Melding storytelling with design, Authors In Style transforms this BTO into a richly layered home where eclectic charm meets purposeful living.
3 February 2025
Home Type: 5-room HDB flat
Floor Area: 1,227sqft
Text by Yen Kien Hang
It’s hard not to associate this BTO renovation with the eclectic style of a Spanish home: from the red bricks and patterned tiles to the cement and stone finishes, the interplay of elements creates a distinct character, infused with a touch of boldness and edge. Its inspiration? It all came down to the personalities of the homeowners and the creative vision of Authors In Style.
“Eugene and Alicia are the kind of couple who instantly brighten up the room with their charm and warmth. Working with them felt like a breeze thanks to their easy-going nature,” says interior designer Tracey from Authors In Style. “Their style is laid-back yet undeniably chic, and their home is totally in sync with their personalities. It reflects their appreciation for comfort, creativity, and individuality.”
As one enters the home, they are immediately welcomed by the lightness of the foyer with its limestone-effect floor tiles and limewash-inspired laminated cabinet. Even if the latter appears like a structured wall, a “cavity” has been carved at the bottom for shoe storage, perfected with a brick-laid landing and soft lighting.
From here, you’ll first notice the kitchen island with a bold terracotta-coloured countertop, cleverly disguising the “elephant in the room” – a large load-bearing pillar. Clad with rustic flagstone-inspired tiles from Hafary and cream toned cabinetry, it serves as a focal point in the unit.
In the living and dining area, the wood tones are tuned down, allowing the concrete built-in banquette (with an integrated planter) and the cement console shine. Against this raw and industrial interior, the plush green sofa and dash of greenery soften the space and inject a pop of colour.
A subtle nod to Spanish flair emerges in the form of an alcove display. Nestled behind the living area and lined with red bricks, it’s the perfect spot to display the owners’ playful artwork.
The master bedroom features the same dark wood cabinetry as the kitchen, but the standout element here is definitely the use of tiles to frame the bathroom entrance and bedside table floors – which Tracey reveals, are actually Peranakan inspired.
“We found inspiration from an image online, and while the colour and texture are subtle, they add a lovely touch of character,” explains Tracey. “At first, there was some concern that they wouldn’t blend well, especially since it’s not the typical look we usually see in a home. But once in place, it turned out to be surprisingly beautiful and the homeowners were thrilled with the result.”
The final transformation is a BTO home that strikes a balance between warmth and bold expression – where colour and texture are thoughtfully layered to create depth and character. Every detail is shaped by the synergy between the homeowners’ vision and the designer’s creativity, resulting in a space that feels both personal and dynamic, inviting yet distinctive.
Authors In Style
www.authorsinterior.co
www.instagram.com/authorsinstyle
www.facebook.com/AuthorsInStyle
Photography by Marcus Lim
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