Home Tour: A bachelor's 46 sqm conservation shophouse home in River Valley

The owner of this 500 sq ft (46 sqm) conservation shophouse apartment in River Valley represents a new breed of urban dweller – someone who has embraced minimalism not as a trend, but as a deliberate lifestyle choice.

Nestled in the historic River Valley district, this compact living space tells a story of thoughtful design and personal creativity. He was drawn to the property’s iconic windows, which promised to transform a potentially cramped interior into a light-filled sanctuary.

His bachelor’s pared-down life makes living largely comfortable in this shoe-box home, proving that square footage matters far less than intelligent design and personal style.

The apartment’s personality begins to emerge through carefully curated details that reflect the homeowner’s playful spirit. The prints of Mario and Luigi, ordered from US-based artist Bob Dob, feature prominently – a nostalgic nod to classic video game culture that adds a touch of whimsy to the sophisticated interior. These graphic art pieces serve as a conversation starter, revealing the homeowner’s sense of humor and connection to pop culture.

River Valley shophouse apartment

Recognizing the challenges of transforming such a compact space, the homeowner tapped into his friend network in the design industry for expert guidance. He worked with with Michelle Goh of Kyoob-ID, a firm that typically handles commercial projects but was willing to take on this unique residential challenge. Michelle carefully planned the layout to maximize every centimeter of available space, transforming potential limitations into opportunities for creative design solutions.

The project was then executed by contractor firm Yellow Boots, who brought the vision to life with precision and skill.He then worked with contractor firm Yellow Boots to execute the plans.

Multifunctional living room divider

A central divider becomes the architectural hero of the compact apartment, serving multiple functions with elegant efficiency. This ingenious piece segregates the living space from the bedroom area while simultaneously storing AV equipment and featuring a swivel TV that can be positioned for optimal viewing from different areas of the home.

The divider represents a masterclass in multifunctional design – a single element that solves multiple spatial challenges without compromising aesthetic appeal.

Shophouse-style windows

Despite its compact size, the home defies expectations of feeling claustrophobic, thanks primarily to the traditional shophouse windows that front the apartment. These architectural gems bring in abundant natural sunlight, creating an sense of openness and connection to the outside world that belies the limited square footage.

The windows not only provide illumination but also serve as a reminder of the building’s historic character, bridging contemporary living with architectural heritage.

Frosted glass bathroom door

Thoughtful design choices continue throughout the space. The original wood bathroom door was replaced with frosted glass, creating a “lighter” look that enhances the sense of visual space and allows subtle light transmission.

Minimalist interior design

Compact side tables – some crafted by the homeowner’s friends – demonstrate another layer of versatility, functioning both as surface areas and additional seating when needed. Each piece is carefully selected to serve multiple purposes, a necessity in such a compact living environment.

Custom cabinets

The home’s storage solutions reveal remarkable creativity. A former wall niche has been transformed into a bookcase with adjustable shelves, turning an architectural quirk into a functional design feature. Rows of additional shelves are cleverly hidden behind a customized tall cabinet that also serves to store shoes and clothes, ensuring that every inch of space is utilized without creating visual clutter.

Home ambience lighting

Lighting becomes another design element that adds character and functionality. A wall-mounted vintage French swing-arm lamp, purchased online, illuminates the dining area with a touch of nostalgic elegance. Its adjustable arm allows for directed light, making the small dining space feel intimate and purposeful.

This article was first published on Home and Decor in 2018.