Laid-back living in a modern HDB flat

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Text by Angela Low

“This is one of the most restful projects of my career,” shares Puti Christel Lee, the lead interior designer from Dots N Tots Interior who undertook the renovation of this newly weds’ first home. An exceptionally easy-going duo with few major requests, the young couple placed absolute trust in the designer’s expertise and displayed minimal resistance to changes. Their only desire was to have a serene place to call home.

Given the spatial constraints of the resale flat, Puti decided to go for an open-plan concept that combines the living, dining and kitchen areas. She started by knocking down the yard space to make room for a larger kitchen. The previous occupants had also built a row of cabinets, which doubled as a bulky partition between the kitchen and living area. The storage unit has since been removed, allowing for a more spacious environment to accommodate plenty of guests. It’s imperative for the flat to have sufficient space, as the lady of the house frequently hosts massive family gatherings.

Not only does the L-shaped layout of the communal areas improves the airflow, it also creates an open space that’s bathed in natural light. This approach ultimately got rid of shadows that can lead a confined space to come across even smaller than it is in reality. Building on the new and improved configuration, Puti applied an understated palette of dulcet neutrals, which offers a contemporary update to the dated resale flat. Furthermore, having a bright colour scheme creates the illusion of space.

The laid-back couple didn’t want to be surrounded by busy patterns, preferring to unwind in an environment that is able to put them immediately at ease. As such, the designer went with solid colours and simple design features. Dusty pink accent walls in the kitchen and the TV area inject a spot of personality, without overpowering the room. The muted shade complements the beige kitchen cabinets and the white square, subway-like backsplash tiles as well.

While grey vinyl flooring runs throughout the living and dining areas, dark wooden floor tiles zone the kitchen space. Shaker-style kitchen cabinets, juxtaposed by dark quartz Caesarstone countertops also lend a classic, homely touch to the country-inspired decor.

The most notable feature of the house is the carpentry that lines the ceiling of the living room, painted in a stark shade of matte black that jumps out against the soft backdrop. Originally in a tacky crimson hue, it is given a sleeker, more modern update to suit the current design direction. Besides hiding the trunking and electrical wires, it frames the interiors and evoke the quintessential wooden ceiling beams of cottage-style abodes.

Dots N Tots Interior
www.dotsntots.com.sg
www.facebook.com/DotsnTotsInteriorDesign
www.instagram.com/dotsntotsinterior

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