Home Tour: An interior designer couple’s 6-room jumbo HDB flat in Ang Mo Kio

When Singaporean-Dutch couple Pieter and Cheryl decided to uproot themselves from Abu Dhabi, they brought with them an extensive and highly personal collection of furnishings, antique heirloom pieces and evocative artwork which Cheryl painted herself. The two adjoining 3-room HDB flats - turned into a jumbo HDB flat which they now call home was already combined when they purchased it.

Jumbo HDB flat

Explore this stylish jumbo flat which the couple, who are interior designers at ICIA, have designed for themselves. The unassuming white aluminium fins on the side of the terrace provide privacy without making the couple feel boxed in, allowing them to comfortably open up the space.

“We wanted to create a sense of openness and flow throughout the jumbo HDB flat,” explains Cheryl. “The aluminium fins give us privacy when needed, but don’t make the space feel closed off.”

Mosaic flooring

Hardy old-school mosaic flooring in the art studio allows Cheryl to work freely, without having to worry about damaging the flooring. “I love the character and history that the mosaic tiles bring to the space,” says Cheryl. “It’s the perfect surface for my art studio, where I can truly let my creativity flow without constraints.”

Kitchen glass panels

The kitchen is well-equipped to satisfy Pieter’s passion for cooking. Glass panels above the counter allow the duo to interact when Cheryl is in the adjoining art studio. “Having that visual connection between the kitchen and studio was important to us,” notes Pieter. “It allows us to stay engaged with each other’s work and activities, even when we’re in different parts of the jumbo flat.”

Most of the jumbo HDB flat is visible the moment you enter, with tall glass doors taking the place of non-structural walls. The couple’s daily life centres around the 2.8m-long Suar wood table, where they eat and work. “This table is the heart of our home,” says Cheryl. “It’s where we have our meals, brainstorm design ideas, and even host the occasional dinner party for friends.”

AMK jumbo HDB flat

The open-concept layout and strategic use of glass and aluminium elements create a sense of spaciousness and seamless flow throughout the jumbo HDB flat, allowing the couple to live and work in harmony. “As interior designers, we’re constantly inspired by space, light, and materials,” explains Pieter. “In designing our own jumbo flat, we were able to put those principles into practice in a way that truly reflects our personal style and needs.”

Home art gallery

One of the standout features of the jumbo HDB flat is the couple’s extensive art collection, which includes Cheryl’s own paintings as well as antique heirloom pieces they’ve collected over the years. “Art has always been a big part of our lives,” says Cheryl. “We wanted to create a home that not only functioned well, but also served as a canvas for the things we love.”

The jumbo flat’s open layout allows the couple to showcase their art collection in a seamless and visually striking way. “We didn’t want the art to feel like it was just hanging on the walls,” explains Pieter. “Instead, we’ve integrated it into the overall design, so that it becomes a natural extension of the space.”

Furniture collection

In addition to their art collection, the couple has also filled their jumbo HDB flat with a mix of designer furniture, antique pieces, and modern accents. “We have a very eclectic style,” says Cheryl. “We love blending old and new, high and low, to create something that feels uniquely ours.”

The result is a jumbo flat that is both visually stunning and highly functional. “As interior designers, we’re always mindful of how a space flows and how it can be used,” notes Pieter. “But with this jumbo HDB flat, we really wanted to create a home that felt like a true reflection of who we are.”

For Pieter and Cheryl, that means a space that is equal parts art gallery, culinary haven, and cozy retreat. “We love entertaining, we love cooking, and we love being surrounded by the things we’ve collected over the years,” says Cheryl. “This jumbo flat allows us to do all of that, in a way that feels effortless and authentic.”

Evolving home

As they continue to settle into their new jumbo HDB flat, the couple is excited to see how their home evolves and changes over time. “This is just the beginning,” says Pieter. “We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this space, and how it will continue to reflect our lives and our passions.”