Mid-century modern meets playful whimsy in a bachelorette pad

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Text by Vanitha Pavapathi

For many, moving into their first home represents a pivotal milestone. This was the case for Yinghui, a dynamic Google professional in her 30s, who chose to live apart from her family and embrace independent living for the first time in her renovated resale flat. Accompanied by her cherished dog, Snickers, Yinghui sought a sanctuary that reflected her adventurous spirit and eclectic sensibilities.

Though functional, the flat’s original layout felt segmented with minimal visual flow or zoning. Poor lighting and lack of storage provided minimal ambience and rendered a cluttered space. Meanwhile, the design brief given to Debbie Lim of Loco Division emphasised the creation of a bright, open layout defined by warm neutral bases interspersed with bold colours. The space also needed to reflect Yinghui’s passions, such as travel, baking, and literature.

Debbie skilfully translated this vision by integrating playful accents and practical solutions throughout the home. To make the compact flat feel more spacious, “walls were opened up in the kitchen and bedroom, which divides the zoning for dining, lounging, and working, ensuring better flow and purpose,” shares Debbie.

Heavy-duty bi-fold wooden glass doors replaced a bedroom partition, transforming it into a flexible study that doubles as a guest room. “These design manoeuvres turned the once segmented, linear space into a dynamic, inviting home filled with character and charm,” she adds.

Natural light was amplified through features such as porthole windows in the kitchen, while layered artificial lighting further accentuates the home’s lively atmosphere. Statement pieces include a Hay Nelson Bubble Pendant Saucer in the dining area and a metallic wall sconce from IKEA in the entryway foyer.

The mid-century aesthetic that Yinghui desired was established using rich walnut laminate cabinetry in the kitchen, which pairs beautifully with the white quartz countertop and backsplash. The efficient galley-style layout integrates the sink and built-in oven seamlessly along the back wall, while open shelving provides both storage and display opportunities.

The opportunity for personal expression while optimising storage is evident throughout the home. In the foyer, a wood-panelled wall discreetly conceals the storeroom while framing a full-length curvy mirror.

In the living area, a String shelving system from Danish Design Co. adds depth and narrative to the space, displaying Yinghui’s travel mementos and literary collection. “We deliberately maintained a minimalist approach to the wall behind the olive-green leather sofa, allowing for future personalisation,” Debbie remarks.

As much as the living area exemplifies Yinghui’s distinctive aesthetic, it is the thoughtful curation of furniture that masterfully balances a timeless mid-century modern aesthetic with playful accents. From the Karl 84 round dining table made in Japan, paired with vintage chairs sourced from Carousell, to the orange wireframe chair from IKEA and the pink Kartell Componibili Bio unit, no detail has been overlooked in this flat.

In contrast to the vibrant communal areas, the master bedroom offers a serene retreat. A standout feature is the built-in wardrobe, featuring circular dark wood knobs that integrate practicality with charm. Behind the bed, a soft pink accent wall – a specific request from Yinghui – infuses the bedroom with warmth and personality.

The pink tone is echoed in the bathroom. Vertical light pink tiles, with fine red grout lines create a cheerful backdrop, juxtaposed with the deep green vanity adorned with copper hardware. A wavy-edged wood-framed mirror serves as a focal point, while a custom curved shower rod optimises space and reinforces the playful yet functional design ethos of the flat, making it a true exemplar of personalised design.

Loco Division
www.locodivision.net
www.instagram.com/locodivision

Photography by Marcus Lim

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