The minimalist living room (above) is accented by colourful furnishing pieces, such as a floral rug. (Design: Joey Khu Interior Design)
Homeowners who hire an interior designer usually have a theme or design trend in mind.
But one of Mr Joey Khu's clients wanted him to toss those out the window when it came to designing her four-room Housing Board flat in Delta Avenue.
As home design trends come and go, the client, a 41-year-old woman who works in the technology industry, wanted a simple and classic bachelorette pad that would be a cosy retreat she could escape to at the end of the work day.
Mr Khu, 42, who runs Joey Khu Interior Design, says: "The design had to suit her lifestyle – uncomplicated and easy to maintain."
The $70,000 renovation was completed in about 2.5 months early last year.
When he sat down with his client to talk about the renovation, he found out that she entertains and bakes often, which is why he made the kitchen the heart of the home.
(Design: Joey Khu Interior Design)
In an elongated and narrow space in the open-concept kitchen, a multi-functional island is joined to a four-seat glass dining table.
An induction stove sits on the island, with a column metallic cooker hood installed above. A wine fridge and an oven are also built into the island, which also has storage for cutlery.
The living room is kept minimalist, with colourful accents provided by furnishing pieces such as a handwoven floral rug and a mustard-coloured ottoman, as well as an artwork on the wall behind a 2m-long customised fabric sofa.
The master bedroom, which features a walk-in wardrobe and study nook, is inspired by the design of hotel rooms.
(Design: Joey Khu Interior Design)
A textured, champagne-hued wallpaper on the wall behind the bed adds a luxurious feel.
The walk-in wardrobe is separated from the vanity area and bathroom by a tinted glass panel. For privacy, Mr Khu, who has 20 years of experience, did not choose clear glass.
He says: "My client loves the ambience of a hotel room, where it's not cluttered and kept simple. She didn't want just a bedroom to sleep in, but a space where she could relax too."
Written by Natasha Ann Zachariah for The Straits Times