Mid-century, made personal in a BTO flat

Located in Geylang, this four-room BTO flat reflects its owners’ easy-going lifestyle with warmth and character. Designed by Zoe Goh of Loco Division for a young couple, the home takes on a mid-century modern sensibility, layered with playful details and personal collections. Completed over three months, the project balances functionality and flexibility with a clear sense of identity.

At the centre of the design is a careful reworking of space to support the homeowners’ daily routines. As self-professed homebodies who enjoy gaming, reading and hosting casual gatherings, they wanted a layout that could move comfortably between quiet downtime and social use — with spaces that feel considered but never overly formal.

“The key design intent was to carefully allocate floor area to each function without compromising the sense of openness within the home,” explains Zoe. “In addition, as the unit does not receive direct sunlight due to its orientation, a large part of the spatial strategy focused on allowing natural light to travel deeper into the interior.”

Rather than relying on extensive built-ins, the living area was kept intentionally open and adaptable. This restraint enhanced the perception of space and allowed the homeowners to evolve the room over time. A green corduroy sofa became the focus of the seating area, complemented by a red patterned rug that injected warmth and contrast. Nearby, a burgundy mosaic feature column became another subtle focal point, catching light from globe sconces and adding depth to the otherwise neutral backdrop. 

The dining area continues a layered approach, where a combination of materials and textures creates a collected, informal atmosphere. A woodgrain table with chrome legs is surrounded by a mix of chairs that play subtly across leather, velvet and metal finishes. Above, a sculptural paper pendant lamp introduces a soft, ambient glow, while a playful artwork adds a touch of humour.

“The intentionally mismatched yet complementary furniture pieces and varied textures and finishes lend the dining area a collected, lived-in quality rather than a perfectly polished look,” says Zoe.

In the kitchen, the design prioritises visual lightness without compromising on storage. Overhead cabinets are deliberately minimised, with storage concentrated in the lower cabinetry to reduce visual bulk and create a sense of height. Open shelves and wire-mesh glass panels introduce moments of display, allowing everyday objects and collected pieces to become part of the visual composition. A green and terracotta checkered backsplash adds a lively rhythm, tying together the warm wood tones that run throughout the home. 

In the master bedroom, floor-to-ceiling wardrobes in an olive-green finish incorporate a vanity area, while contrasting orange handles and a red globe wall light add a playful edge. The adjoining bathroom continues the narrative with handcrafted textures and a statement vessel sink.

Overall, warm cherrywood laminates and wood-patterned flooring establish a consistent base, while accents of burgundy, mustard, olive and pastel green are introduced across different spaces. Rather than competing, these moments of colour sit comfortably within the home, reflecting the couple’s love for collecting and adding a sense of playfulness throughout.

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

Photography by Marcus Lim

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