Ang Mo Kio maisonette reimagined for function and light

For a family of three living in a 1,650-square-foot maisonette in Ang Mo Kio, home is more than a place of shelter – it is a carefully composed environment that reflects a quiet confidence. The homeowners’ renovation brief to design firm Ofthebox was deceptively straightforward: to create a home that is highly functional, filled with light, and aesthetically grounded, while still providing pockets of privacy.

“The owners possess a quiet presence with a strong inner compass,” explains Charmian Tan from Ofthebox. “They know exactly what they want and shape their life around a unique, deliberate way of living.”

The reconfiguration of spaces was crucial in setting the overall tone for the family’s everyday life. Originally, the dining area sat near the stair landing, a location that felt exposed and cluttered. By relocating the dining to the balcony — where the ceiling soars and daylight is generous — Charmian has carved out a more spacious foyer and created a dining zone that feels uplifting and expansive. Full-height windows keep rain out while drawing light in, replacing the old zip screens with a more refined solution. This new dining zone has become the heart of the home, bright by day and intimate at night.

The living room was planned to balance efficiency and elegance. A recessed space beside a column became the anchor for a flush TV feature wall, complete with hidden cable management. Beside the living area, an arch sliding glass door introduced a playful yet elegant detail. The door formed part of a Jack-and-Jill layout, connecting the dining space with both the living room and kitchen, while the arched form brought a touch of softness to the otherwise angular architecture.

One of the core challenges for Charmian was balancing openness with privacy within the home. To address these considerations, the new design introduced a spare room on one side of the unit to serve as a flexible “granny room”, while a divider of brown-tinted mirror and frosted glass was installed on the other. This feature not only became a screen to conceal views for greater privacy but also a filter for natural light, creating layered reflections that added depth to the home.

The kitchen was kept deliberately simple with a single row of cabinets and one tall unit for key appliances. By connecting cabinetry with the living room TV console, the design extends the kitchen into the communal zones without breaking flow. This integration allows for a dry pantry and ensures that even in its compact form, the kitchen supports both function and lifestyle.

Often overlooked, the stairwell became a design highlight of the home. “The lighting in this area has always been the issue,” notes Charmian. “We also wanted to make full use of the high ceiling, hence we inserted an artificial skylight here, which the owners can dim if needed.” As an additional feature below, an extended planter platform helped to transform the stairwell into a dynamic nexus of light and greenery.

The master bathroom stands out with deep burgundy violet tiles forming a feature wall, paired with matching floor tiles from the same series. This unexpected choice introduces richness and drama, reflecting the homeowner’s appreciation for colour and individuality. The tiles also echo the stairway flooring, creating visual continuity across the home’s levels

On the second level, the balcony was converted into a private study space. Shoji-inspired doors, timber-framed windows, and a curved ledge created a tranquil environment that balanced tradition and modernity. The orange-and-cream checkered flooring added a playful pop of colour, connecting visually with details from the first floor and ensuring consistency across the home’s palette.

Every intervention in this maisonette was carefully considered. The result is a home that’s both intimate yet expansive — for a family that values quiet, grounded living.

Ofthebox
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