This home is a prime example of how thoughtful design can create a clutter-free yet inviting space for first-time parents juggling new responsibilities.
10 January 2025
Home Type: 5-room HDB BTO flat
Floor Area: 1,216sqft
Text by Vanitha Pavapathi
Sleepless nights. Messy home. These are the common struggles new parents encounter as they adjust to life with a newborn. While sleep deprivation recovers with time, an untidy home can be mitigated with thoughtful design that reduces clutter, improves organisation and streamlines daily tasks.
Armed with this knowledge, Xueyi and Wesley, a pair of professionals navigating first-time parenthood, sought a home that could accommodate their growing family’s needs. They envisioned a bright, open space with ample storage to keep the environment clutter-free.
“Being homebodies, the owners requested a fuss-free and comforting space with hotel-like ambience, focusing on easy maintenance and minimal display shelving,” explains Jac Teo of Hansel Studio, who executed an inspired reconfiguration of the flat, characterised by Scandinavian and Japandi influences. Given the couple’s proclivity for occasional hosting, a layout that balances spaciousness and adaptability was integral to the brief.
Jac’s response to these requirements was an open-concept design that seamlessly integrates the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, making the flat more conducive for social gatherings. The living room exemplifies ingenious storage solutions with custom full-height cabinetry that keeps the space tidy.
Behind the sofa, pocket sliding doors reveal a concealed study space tailored to the needs of the couple’s child. “This dedicated study space, comprising bookshelves and a height-adjustable desk, will evolve alongside the child’s developmental stages,” Jac elaborates.
Additionally, the cabinetry wraps around the household shelter with a casement door that camouflages its entrance. It further extends to the entryway, integrating a settee paired with a bronze-tinted mirror.
Designed for lounging and entertainment, the living room also incorporates a television console with sliding flip-up pocket doors that discreetly house karaoke equipment, enhancing functionality while maintaining a sleek appearance. This, along with the innovative wall-to-wall cabinetry, underscore the project’s focus on multipurpose functionality.
The dry pantry and adjoining kitchen island serve as the home’s central hub. Sliding glass windows and bi-fold doors afford the flexibility to enclose the kitchen for heavy cooking and to keep the child out when in use, while also allowing them to be left open to integrate with the primary living areas. The use of dark walnut accents, juxtaposed with light neutral tiles, imbues the space with warmth and understated sophistication.
Every aspect of the home has been meticulously calibrated for family-centric living. In the master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe doubles as a multifunctional station. “The countertop height of the chest of drawers was specifically designed to serve as a changing station, with baby supplies kept within arm’s reach,” notes Jac. The interplay of soft neutrals and lighter wood tones cultivates a tranquil retreat for the parents.
To facilitate low-maintenance living, Jac opted for large-format tiles and sintered stones in high-traffic areas. Limestone-effect flooring and Crema Limestone countertops imbue the interiors with a subtle wabi-sabi aesthetic, balancing visual elegance with practicality. Cabinet laminates sourced from EDL and Jennings provide a tactile contrast, blending soft taupe tones with rich walnut finishes for a cohesive material palette.
Beyond its practicality, the home exudes warmth and personality. Subtle curves in the display shelving, accentuated by cove lighting, introduce a sculptural quality to the living space without overwhelming its minimalist ethos. These details exemplify how nuanced design can enrich the sensory experience of a home.
Hansel Studio
www.hanselstudio.com
www.instagram.com/hanselstudiosg
Photography by Mesa Haus
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