Penthouse Condominium, Yio Chu Kang
Despite the lofty height of this 2,200 sq ft (204 sqm) three-bedroom condominium penthouse unit in Yio Chu Kang, the homeowners were concerned about creating sufficient storage space out of it.
So, Mei Teh, principal design consultant at Story of Us, created a show-stealing TV console-and-display unit that spans almost two levels, to “emphasise the sense of space and height”.
Balcony
The balcony on the first floor is designed to be an extension of the living room – the designer levelled the flooring to align with that of the interior and swapped the existing tiles for timber decking.
Mismatched Dining Chairs
Mismatched dining chairs add to the fun factor of the penthouse's design.
Hidden Wardrobe
The wardrobes are hidden behind doors that act as feature panels - designed with gently tapered plywood slats that make them look different at every angle.
Master Bedroom
Although the master bedroom is not particularly large, planning for separate dressing and sleeping zones and carving out storage space has optimised the space for all the homeowners' needs.
Penthouse, Upper Bukit Timah
When the owner of this 2,347 sq ft (218 sqm) three-bedroom penthouse in Upper Bukit Timah engaged Mark Young of PIU Design to do up her apartment, she immediately zeroed in on having a double-height bookcase to store her husband’s collection of CDs and books.
Spiral Staircase
Mark eschewed the conventional movable ladder in favour of a modified spiral staircase that leads to a narrow catwalk.
Open Concept Kitchen
He also removed the kitchen walls, turning the kitchen into an open-concept space, including an island that abuts the dining table.
Green Kitchen
His boldest stroke lies in the kitchen, where he transformed the cabinetry and flooring into a showcase of jewel green.
Green was a natural choice to the designer, as the apartment is surrounded by lush greenery.
Open Shelving
Have lots of knick-knacks to showcase, like your extensive toy collection? Build full-height display shelves and cabinets with cubby or pigeon holes (pictured above) — they give the illusion of a higher ceiling, and ample display space.
Style them with these accessories for a cohesive (and not messy!) look.
Plants
The haphazard nature of plant growth is a feature in its own right. Try using creeper plants to add an interesting, random visual effect to your shelf.
Coffee table books
Coffee table books serve not only for your reading pleasure, but also add height to your displays, like decor accessories and terrariums, while adding a personal touch.
Track lights
Kuo Shiong, manager at lighting retail store Star Lighting, advises that track lights should be typically placed at an angle of between 24 to 40 degrees from the item you’re illuminating.
A smaller angle results in a narrow beam with strong intensity, while a wider angle provides coverage for a larger area with low light intensity.