When one creative director embarked on his home renovation project, he sought to create a chic and contemporary space that feels welcoming and warm.
Homeowner Desmond Lim not only enjoyed the freedom of doing up his four-room HDB apartment in Hougang according to his wishes, he also had the benefit of engaging an old friend as his interior designer. Desmond and Jon Toh, principal designer of StudioK.id, met when they were studying in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and subsequently found themselves as bunkmates during national service. “I remember asking Jon at the time if he would be my interior designer when I bought a house in the future and he readily agreed,” Desmond recalls. “Twenty odd years later, here we are.”
As a freelance brand consultant, Desmond started with what came most innately to him. “Given the nature of my work, visuals are key so I shared with Jon some styles from Pinterest and a handful of interior magazines that resonated with me,” he says. The two decided on a style with a strong character and a dark colour palette.
Quaint ornaments and lots of mementoes fill the spaces in his warm and cosy set-up.
Trinkets on the coffee table act as conversation starters when the homeowner's friends come over.
The industrial-style brick wall stands out against the rustic look of the dining table and the neon lamp on the floor.
Styling an Instagrammable corner at home is all about getting the right colours and style together. Here, the designer created a vintage-inspired explorer's look with a warm brown wall and leather cases.
Lighting is critical when creating the perfect ambience. Eschew the typical white light, which makes your room look like a supermarket, and opt for warm LED lights with a rich orange tint.
The owner's monster collection adds a dash of fun to his personal space.
While practical in design, the bathroom feels just as warm and inviting as the other spaces in the home.
In the bedroom, a tufted headboard and elegant table lamp evoke a luxurious and plush atmosphere.
A fancy shoe collection deserves a display unit that looks just as stylish. The owner's shoe cabinet has concealed lighting and a mix of angled and fl at shelving for a boutique-style look.