with soft spots to lounge, scratch, and reign.
Moving further, the walk-in wardrobe steals the spotlight. A pink haven of practicality and whimsy, it’s a sartorial sanctuary designed to house an enviable collection of clothes and bags. Blush-toned cabinetry feels unapologetically bold yet impeccably chic, while terrazzo tiles retain the apartment’s original charm. The space speaks to the designer’s knack for balancing dramatic statements with functionality.
The kitchen and bathroom area underwent the most creative transformations. The former is now significantly more compact and streamlined, and is seamlessly integrated into the main living/dining zone.
By taking over the former balcony and kitchen, the designer was also able to carve out the desired walk-in wardrobe as well as a generously-sized ensuite for the master bedroom. Decked in sunny yellow mosaic tiles, the bathroom is a joyful departure from the squat toilet of yesteryears. It now boasts a contemporary layout, seamlessly combining the previously separated WC and shower into a single space, while a dedicated area for a luxurious bathtub lies just beyond the bi-fold door.
Every corner of this 900-square-foot home reflects the homeowners’ energy. The dining area features eye-catching TIPTOE table legs paired with colourful pendant lamps that dangle like large candy drops – a testament to their eye for blending design with utility. The bedroom is just as fun, with vibrant linens from SOJAO and tasteful lighting by Nemo.
The playful use of materials and colours pays homage to Tiong Bahru’s unique character while staying firmly rooted in the homeowners’ design brief. Interior designer Jia Jun has expertly navigated the delicate line between preserving history and making a bold, personal statement. This walk-up apartment doesn’t just capture attention; it tells a story – of two personalities, a cherished cat, and a neighbourhood rich in history, all brought together in one electrifyingly unique space.
No Sense Studio
www.instagram.com/no.sense_studio
Photography by Marcus Ip
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