Naval architecture graduate Jay Chia has always had an interest in design and an eye for detail, so when it came to designing his own home, he knew what he wanted – a cosy contemporary-style space with dark hues and earthy tones, even if the apartment was only 604sqf.
His six months’ long renovation cost $50,000 (including furnishings).
The customised full-height TV console doubles as a display cabinet where Jay showcases home accessories and books. The rug with the geometric pattern is from Boconcept.
Jay cladded the surface of the extendable dining table from Ikea with black laminate, to match the home’s colour scheme.
He kept his bedroom simple, using Marimekko fabric as artwork, positioned within a black frame that takes the place of a headboard.
The bathroom stands out with the use of deep blue tiles that add colour to this intimate space, proving that not everything has to be light and bright in a small space.
“I was fortunate to get these tiles because they were meant for a swimming pool, but that project was shelved at the last minute. I really love the colour,” says Jay.
Because the interior space is extremely limited, Jay extended the living area of the home into the semi-outdoor patio. He even replaced the bay window in the bedroom with a sliding door for more light and ventilation, as well as easier access to the patio.
The hands-on homeowner created the impressive green wall in the patio as a do- it-yourself project. “I bought 1,000 pots of artificial plants from Ikea and displayed them in the supporting frames that I built,” he says.
The wall in the patio area is painted a bright yellow for a cheerful ambience.
- TAGS:
- 1 Bedroom
- Marimekko
- Small Home