Moving from a 1,400 sq ft maisonette, one can imagine the gargantuan task of creating sufficient storage within an apartment that is slightly more than a third of the maisonette’s floor area. It is like trying to fit the contents of a suitcase into a shoebox.

Needless to say, this was one of the top priorities in their brief to Joey Khu, director of Joey Khu Interior Design Pte Ltd. One of the homegrown designer’s projects that were featured in Home and Decor first caught the couple’s eye. “We like his style and the way he mixes-and-matches various elements and colours. We also share similar tastes, including love for toys,” says Victor.

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Pictured: Homeowner, Victor, appreciates Joey’s attention to the little things. For Joey, it is the little things that give the home a soul. 

Most designers would instinctively go for a lighter colour palette to make the small interior feel more spacious. Never one to conform to the norm, however, Joey did just the opposite. This was partly in response to the homeowner’s preference for darker colours, but it was also a deliberate play of contrasts. “I wanted to heighten the experience of entering into, and moving through a dark space, which subsequently opens out to a bright balcony with views of the city beyond,” Joey explains.

“The key to working with dark interiors is to play with different textures to make the space feel cosier. A few statement pieces and accent colours also help to enhance the interior,” he elaborates.

The main entrance leads to an open kitchen that has been entirely redone. The existing kitchen counter has been replaced with a quartz top. Even the shelves above the counter were fabricated from quartz, which was chosen for its durability.

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The main entrance leads to an open kitchen that has been entirely redone. The existing kitchen counter has been replaced with a quartz top. Even the shelves above the counter were fabricated from quartz, which was chosen for its durability.

Joey designed full-height, built-in storage that extends from the main door across the kitchen all the way to the living room, terminating just before the balcony.

These include not only kitchen cabinets above and below the countertop, cabinets that conceal the refrigerator and washing machine, but also open shelves for displaying Victor’s toy collection. Joey designed another set of floor-to-ceiling storage along the wall facing the kitchen.

It also doubles up as a pantry cum display for more toys. Together with the kitchen counter and cabinets, they form a sort of galley layout that is wellorganised and makes efficient use of limited space.

Much thought has been put into the small but tastefully put together living room. A Won design sofa in royal blue with a plush, velvety texture adds a pop of colour, along with a rose-coloured rug.

“The unusual shape of the rug was intended to break away from the rectilinear layout of the space and soften the overall effect,” Joey points out. Above the sofa is an art work from a Thai artist, which was selected for its colour. The pop of red provides an accent within the dark interior.

The master bedroom exudes an understated elegance, which forms the perfect backdrop for an artwork by none other than Joey himself.

The multi-talented designer sometimes takes to the canvas to create art pieces for his clients.

This particular piece is a collage that drew inspiration from another artwork along the hallway by Jesus Perez. “I took reference from his colour and style. I avoided colours that are too strong because it is to be hung in front of the bed,” Joey shares.

The use of large format wall and floor tiles gives the bathroom a luxurious touch.

A wall lamp with circular shapes is also an interesting piece of art.

Every piece of art that adorns the walls of the home was carefully selected by Joey to complement the interior.

The renovation cost between $80,000 to $90,000 and most of the original built-in furniture and fixtures were stripped out. The loft platform in the second bedroom was retained, while an existing door was sealed up as there was no need for too many alternative circulation routes within a small apartment.

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As the couple has no need for an additional bedroom, the platform can serve as extra storage. Even the steps leading up to the loft can double up as storage and display for more toys, conveying a relaxed ambience.

Pictured: The balcony serves as a dining-cum-work space. Even the clothes hanger resembles an art installation.

In the hands of a skilful designer, this small apartment has been transformed into a cosy, efficient and well-organised space that epitomises city living.

Photography: Vee Chin Art / Direction: Kristy Quah