This apartment’s country cottage-meets-industrial style is a reflection of both the homeowners and the interior designer.
Homeowners Lawrenz and Phyllis Sim knew from the start that they wanted a country cottage style for their new home. For that, they looked to senior designer Alvin Ang from Prozfile Design, who came highly recommended by Lawrenz’s cousin, a previous client.
Alvin admitted to being slightly apprehensive at first. “As a designer, I am more inclined towards black elements and I often work with the industrial style as it is a common request from clients,” he says. He took some time to think the proposal through so as not to overdo the country cottage theme and end up with something kitschy.
The hexagonal motifs in the home tie the interior design scheme together and add a pop of colour.
The proximity to, and a view overlooking the nearby quarry, were what led the family to purchase this home.
Cabinet laminates with a weathered wood effect were selected to complement the country style.
Alvin also introduced built-in L-shaped cabinets that provide additional storage, a ceiling-mounted drying rack for air-drying clothes, as well as a counter top where the family can sort their laundry. By relocating the washing machine from the yard and integrating it with the cabinets upfront, whoever is on laundry duty can still interact with the rest of the family in the house. This is an example where small tweaks can not only make a space more functional and efficient, but also more conducive.
As the Sim family wanted an area for work and play, the bedroom that was opened up was turned into a study-cum-music space. “Phyllis and I tend to bring work home so we do need a study area,” says Lawrenz. “And we love music, so it is nice to have somewhere to put all our instruments, and where my son and I can jam together.”
The design of the headboard feature was inspired by an image of a violin that Alvin came across. It also resembles vinyl records. “The family loves music so a musical theme couldn’t be more appropriate,” says Alvin.
The son’s room deliberately departs from the country theme. Alvin was all too happy to accommodate the teenager’s preference for an industrial style. He took advantage of the 2.75m ceiling height and inserted a loft bed that gives the room an adventurous streak befitting an adolescent.
The designer managed to create a loft bed with a 1.85m-tall space below the platform to accommodate a wardrobe and a chill-out space for the teenager.