The comforts and bliss of farmhouse living in an HDB flat

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Text by Janice Seow

For city dwellers in Singapore, the idea of a slow life in the country can seem like a tantalising but unreachable dream. But that dream has been made a reality in this five-room HDB flat.

Young couple Cherylene and Vincent were drawn to the charm of farmhouse living. Added to that, they wanted their new home to be able to accommodate their dogs, gaming hobbies, and love of entertaining and baking. It also needed to have ample storage. “The couple were very friendly and laid-back, and Cherylene shared that she loved the idea of a bright space with cosy wood tones all around,” shares the designer from Ethereall.

Material selection and colours were an essential starting point to this project. To achieve a warm and welcoming farmhouse atmosphere, the designer specifically chose off-white as well as slightly raw wood-toned tiles and laminates as the main canvas. Elements such as Shaker doors and vertical groove lines were then used to deliver depth and texture.

In response to the couple’s brief, a “no limits” full-height feature wall has been built in the living room, with a sleek Shaker style and glass console spanning its width.

Part of the living area has been segmented off and turned into a gaming room, with a half-height glass partition allowing views and maximum light through. The customised barn door takes its cue from the archetypal farmhouse design, and a bay window has been built with a to-ceiling bookshelf as a dedicated space for reading.

While a chunky structural beam is generally viewed as unsightly and unwanted, the designer has transformed it into a significant design element. First, an additional beam was added to emphasise the design. These were then wrapped in wood-look laminate to mimic farmhouse-style beams. They also carry a function, having been extended downwards slightly to accommodate downlights. As the designer adds, “The beams accentuate the white brick stucco wall and sets the mood for the dining area where the couple frequently host their friends.”

In the spacious open-plan kitchen, off-white laminated Shaker-style cabinetry are perfectly paired with gold finish door knobs and handles. This cooking space comes complete with a farmhouse-style sink and gold finished kitchen tap. A backsplash in hexagon-shaped, white marble coloured tiles add texture and complements the raw appearance of the EDL compact top wet kitchen counter. A tall unit houses the oven that Cherylene often uses for baking, and the long island counter has been built for entertaining.

The concept of farmhouse living continues in the bright and airy master bedroom. Keeping to a consistent design language, the same white wood-look laminate found in the living room is used here, with a play of groove lines to give texture. The generously-sized wardrobe is also a Shaker-style design, and the half-height headboard features wall lights for added illumination.

In the master bathroom (above), the raw wood-look laminated vanity cabinet and open shelves were specifically chosen to accentuate the white gradient subway tiles. Accessories such as the gold-tinged wall lights complement the look.

White wood-look tiles wrap the walls of the common bathroom, plank-style and keeps the space bright and airy as was desired. Overall, the finishes and colours ensure a consistent design language. Exactly matched EDL compact top for the vanity and EDL laminate for the open shelving further ensures consistency. As a playful statement, the subway tiles in the shower area are lined in a herringbone pattern. Both toilets come with louvred slide-and-swing doors, furthering the idea of farmhouse living.

It is clear that couple Cherylene and Vincent have found their little piece of farmhouse bliss!

Ethereall
www.ethereall.com
www.facebook.com/Ethereallsg
www.instagram.com/ethereall__

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