Creating a condo look and feel for an HDB flat is a common brief that interior designers get from homeowners. Faced with this request from his client, Ls’tudio principal designer Francis Leong set out to “open up” the layout of this five-room HDB flat – putting in place a seamless flow of space from the foyer to the dining area, living room, and kitchen.

Large marble-lookalike tiles are used throughout the home, creating a seamless flow of space. Strong wood accents, as seen on the cabinetry, and a neutral colour palette, were chosen to keep the interiors looking warm and cosy. Armchair, rug and cushions, from Blafink.

A large mirror was installed next to the dining table to create the illusion of a larger dining area.

Marble-look quartz is used for the island top in the kitchen for a decidedly posh look. The tinted grey glass of the top row of cabinets adds a sleek touch. Metal vase, and candles, from Lifestorey.

The study, which was the original dining area, is partitioned from the living room by tinted grey glass for a cool, airy look. Lamp, from Lifestorey.

Tinted grey glass is used for the door of the walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom, creating a “magical door effect” – the wardrobe “appears” when the lights are switched on. Bedsheets and cushions, from Laura Ashley; armchair, from Blafink; and lamp from Lifestorey. 

In this $100,000 renovation, unique materials and exclusive fixtures, plus a furnishings budget of around $60,000, certainly contributed to building that exclusive condo look.