Home Tour: Colonial black and white house & Peranakan inspired 4-room HDB BTO

In a masterful display of design innovation, this HDB BTO flat transforms into a captivating homage to colonial architectural heritage, blending vintage decor with contemporary living spaces. Interior designer Chong Su Min of M3 Studio has created a home that tells a rich, multilayered story of Singapore’s diverse design influences.

Black and white colonial house inspired

The design philosophy began with a deliberate minimalist approach. Floors and walls were kept deliberately plain – concrete screed and white paint serving as a neutral canvas that allows the furniture and decor to become the true storytellers. This strategic interior design choice creates a perfect backdrop for the home’s colonial black and white house inspired aesthetic.

BTO room hacking

Spatial reimagination was key to the home’s transformation. By removing one bedroom, the designers opened up the living and dining areas, creating a more expansive and fluid living environment.

A built-in storage daybed nestled beneath the windows becomes both a functional and decorative element, embodying the vintage-look furniture concept that defines the home’s character.

Patterned mosaic tiles

The entrance sets the tone for the home’s eclectic design narrative. Colourful patterned mosaic tiles from An Huat Trading are seamlessly set into the concrete screed flooring, creating an immediate visual statement.

A wooden table sourced from the International Furniture Fair Singapore receives an elegant upgrade with a stone tabletop featuring a delicate mother-of-pearl inlay – a testament to the homeowners’ keen eye for unique design elements.

Traditional ventilation blocks

In the living area, decorative details further illuminate the home’s global design inspiration. Decorative platters and plates, carefully collected from Spain and Arab Street, are artfully displayed in the foreground.

The background reveals another design innovation – ventilation blocks cleverly used in a back-lit feature wall behind the TV, adding architectural interest and creating a striking visual element that bridges traditional and contemporary design approaches.

Vintage decor furniture

Vintage decor elements are carefully curated throughout the space. A wooden cabinet with distinctive sliced agate handles becomes a focal point, displaying the couple’s carefully collected treasures.

Framed Peranakan tiles, discovered at the Sungei Road flea market, adorn white walls, adding layers of historical and cultural significance to the interior design.

Subway tile backsplash

The kitchen emerges as a cheerful space, featuring jade green subway tiles and terracotta-look floor tiles from Hafary. Cabinet doors with thoughtful panelling details and Ikea handles continue the home’s vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Even minute details like light switches, specially sourced from Penang, Malaysia, contribute to the overall design narrative.

Peranakan interior design

Peranakan influences weave through the home, adding depth and character to the colonial-inspired design. The master bedroom exemplifies this approach, featuring a second-hand bed frame from Expat Auctions – a dark-stained wooden piece with a woven cane headboard that speaks to both vintage aesthetics and contemporary design sensibilities.

Bathroom tiles overlay

Practical design considerations are never overlooked. Bathroom tiles are carefully overlaid with new patterns and solid colours, while shower screens with black frames emphasize clean lines and maintain the home’s refined aesthetic. Each interior design choice feels intentional, creating a cohesive and thoughtful living space.

Singaporean heritage influenced

This HDB BTO flat stands as a remarkable example of how thoughtful design can transcend typical residential interiors. By drawing inspiration from colonial black and white houses and incorporating Peranakan elements, the home becomes more than just a living space – it’s a narrative of Singapore’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Chong Su Min of M3 Studio has proven that with creativity, careful curation, and a deep understanding of design history, even a compact HDB flat can be transformed into a stunning, story-rich home that celebrates multiple design traditions.