A home with curves, colour, and cheeky charm

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Text by Janice Seow

Stepping into this Woodlands flat feels like stepping into a story, where every corner has a character and every detail whispers a secret. It’s a home that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet every element is intentional. Designed by Renny from Ofthebox for a BIM modeller and a teacher, whose lives oscillate between the creative and the grounded, this 1,250-square-foot HDB flat embraces contrasts to stunning effect.

The entrance sets the tone. The previous owner had removed the original storeroom, but since the homeowners have a large family and needed ample storage space, it was rebuilt. To avoid being greeted by a plain blank wall upon entering the house, a checkered glass block wall was introduced instead. This striking feature stands boldly, catching and scattering light in a way that’s both intriguing and unexpected. More than a visual trick, it adds depth, making the space feel bigger while hinting at what’s hidden behind it. Beneath your feet, the patterned tiles pull you in, their vibrant energy bouncing off the glass blocks. It’s an entryway with personality – a hint that this isn’t just another flat.

Wander further, and the living area beckons, framed by a soft, curving arch. Most of the original walls in the house were retained, but the study room was slightly reduced in size to create a larger space for dining. As might have been the designer’s intention, the dining area feels like it was made for lazy Sunday brunches and lively dinner parties – warm, grounded, and unapologetically inviting. Cute little niches offer a peek into the homeowners’ lives, with carefully chosen objects telling their own stories.

In the kitchen, the design gets cheeky. Instead of hiding an awkward indentation in the wall, the designer has turned it into a charming niche – a small but mighty display that steals the spotlight from the functional sink area. The sage green cabinetry plays perfectly against the terracotta tiles, creating a space that feels alive but not overwhelming. It’s practical without sacrificing its sense of fun, proving that even everyday spaces can spark a little joy.

The materials throughout the home are a masterclass in contrast and balance. Wood-patterned tiles and rich walnut laminates lend warmth, while pops of colour – like the green kitchen cabinets or the playful pink tiles in the bathroom – keep things light and dynamic. Nothing feels forced; instead, it’s a layering of textures and tones that feels as natural as it is considered. The flooring, bold in some places and understated in others, acts like punctuation, anchoring the design’s rhythm.

Even the practicalities are cleverly disguised. The storeroom door, concealed behind fluted panels, could easily be overlooked – but that’s the point. It blends seamlessly into the living room’s design while adding texture and a touch of sophistication.

And then there are the bedrooms, left mostly untouched in their layout, but brimming with potential. They are a nod to the family’s future, spaces that can evolve and grow with them. It’s a reminder that great design isn’t just about how a home looks – it’s about how it adapts and feels over time.

This Woodlands flat is vibrant without being loud, sophisticated without being stiff. Every arch, every tile, every glass block is a conversation, a moment, a little wink to the people who live here.

Ofthebox
www.ofthebox.space
www.facebook.com/OftheboxSG
www.instagram.com/____ofthebox

Photography by Mesahausstudio

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