Reworking a maisonette for openness

This executive maisonette has been reimagined as a calm, family-oriented home that balances openness with quiet functionality. Spanning 1,593 square feet, the residence was redesigned by Kelvin Lim of Blend by ImC as a full interior transformation, where all internal walls on the first level were removed and reshaped to better support contemporary living. Completed in just nine weeks, the home reflects a thoughtful response to the rhythms of a young family – two creatives frequently working from home, raising two children, and hosting friends on a regular basis.

Materially and aesthetically, Kelvin leaned towards Japandi influences, adopting a restrained, minimalist approach. “Japandi touches were implemented via consistent colours and textures through the spaces, as well as via detailing trims across certain components of the cabinetry and sliding doors,” explains the designer.

The Japandi approach carries through into the planning. The layout is reworked to feel open and connected, while still allowing for privacy and focus. The walls of the originally enclosed kitchen were removed entirely, dissolving its boundaries to form a seamless connection with the foyer. This transitional zone is now redefined as a mudroom, anchored by pegboards and a built-in settee that support the practicalities of daily life.

The dining area now sits within the balcony, where the maisonette’s generous ceiling height and natural light can be fully appreciated. It also accommodates a pantry in a corner for easy access to drinks and essentials.

Close by, the open kitchen is designed to accommodate both cooking and baking, allowing it to operate as a central gathering space. “The owners love to host on a frequent basis,” adds Kelvin. “Therefore, it was important to create a space that was inviting, well-lit, yet in a close proximity to the kitchen and the main entrance for a more direct access.”

In the living area, the sense of openness is carefully preserved through discreet interventions. A narrow storage room is concealed behind the television wall, providing essential storage without interrupting the visual continuity of the space. This allows light from the balcony to flow freely across the room, maintaining a sense of airiness despite the introduction of additional functionality.

One of the more considered insertions is the home office, carved out from what would traditionally be the dining area. Positioned close to both the entrance and kitchen, it supports the couple’s work-from-home routines while remaining integrated within the overall layout. Shoji-inspired sliding doors define the space, reinterpreted with patterned wired panels instead of traditional paper. This adjustment allows light from the corridor windows to filter through, ensuring the office remains bright while offering a degree of separation when needed.

Upstairs, the private spaces continue the same language of calm restraint. The master bedroom is designed with a focus on comfort and clarity, with built-in wardrobes and soft finishes reinforcing a restful atmosphere.

Throughout the home, materials and detailing are carefully controlled, ensuring each space feels connected to the next. The result is a home that demonstrates how openness and structure can coexist, a space that supports work, family life, and the simple pleasure of gathering.

Blend by ImC
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Photography by Eldon Lim

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