This HDB flat designed by Rhiss Interior caters to the homeowner’s golden years with a design that’s classically timeless and future proofed.
12 September 2024
Home Type: 3-room HDB flat
Floor Area: 730sqft
Text by Disa Tan
Marble has long been revered as an emblem of prestige, but like most natural materials, it is a high-maintenance surface. Rhiss Interior‘s Principal Designer Wincy Tang, who was tasked with renovating this HDB BTO flat, knew that using real stone as the main material would not be practical for its retired homeowner. She says: “The homeowner lives here with her elderly mother and she likes the look of marble. However, knowing its regular upkeep, we recommended fuss-free marble alternatives like homogeneous and vinyl floor tiles with luxury stone patterns.”
After discussing with the homeowner about her lifestyle needs, Wincy put together a luxurious but practical style following a two-month renovation done at a cost of $90,000. The original floor plan was remodeled to include a semi open-concept bedroom as well as a multipurpose room for different occasions. She explains the purpose of the reconfiguration: “The homeowner’s mum occupies the bedroom with an extra window opening along the hall so it’s easier to check on her. She also has guests staying over sometimes and that’s where a multipurpose room would be useful.”
By day, the multipurpose room is used as an entertainment area. Wincy did away with the usual sofa and chose a wingback armchair instead to create more room for the homeowner’s mum to move around. For extra seating, she has thoughtfully added a hidden pull-out settee tucked seamlessly within the full-height storage unit. With the tinted glass sliding door shut, the entertainment room becomes a guest bedroom by night.
Since the homeowner cooks regularly, Wincy wanted her to have a functional kitchen with ample storage and countertop space. She says: “Besides incorporating lots of storage like a tall pantry cabinet, we added flip-up cabinet doors that do double duty as countertop tables.” Fitted with aluminium hinges of added strength, these space-friendly tables are a smart way to increase countertop space without eating into the internal cabinet area.
Dusky laminate finishes create an intimate setting in the master bedroom, as requested by the homeowner who prefers a darker room for restful sleep. A raised platform has been added to maximise the storage space, with recessed lights installed at the steps as a safety precaution. Wincy also chose vinyl flooring with a marble design over tiles to offer a warmer feeling underfoot.
While Wincy initially had her reservations about the platform as the low-profile bed design can be a challenge for those with mobility issues, she came up with a backup plan should the homeowner choose to remove it in future. She says: “The platform can be dismantled to free up space for a bed frame instead.”
A sleek monochromatic pairing of marble patterned tiles and dark floor tiles has been overlaid in the master bathroom. The position of the WC is relocated to create more storage space. Wincy says: “After we changed the position of the WC, we were able to insert an L-shaped sink cabinet to store more toiletries.”
With Wincy’s thoughtful design touches and the inclusion of low-maintenance amenities, the homeowner can look forward to spending her retirement blissfully in a sophisticated HDB flat that fully meets her needs.
Rhiss Interior
www.rhissinterior.com
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