The interplay of plush seating and curved niches creates a warm, cocooning atmosphere that invites relaxation and intimate gatherings
Cover A warm, sculpted living space by Ethereall anchors the home in calm and comfort, where soft curves, tactile textures and tailored lighting define its cocooning atmosphere
The interplay of plush seating and curved niches creates a warm, cocooning atmosphere that invites relaxation and intimate gatherings

Subtle textures, functional elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship come together in this warm, minimalist terrace house in the east of Singapore, designed by Ethereall

When it comes to crafting a home, simplicity can prove more demanding than complexity. To Jaime Lee, interior designer at Ethereall, the transformation of this minimalist 2,560 sq ft terrace house in the east of Singapore represented a masterclass in subtlety, attention to detail, and the inestimable value of collaboration.

The homeowners envisioned a cosy, timeless and minimalist haven—one that would blend clean, modern textures with effortless functionality. Ease of maintenance was a key concern, calling for a considered, pared-back palette of hues and materials that would yet imbue the space with visual interest and a sense of comfort.

Don't miss: Home tour: A luxurious Bukit Timah condominium apartment cocooned in sophisticated, dark hues

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 5 A softly sculpted feature wall anchors the living area, concealing storage and cable management while framing the TV in minimalist elegance
Photo 2 of 5 The interplay of plush seating and curved niches creates a warm, cocooning atmosphere that invites relaxation and intimate gatherings
Photo 3 of 5 A custom dining table floats beside the open-plan living space, bathed in warm ambient lighting that complements the home’s tonal restraint
Photo 4 of 5 Arched black-framed glass doors lead into the kitchen, creating a visual focal point while subtly zoning the space
Photo 5 of 5 A sculptural pendant adds a whimsical touch to the otherwise grounded palette, highlighting the meticulous layering of finishes
A softly sculpted feature wall anchors the living area, concealing storage and cable management while framing the TV in minimalist elegance
The interplay of plush seating and curved niches creates a warm, cocooning atmosphere that invites relaxation and intimate gatherings
A custom dining table floats beside the open-plan living space, bathed in warm ambient lighting that complements the home’s tonal restraint
Arched black-framed glass doors lead into the kitchen, creating a visual focal point while subtly zoning the space
A sculptural pendant adds a whimsical touch to the otherwise grounded palette, highlighting the meticulous layering of finishes

A Quiet Beauty

Thus guided by warmth and subtlety, Lee paid particular attention to the home’s wall treatments and selection of lighting. Knowing that the walls form the primary canvas for the interiors, she chose creamy tones paired with delicate tactile finishes.

“The colour temperature of the walls brings out the softness we envisioned,” she reveals. In tandem with mellow, understated lighting, the walls breathe new life into the space, creating a tranquil environment that shifts beautifully with the changing light and shadows throughout the day.

This sensitivity to surface and lighting curation carries through every part of the home, turning otherwise neutral spaces into a quiet sensory experience.

See also: Celebrating craftsmanship: A wrap on the Tappeti Designer Collective launch at The Arts House

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 3 The bedroom’s organic curves are echoed in a custom study nook, complete with integrated cabinetry and a recessed workstation
Photo 2 of 3 Soft lighting and clean-lined joinery establish a serene, distraction-free zone for focused work and creative flow
Photo 3 of 3 A half-height painted wall anchors the bed while reinforcing the symmetry and softness of the overall scheme
The bedroom’s organic curves are echoed in a custom study nook, complete with integrated cabinetry and a recessed workstation
Soft lighting and clean-lined joinery establish a serene, distraction-free zone for focused work and creative flow
A half-height painted wall anchors the bed while reinforcing the symmetry and softness of the overall scheme

Gentle Integration

One standout feature in the home is an L-shaped study, tailored to the particular dimensions and requirements of the master bedroom. This multipurpose area was crafted to house not just a spacious desk, but also practical items such as an electric vacuum cleaner, complete with an integrated charging point, tucked out of sight yet within easy reach. The design also incorporates top-hung storage cabinets that are bordered by a gently sloped ceiling. To maintain visual cohesion, the curved ceiling elegantly accommodates an air-conditioning unit to the right of the cabinets, allowing the home’s essential but unsightly systems to disappear into the design while avoiding a jarring disruption of the soft lines.

Tatler Asia
The bathroom features a floating vanity and fluted lighting that elevates the warm stone textures and sculptural fittings
Above The bathroom features a floating vanity and fluted lighting that elevates the warm stone textures and sculptural fittings
Tatler Asia
A softly lit asymmetrical mirror adds visual intrigue to the powder room, enhanced by curved joinery and tactile finishes
Above A softly lit asymmetrical mirror adds visual intrigue to the powder room, enhanced by curved joinery and tactile finishes
The bathroom features a floating vanity and fluted lighting that elevates the warm stone textures and sculptural fittings
A softly lit asymmetrical mirror adds visual intrigue to the powder room, enhanced by curved joinery and tactile finishes

Smooth Pathways

Despite careful planning, the renovation, like any major design project, presented its share of hurdles. Unexpectedly, some beams constructed by the original builder were found to have been placed lower than anticipated, hindering the initial plans for lofty ceilings throughout all levels of the home, an important feature for the clients.

Rather than settling for a compromise, the team at Ethereall reconfigured the layout to maximise the ceiling height wherever possible. Rerouting air-conditioning pipes, water lines and heater tanks became a precise exercise in strategy and creativity, all while maintaining the home’s clean, minimalist appeal.

Space planning was further challenged by the narrow footprint of the house. Nevertheless, through thoughtful spatial organisation and restrained design choices, the interiors feel open, flowing and harmonious—testament to Lee’s expertise and her team’s meticulous execution.


Ethereall, 22 New Industrial Road #05-27/28, Primax Building. Visit their website here. +65 8318 8892

READ MORE

Meet the artisanal rugs under the Tappeti Designer Collective, crafted by renowned Singapore designers

Home tour: A bespoke duplex in Sentosa Cove’s exclusive Seascape condominium

Home tour: A four-storey inter-terrace house in Singapore’s charming Guillemard neighbourhood

Topics