Home Tour: A young couple’s Modern Peranakan 4-room HDB in Sengkang Central

Home to a young couple deeply connected to their cultural roots, this 1,000 sq ft (92 sqm) four-room HDB flat in Sengkang Central represents a beautiful intersection of heritage and contemporary design.

Entrusted to the spatial planning and design practice Open Studio, the apartment becomes a canvas that tells a story of identity, tradition, and modern living. Every corner of this carefully crafted space speaks to the delicate balance between preserving cultural memory and embracing contemporary aesthetic sensibilities.

Modern Peranakan inspired interior design

‘Modern Peranakan’ emerged as the guiding design theme, a thoughtful approach that reflects the homeowners’ rich heritage through carefully curated decorative elements, while simultaneously being rendered in a modern earthy palette that speaks to current design trends.

This is not a museum piece, but a living, breathing home that honors tradition through intelligent, contemporary interpretation. The design becomes a dialogue between past and present, where each element has been considered not just for its visual appeal, but for its ability to tell a story.

Peranakan floor tiles

The entry foyer instantly sets the scene, serving as a powerful introduction to the home’s design narrative. Peach-colored walls – a subtle nod to traditional Peranakan color palettes – create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Intricately patterned tiles with geometric designs reminiscent of classic Peranakan floor treatments create a visual anchor, while an elegant metal screen adds depth and architectural interest. This carefully composed entrance becomes more than just a transitional space; it’s a deliberate statement of cultural identity and design intention.

Peranakan kitchen swing doors

With a Peranakan-inspired saloon swing door that feels both nostalgic and playful, the kitchen is cleverly demarcated from the dining area yet not entirely closed off. This design choice reflects the contemporary desire for open, connected living spaces while maintaining a subtle reference to traditional architectural elements.

The swinging door becomes a functional art piece, a conversation starter that bridges different areas of the home with both practical and aesthetic consideration.

Neutral living room colours

Finishes for the living and dining spaces were kept to neutral grey and white tones, creating a calm, contemporary backdrop that allows the Peranakan-inspired elements to shine.

Warm light radiating from the pendant lamps overhead creates a cosy dining setting, softening the neutral palette and adding an inviting warmth to the space. The lighting becomes more than just a functional element – it’s a design feature that transforms the atmosphere, creating intimate moments within the larger architectural composition.

Ventilation brick wall

In place of conventional solid walls, patterned ventilation bricks emerge as a design revelation in the home. These architectural elements not only serve as a pretty privacy screen from the bedroom entrance but also allow for delicate slivers of light to spill in, creating dynamic interactions between spaces.

The ventilation bricks become a metaphorical and literal breathing space, allowing light, air, and visual connections to flow through the home in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Wood grain laminates

The bedroom maintains a simple and clean aesthetic, with built-in furniture sharing the same wood grain laminate – a design choice that creates visual continuity and a sense of calm. By using consistent materials and a restrained color palette, the designers have created a sanctuary that feels both spacious and intimate.

The built-in furniture maximizes the available space while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered look that feels contemporary and thoughtful.

Peranakan bathroom tiles

In the bathroom, Peranakan motifs of the tiles around the vanity pair tastefully with the grey, rough-textured tiles of the shower area. This juxtaposition of delicate, traditional patterns against modern, textural surfaces creates a nuanced design statement.

The bathroom becomes a microcosm of the entire home’s design philosophy – a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary design that feels both respectful and innovative.

This story first appeared in Home and Decor in 2018.