Inspired by the charm of Tiong Bahru’s walk-ups and black-and-white bungalows, this 1,300-square-foot condo mixes classic details with a layout tailored for modern life.
Home Type: 3-bedroom condominium unit
Floor Area: 1,300sqft
Text by Janice Seow
This 1,300-square-foot apartment in West Coast draws from the past but feels completely rooted in the now. For Natasha Lim, interior designer at Comfort Home Interior, the goal was to bring warmth, tactility, and personality to a resale condo that was essentially a blank slate.
The homeowners had a clear vision. “They took heavy inspiration from pre-war walk-up apartments in Tiong Bahru, and also wanted a space to emulate black and white colonial houses. The overall theme was mid-century modern,” Natasha shares.
That influence comes through subtly – never forced. At the entrance, vintage-style tiles set the tone, while breeze blocks add privacy and ventilation in a way that’s both functional and nostalgic. The rest of the flooring transitions into darker wood-patterned vinyl, grounding the space and nodding to the deeper tones found in mid-century interiors.
To separate living area from the home studio, Natasha introduced a glass partition with a lattice frame – a detail inspired by Manhattan lofts. It’s practical, but also adds a moment of visual interest. Just beyond, the dry pantry features clean-lined cabinetry in EDL laminates and a Caesarstone top – complete with a sink and built-in water dispenser for everyday ease.
The kitchen plays up utility with just the right amount of design flair. A stainless steel shelf from IKEA was customised with integrated LED lighting, while finishes like Hafary tiles and Melmer countertops give the compact space its edge.
Spatial changes were key to making the home work harder for its owners. One of the biggest moves involved rethinking the master suite. Originally, the master bedroom was connected to a common room, and the bathroom was oversized – complete with a tub that didn’t suit the couple’s lifestyle. Natasha reconfigured the layout to seal off the extra doorway, trimmed down the bathroom, and with this change, carved out a walk-in wardrobe with a private vanity area.
Both bathrooms were completely refreshed, with an emphasis on layout and zoning. The common bath now has a clear divide between wet and dry areas, with additional storage worked into the built-up wall. In the master, a bold mix of four different tiles somehow comes together effortlessly, held in check by soft lighting and a muted palette.
Every detail in this home feels deliberate – from the flooring choices to the curve-edged tiles, to the breezeblock screen that quietly greets you at the door. Rather than chasing trends, it’s a home that leans into atmosphere and adaptability. And in doing so, it achieves exactly what the homeowners wanted: character, comfort, and a sense of place.
Comfort Home Interior
www.comforthomeinterior.com
www.facebook.com/ComfortHomeInteriorSG
www.instagram.com/comforthomeinterior
We think you may also like A resale flat reimagined for slow living
