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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.
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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.
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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.

Above The bathroom features a floating vanity and fluted lighting that elevates the warm stone textures and sculptural fittings

Above 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
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