The interiors of this 1,600sqf HDB resale executive apartment in Serangoon showcases many locally-inspired elements, and is truly a character-filled space.
Home to a family of 5 and their dog, the homeowners approached interior designer Jade Cham of The Local Inn.terior with the intention to create a home that is unlike typical cookie cutters.
They didn't want too many built-in cabinetry and instead wanted an eclectic look with industrial elements (which the husband likes). The wife loves unique furniture and decor items and wanted to incorporate these into the home too!
As a result, the walls in the living room were kept white to allow room for splashes of colours such as with the Just Anthony TV console and cushy L-shaped sofa in deep blue. A natural wood-look vinyl flooring here adds warmth and complements the decor accessories, which range from pieces in the oriental-, vintage- and even Peranakan-inspired styles.
At the corner of the living room, the homeowners chose to display a couple of vintage-style lampshades to lend a unique character to the space.
They also enjoy the luxury of a balcony area, where bamboo blinds add to the overall look alongside the retro grilles that remind of olden-day Singapore.
A red armchair serves as added accent to draw the eye in. To meet the requirements of a slightly industrial-style space, Jade suggested incorporating exposed trunkings and the use of track lights.
The homeowners like an open-concept kitchen. As such, non-structural walls separating the kitchen from the dining and living rooms were demolished to incorporate an island. This strategy makes the living space look larger and livelier. Moreover, the homeowners enjoy entertaining and prefer a space comfortable for 10 or more people.
The island counter serves as additional dining area or simply a space for guests to chill out at. A second-hand Oriental screen from Hock Siong is repurposed to become a showcase for artworks to be presented in a fun, informal manner.
Part of the approximately $100,000 renovation, Jade chose retro-style patterned tiles to frame the kitchen counter area.
Part of the wife's quirky furnishing collection is this hand-me-down Singer sewing machine, which was from ther mother in-law. Sitting next to the dining table, it has now been repurposed to become a sidetable for knick knacks.
The common bathroom has a palette of black and white. A textural quality is added with the clever choice of subway tiles laid in a vertical fashion.
A similar look follows in the master bathroom too. Black fittings stand out against the white walls.
Basic colours were chosen for built-in cabinetry – black and distressed wood design for bedroom wardrobes. Of course, this was to tie in with the industrial look.