For Mr and Mrs Schmoelz, moving to an apartment that is approximately two-thirds the size of their previous rental unit meant that they had to make efficient use of space. The apartment is by no means small, compared to many condominium apartments these days, but “the original layout was not well-appointed and we had many specific requirements”, says Mrs Schmoelz.

The couple turned to William Ng and Kho Keguang from Studio Wills + Architects for help. “We looked through their portfolio and their overall style seem clean and minimalist, without being austere,” comments Mrs Schmoelz. They also took note that the studio’s projects incorporate interesting design elements but are not overly embellished or ornate, and those elements do not overwhelm the rest of the scheme.

Selectively introducing a pop of colour creates visual stimulus within the home.

The dining counter was rotated 90 degrees, so that when paired with the custom-made dining table, the two form a continuous surface for food preparation and dining.

The furniture configuration accentuates the linearity of the dining space.

Many of the furniture items are pieces from the homeowners’ collection spanning a mix of styles, from antique and mid-century to contemporary.

The muted palette of the bathroom is in line with the understated interiors of the rest of the apartment.

Some of the more major works include demolishing the walls of the master bedroom next to the living room, to create a separate television lounge area, incorporating a small study nook with built-in storage. Two bedrooms towards the rear of the apartment were combined into a new master suite comprising a sleeping area, walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bath.

The former wardrobe space was transformed into a study nook within the lounge area. Full-height storage shelves provide a clutter-free solution for housing a printer, files and other stationery.