A handsome flat in dark, beautiful shades

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Text by Janice Seow

The Scandinavian style appealed to a young couple who were looking to renovate their four-room flat. But so too did the idea of having a home dominated by a dark and handsome colour scheme.

Following discussions with their designer Jacqueline Tan of Archive Design and a view of the 3D drawings, the pair decided on the latter. “The drawings gave them a better idea of what they were looking for, and they made their decision almost immediately,” says the designer.

Even so, Jacqueline has managed to bring in some Scandi influences through a consistent application of clean, simple lines that in turn, help to balance out the intimately dark and woody theme.

A warm composition of timber-look surfaces, deep browns and smart greys make up the primary palette for a cosy ambience, while light and neutral coloured floors, walls and ceilings ensure the look is not too heavy.

The existing kitchen had an open-plan layout that was advantageous for the owners, given that they entertain regularly. To bring greater functionality and subtle demarcation to the space – while maintaining the area’s spatial fluidity – Jacqueline has designed a bar counter next to the dining area for gathering around and easily mingling.

“The intent was to create a perfect spot to hold the guests while the couple prepare beverages and nosh over the counter. During the day, they also like to spend time here reading and listening to music,” says the designer. The U-shaped kitchen layout makes efficient use of space, and also comes with a heavy-duty quartz worktop that’s suited for rigorous use.

Capitalising on the living room’s elongated layout, Jacqueline has planned out large and seamless cabinetry with ample room to house the couple’s books, speakers and other items. Grey niches punctuate these storage spaces, brightening the dark and woody aesthetic and offering great ways to display personal objects. Speaking of which, the customised TV console proudly displays the owners’ DIY art piece, which they did to commemorate the day they moved in.

Further in, the master bedroom has been made a functional but cosy sanctuary. “The couple liked the idea of having a walk-in wardrobe, but were concerned that it might make the room feel cluttered given the restricted footprint for storage,” recalls Jacqueline.

To make this feature work, the designer has first positioned the wardrobe area in a way that separates it clearly from the resting area, offering privacy. The back of the wardrobe, now a boundary ‘wall’, is also decorated with gold brass grooving like a work of art – a feature the wife particularly loves. Then, to address the concern of a tight footprint in the dressing area, open shelving are incorporated to break up the boxy outline of the cabinets, while ambient lighting brightens and enhances the sense of space.

In the bathroom, touches of luxury are brought in by way of an EDL compact marble-effect vanity countertop that’s water-resistant, and again with gold brass knobs. The elements also tie in nicely and is consistent with the flat’s overall scheme for a look that’s intimate, warm and welcoming.

Archive Design
www.archiveindesign.com
www.facebook.com/archiveinteriordesign
www.instagram.com/archiveindesign

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