Home Tour: An architecture graduate's $80,000 renovation for his minimalist & open-concept 4-room HDB flat
What a refreshing home from 2016...
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Living with children can sometimes place restrictions on a home's design. But for homeowner Desmond Ong, who studied architecture at university, it was an exciting challenge to create an open-concept, minimalist home with plenty of space for his two young daughters to play and run around freely.
$80,000 Total renovation cost
By applying his architecture training, he maximized the stunning views of lush greenery surrounding the 4-room flat while keeping the interior simple and uncluttered. The family spent $70,000 on renovations to enhance the views and $10,000 more on minimalist furnishings, resulting in a bright, airy open-concept home perfect for their young family.
The living-dining area features a dining table that seats six comfortably. He had the table lengthened by the shop, Origin Asia, so it would be better-proportioned in relation to the room.
Open-concept home
The centerpiece of homeowner Desmond's minimalist open-concept home is the spacious living and dining area. It features a sleek dining table from Origin Asia that comfortably seats six and was customized to be slightly longer to better fit the scale of the open floor plan. Simple modern chairs surround the table, while the living room has just a few essential pieces like an iconic Hans Wegner chair providing a cozy reading nook overlooking the lush green views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The open-concept kitchen flows into the dining room and is the first thing visitors see.
Open-concept kitchen
The open-concept kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining room and is the first thing visitors see when entering the flat. Desmond kept the kitchen minimalist with clean lines, flat panel cabinets, and a simple solid surface countertop.
After hours at the workbench, Desmond just needs to look up for a relaxing view. The elbow chair by Hans Wegner is a worthwhile investment.
Minimalist furniture
The study table is a simple plank of wood, mounted on the wall underneath a window. Tucked away in the corner is a custom stationery holder from local brand Grafunkt providing handy storage for his office supplies while keeping clutter at bay.
The sink of the common toilet was custom-made from concrete.
Minimalist bathroom
Even the common bathroom renovation received Desmond's minimalist design treatment. The bathroom sink was custom made from poured concrete for a sleek, streamlined look. The walls are plastered white for a clean, classic aesthetic that makes the small space feel more open. A bamboo ladder towel rack add a warm touch to contrast with the concrete.
By using an open-concept minimalist design, strategic built-ins, and low-profile furnishings, Desmond created a bright, spacious family home that takes full advantage of the surrounding green views while providing ample room for his daughters to play. With clean lines, organic accents, and an understated natural palette, this modern minimalist flat offers a serene oasis from the chaos of life while still being comfortable and livable for a young family.