House Tour: Open concept optimizes wasted spaces in this 1980s walk-up apartment

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The newlywed owners of this 1,200sqf two-bedroom walk-up apartment in district 10 wanted to maximise the verdant views from their living room and master bedroom windows, and to adopt a darker, edgier palette for the interiors. Other than that, interior designer Vera Poh of D’Perception Ritz enjoyed a free hand in the transformation of the couple’s apartment. 

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The designer modified the layout of the roomy apartment as "it had a lot of wasted space", and gave the home an open-concept kitchen, dining and living area.

Veneer-clad cabinets organise the clutter in the living area. Missoni Home Throw from Miles & Theodore. 

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The TV console in the living area is not just a wall of cabinets facing the TV. There are display niches, and the cabinet doors open in different ways - with regular swing doors at arm-level, upward-opening doors at shoulder-level, and open shelving below knee-level for easier access. 

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 Adjustable shelves behind the mirrored doors offer versatile storage for the wife's shoes. The mirrors also reflect light into the windowless dining area. 

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A glass door separates the kitchen from the dining area without keeping the sunlight out. 

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The designer fashioned a sliding wall with timber detailing to conceal the maid's room, which was originally part of the service yard within the kitchen area. 

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Vera designed a custom-built bed that incorporates bedside tables and a headboard that multi-tasks as a backrest when the homeowners are seated to watch TV or read, as well as a ledge for their knick-knacks. 

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The master bathroom was enlarged for a jacuzzi.