Cover The owners’ pet dog cuts a contented figure in the home’s mid-century modern–inspired, colour-coordinated common zone
The owners’ pet dog cuts a contented figure in the home’s mid-century modern–inspired, colour-coordinated common zone
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Tatler+
Artistroom reshapes a 900 sq ft apartment in Kent Ridge around openness, storage and flow, guided by mid-century modern principles
Simplicity, functionality and honest materiality were among the tenets of mid-century modern design, an influential architectural movement from the 1950s. Its principles continue to be much admired today and frequently referenced in contemporary interiors, prized for their clarity and restraint. They are thoughtfully expressed in this 900 sq ft apartment, crafted by Artistroom, where a reworked layout, warm materials and clean lines support everyday living with ease.
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Above Rich blues and more sedate earthy tones generate a striking yet balanced aesthetic against the neutral backdrop
Rich blues and more sedate earthy tones generate a striking yet balanced aesthetic against the neutral backdrop
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Starting Anew
Situated in Kent Ridge Hill Residences, this three-bedroom apartment was purchased as a brand-new unit from the developer. The sociable owners enlisted Artistroom to take charge of its renovation, with the brief to make their home more tailored to their needs.
Firstly, the existing layout needed improvements to make it a suitable venue for lively gatherings with family and friends. Secondly, the couple wanted ample storage options for an uncluttered look, as part of the mid-century modern aesthetic that they adore.
Above The dining room, lit by a mid-century modern icon Louis Poulsen pendant, looks out towards the greenery beyond Kent Ridge
The dining room, lit by a mid-century modern icon Louis Poulsen pendant, looks out towards the greenery beyond Kent Ridge
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Led by husband-and-wife designers Mark Chen and Katy Chong, the interiors studio embarked on an eight-month renovation that would address these requirements, and more. “Every challenge—from the irregular walls and poor ventilation to the limited storage and hosting needs—was turned into an opportunity to create a flexible and highly personalised home,” explains Chong.
Above A corridor view towards the kitchen with Bauhaus-inspired artworks and mid-century modern accents
Above Vibrant abstract artworks add a dash of intrigue and colour throughout the abode
A corridor view towards the kitchen with Bauhaus-inspired artworks and mid-century modern accents
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From the Ground Up
The designers’ first task was to create a spacious living and dining area that connects to the balcony in a seamless manner. “The design intent was to create openness and flow while maximising the outdoor connection and natural light,” emphasises Chen.
To achieve this, the designers took down the walls of the three bedrooms, enlarging the footprint of the adjacent living and dining areas in the process. The previously enclosed kitchen was also opened up to create an open-concept culinary space with an island around which the owners and guests can mingle over drinks and snacks. A separate wet kitchen is tucked away behind sliding doors to keep cooking fumes contained.
Above The pale wood cladding reflects light and brings mid-century modern character and texture to the interior
The pale wood cladding reflects light and brings mid-century modern character and texture to the interior
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“By removing most of the existing internal walls, we restructured the layout to create a better flow, improve ventilation and allow natural light to reach deeper into the home,” explains Chong.
Framed by full-height windows, the abode’s communal spaces now enjoy a lush view of the forested areas that border the development. The wall-mounted TV was installed along the corridor to ensure that the gorgeous surrounding greenery remains the focal point. The other audio-visual components were integrated into the joinery to create a cohesive look.
Above A close-up detail of the kitchen counter highlights the junction between speckled stone and timber
Above The meeting of timber and stone at the kitchen counter reflects the home’s mid-century modern influence
A close-up detail of the kitchen counter highlights the junction between speckled stone and timber
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Work and Play
The second bedroom now functions as a study as well as a guest bedroom. This way, the couple get to enjoy having a space for focused work and quiet time, while having the option to accommodate overnight guests with a foldable bed that’s tucked within the cabinetry.
The pièce de résistance of the project is the master suite, which features a walk-in wardrobe and a beautiful ensuite bathroom with separate areas for the vanity, shower area and toilet.
Above A peek at the homely master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe
Above When closed, the door to the master bedroom wardrobe disappears into the wall
A peek at the homely master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe
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Material Matters
The timber cladding used throughout the apartment ties the whole look together, starting from the entrance foyer to the kitchen and the master bedroom and study. True to the abode’s mid-century modern influences, the wooden furnishings are simple and functionally designed. Geometric artworks offer another nod to the mid-century aesthetic of the home.
Above A close-up of the speckles and prominent veining on the stone backsplash
A close-up of the speckles and prominent veining on the stone backsplash
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The designer couple considered the material selection the “most enjoyable part of the project”, paying much attention to ensuring that the textures and colours of all the wood joinery and veneers matched perfectly to create a cohesive look. The understated stone countertops were similarly hand-picked to form fitting accompaniments to the modern interior.
Altogether, the completed home celebrates the ethos of the influential design movement while becoming a sanctuary that the couple truly cherish.
Above The mid-century modern-inspired apartment’s shared home office looks out towards the surrounding greenery.
The mid-century modern-inspired apartment’s shared home office looks out towards the surrounding greenery.
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Artistroom
Above Husband-and-wife team Mark Chen and Katy Chong of Artistroom
Husband-and-wife team Mark Chen and Katy Chong of Artistroom
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Led by Mark Chen and Katy Chong, Artistroom is a studio known for creating interiors that are personalised, functional and refined. The husband-and-wife duo founded the studio in 2008, working closely with their five-member team to create beautiful homes that feature thoughtful spatial planning, elegant material curation and a keen attention to detail.
195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace #02-01A, tel: 6557 0244, artistroom.com.sg
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Credits
Photography: Courtesy of Artistroom
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