What were the top priorities in the design brief?

The homeowners wanted a bohemian Scandinavian look for the home. They also requested separate wet and dry kitchens, as well as a long island as they like to bake and host gatherings.

Did the home have to undergo a major reconfiguration?

Yes. The original layout had a common bedroom a closed kitchen with a yard. As the homeowners wanted separate wet and dry kitchens with an island, we all agreed that it was necessary to remove one of the existing bedrooms nearest to the living area to make space for their priorities.

You mentioned a large kitchen island was also in the brief. What were the design considerations around that?

As they wanted a bigger island, we had the idea to integrate the island and dry kitchen area space into the living area, this makes room for a bigger living space as well as storage. The island is also a sort of welcome area for those entering the house. All pantry storage, the fridge, oven and microwave were all integrated into the living space for easy access. This open-concept layout also allowed for more light and airflow throughout the house, as the living room has a spacious balcony on the other end. Behind the dry kitchen area is the wet kitchen and yard, which the homeowners use for deep frying and other cooking.

How did you achieve the bohemian Scandinavian theme?

The homeowners like to dress up their space with many textures and colours, furniture pieces and displays, so I used a muted colour palette of earthy tones (like brown and grey) and a consistent warm oak tone on the flooring and cabinetry to complement that. So the design is sort of a secondary character that puts the focus on the furniture and accessories. For a more boho look, we added design elements like rattan on the door panels.

Storage must also have been an important factor in getting that look. What design elements did you incorporate for storage?

Next to the island is a low cabinet with a feature wall clad in fan-shaped marble tiles, which is used for pantry storage. Behind that is actually a shoe storage cabinet, where we used rattan panels on the doors to integrate it into the design. Most of the storage is concealed in the design that way.

How was the furniture chosen?

The homeowners were talented and resourceful in the search for the right furniture pieces and displays for their home. They went to great lengths to get every piece. We worked with them closely so that we would be on the same page for the colours and dimensions of the furniture, so as to ensure they are all cohesive.

What were the challenges faced during the design and renovation process?

It was mainly the layout in the beginning where we had to integrate the long island. The island meant that the area available for the wet kitchen was slightly smaller, so we had to discuss with the clients in great detail to ensure that this is the final layout that they wanted. But I’m very happy with the final result.

Art Direction: Nonie Chen
Photography: Tan Wei Te

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