A European-inspired HDB flat with a fireplace

Text by Olha Romaniuk

Stepping inside this renovated HDB flat, the young owners’ passion for travel becomes immediately apparent in the home’s head-to-toe European look. A mixture of English and French influences sets an elevated mood from the moment of entry into the home’s open-concept dining and living areas. It then continues throughout the dwelling’s public and private spaces.

The couple appointed Black N White Haus to adapt some of their most beloved European themes into the design of their home. The design team took to heart the couple’s love for the French countryside and the grand proportions emblematic of classic English house; but simplified the two for a more modern and sleeker look.

Meticulous detailing aside, the key spaces of the residence deliberately steer away from excessive ornamentation. Understated elegance reigns supreme with a controlled use of classic details like wainscoting and crown moulding that are carefully accentuated with beige and off-white tones.

The living room is the culmination of the owners’ European sensibilities with a sideboard library concept. Two symmetrical shelving units for open display flank the centrepiece of the room – a custom-made ‘fireplace’ that brings focus to the entire space.

“From the beginning, the owners fancied the look of the French-inspired white wainscoting,” say the design team. “Other elements of French countryside comprise dark stained raw teak wood flooring, and furniture with white and beige fabric and pencil legs.” Crown moulding framing the cove ceiling and running along the perimeter of the room completes the decidedly European look.

Likewise, the dining area continues with the French references without taking the style too literally. The designers decided to forego the usage of high wingback chairs to avoid cluttering the modestly sized area, opting for a backless bench instead. The subtly raw and rustic elements of the furniture vaguely evoke a French cottage setting. Meanwhile, a Turkish ornamental pendant brings a touch of worldly eclecticism to the decor.

The family kitchen comes complete with striking checker-pattern tiles running diagonally to the elongated orientation of the room. Built-in cabinetry integrates wine rack storage and semi-open opaque glass inserts showcase the couple’s collection of china. Ever so subtly, cabinetry trimmings aim to transport its owners back to their European travels.

While the HDB’s original layout remained intact with the exception of the introduction of a two-leaf door separating the flat’s private and public spaces, no attention was spared to continuing the European influences even into the private corners of the flat.

The master bathroom is a vision of elegance, cladded with monotone-motif floor tiles and light-tone finishes. Subtle European influences emerge via the bathroom’s accessories – a heavily-trimmed mirror and pendant lighting that echo back to the residence’s overall European sensibility.

Black N White Haus
www.blacknwhitehaus.com
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