Home Tour: A young couple’s Scandinavian 3-Gen HDB in Tengah Garden

First-time homeowners Razi and Farzana have always envisioned their forever homes to feel like a breath of fresh air. Adoring the laid-back aesthetics behind Scandinavian design, the couple turned to Effie Jamal of local interior design firm DISTINCTidENTITY to transform their dream home into a reality.

For the interior designer, however, transforming the expansive 3Gen HDB flat situated on Tengah Garden Avenue is a challenge well worth undertaking. Typically, 3GEN HDB flats are generally larger than a 5-room BTO flat and comprise four bedrooms (instead of three), two of which come with an attached bathroom each.

Who Lives Here: A couple in 30s, and 3-year-old daughter
House: 4-bedroom 3Gen HDB flat
Location: Tengah Garden
Size: 1,290 square feet
Interior Design: Effie Jamal of DISTINCTidENTITY

Scandinavian Interior Design

Soft hues and clean lines are hallmarks of Scandinavian decor, and they are visibly evident from the get-go. From the foyer to the kitchen, a neutral colour palette is adopted throughout the home. Interior designer Effie and his team followed a simple formula: a pale base (white walls and cushions), plenty of wood details (tiles and other furniture), and the occasional pop of colours.

“It’s a lot of fun to limit the colour palette and come up with ways to make the home look appealing and not monotonous,” says interior designer Effie. A case in point: a built-in floor-to-ceiling carpentry features an arched settee with mirror backing and an LED open niche detail, all positioned by the foyer.

Shoe Cabinet

This striking design not only conceals the electrical distribution board and shoe cabinet but also creates an elegant, welcoming space where the couple can effortlessly don their shoes and step out in style.

Wood is another staple in Scandinavian-themed homes. In addition to the darker wooden vinyl flooring and carpentry, the homeowners opted to use furniture with wooden accents to complement the aesthetic. To ensure tonal variety, interior designer Effie and his team are mindful of choosing various wood finishes on different surfaces to avoid making certain rooms look flat.

Scandinavian Dining Room Design

A large dining table with a crisp white top perched atop warm, wooden legs takes centre stage in the dining room, positioned in front of a window where natural light floods in. Four matching Eames-like DSW chairs in white complete the look.

Scandinavian Kitchen Design

The kitchen is also inviting. Flat-front cabinetry in subtle green offers a welcoming contrast to the deft mix of soft beige and white accents. The homeowners opted to use a white marble print design for the backsplash, which adds life to the kitchen.

As a rule, Scandinavian-themed homes are minimalist and functional, interior designer Effie explains. Embellishments around the home, aside from the occasional memorabilia, are far and few between. The focus is on simple architectural lines and thoughtful furniture choices. “When I think of Scandinavian designs, the phrase ‘less is more’ comes to mind,” he adds. “You can take the opportunity to play with textures, light and even the transparency of materials to achieve certain look and feel.”

Living Room

The original floorplan of the 4-bedroom 3GEN HDB flat featured a master bedroom with an attached bathroom situated by the dining area. To create space, the homeowners decided to hack away one of the bedroom walls to extend the living room.

As a result, the adjoining living room feels airy and spacious, bathe in ample natural light. The homeowners decided to spruce the space with a few cherished pieces: a TV, a wooden TV console, and a cozy, soft sofa.

“There were plenty of technical details to take note of,” interior designer Effie says about dividing the junior master and the living room. When we were conceptualising, the owners had yet to get the keys to their home. We were unable to ascertain the dimensions accurately.”

Concealed Common Bathroom

Interior designer Effie also cleverly concealed the common bathroom behind a built-in carpentry with more shelving and storage options. The bathroom can be accessed by swinging open the false panel.

An operable bi-fold wall with aluminum panels and faux woodgrain finish was installed to separate the dining area from the living space. The homeowners may choose to draw the wall to create a more intimate dining experience or leave it open for a seamless, airy flow between the two areas.

Although Scandinavian-themed homes are quite common, they continue to stand out for their enduring appeal and thoughtful design. The abundance of wooden finishes throughout, of which the homeowners are extremely fond of, evokes a casual elegance and a homely vibe.

“Some people say it’s all about bringing Muji into their homes,” interior designer Effie laughs. Sure, there are some similarities, but we tried to add a modern touch on certain things, too.” For instance, the team decided to forgo the light translucent textures behind the Scandinavian design and opted instead for a black aluminium finish on certain surfaces.

“The kitchen colours chosen by the owners also added a pop of colour to the otherwise neutral palette,” he adds. “This makes the space more dimensional and interesting.”