The dining area seamlessly transitions to the living space, with both communal zones roomy enough to host large gatherings of family and friends
Cover The mid-century modern apartment’s dining area seamlessly transitions to the living space, with both communal zones roomy enough to host large gatherings of family and friends
The dining area seamlessly transitions to the living space, with both communal zones roomy enough to host large gatherings of family and friends

Timber fittings in warm ochre tones and a soothing off-white palette lend snugness and a tangible sense of home to this airy mid-century modern apartment

Located on the 10th floor of a condominium development in central Singapore, this three-bedroom apartment captured the hearts of its owners with its expansive views, which take in vistas of the neighbouring low-rise blocks as well as the nearby pockets of rejuvenating natural greenery. Regardless, the approximately 1,500 sq ft abode had to undergo an extensive overhaul to suit the precise needs of its occupants, comprising a young couple with their pet dog and newborn child.

Chief among their requirements were ample storage for clothing, personal effects and other miscellaneous items; the home also had to be spacious enough for entertaining purposes as well as a place in which they could prepare for family planning.

Read more: Home tour: Krystina Lyon and Mark Budden’s inviting Singapore home filled with Southeast Asian art and mid-century furniture

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The grid-like wall shelf serves as a simple yet stylish showcase for the owners’ assortment of collectibles and trinkets
Above The grid-like wall shelf serves as a simple yet stylish showcase for the owners’ assortment of collectibles and trinkets
The grid-like wall shelf serves as a simple yet stylish showcase for the owners’ assortment of collectibles and trinkets
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Existing walls were torn down to make way for new walls and spaces to be formed
Above Existing walls were torn down to make way for new walls and spaces to be formed
Existing walls were torn down to make way for new walls and spaces to be formed

“The owners were looking to create a more interactive living area, a wet-and-dry kitchen zone where they could cook and host in different spaces, as well as private areas in which they could work from home,” say the designers at Singapore-based studio Artistroom, which was appointed to give the home a makeover. “They were open to reconfiguring the layout to accommodate their needs.”

Although the apartment sported a favourable rectangular shape, it also featured various potential obstacles in the form of balconies, bay windows, and irregular right-angled corners along the perimeter of the layout that could present challenges in carving out new storage spaces as well as overall expansion efforts. “As we re-formed the layout with new pockets of space, we also had to be mindful that the new layout had to remain aligned with [the] proportions,” reveals the team.

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Cool metal fixtures are juxtaposed against warm wood tones, enhancing the design character of the dry kitchen
Above Cool metal fixtures are juxtaposed against warm wood tones, enhancing the design character of the dry kitchen
Cool metal fixtures are juxtaposed against warm wood tones, enhancing the design character of the dry kitchen
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The home is a remarkable juxtaposition of neutral hues augmented by the extensive application of timber fittings in rich tones
Above The home is a remarkable juxtaposition of neutral hues augmented by the extensive application of timber fittings in rich tones
The home is a remarkable juxtaposition of neutral hues augmented by the extensive application of timber fittings in rich tones

Existing walls were torn down to make way for new walls and spaces to be formed. The latter include a more commodious living area for hosting, the aforementioned wet-and-dry kitchen, and a larger master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe incorporating his-and-hers zones. The bay windows now do double duty as TV, bed and study platforms, with extra storage space carved out underneath.

“Proportioning the zones as part of the space planning created different ‘segments’ for the family that meet their daily living requirements, such as the wet-and-dry kitchen, bedrooms, and the living and dining areas,” state the designers.

Concealed cabinetry was also segregated as compartmentalised storage options that encourage the owners to keep their home neat and tidy.

 

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Pale wood, off-white walls and diaphanous curtains lend a sense of lightness to the serene master bedroom, which also benefits from the abundance of natural light which infuses it with a breezy aura
Above Pale wood, off-white walls and diaphanous curtains lend a sense of lightness to the serene master bedroom, which also benefits from the abundance of natural light which infuses it with a breezy aura
Pale wood, off-white walls and diaphanous curtains lend a sense of lightness to the serene master bedroom, which also benefits from the abundance of natural light which infuses it with a breezy aura

The main bedroom is used by the couple. Of the other two bedrooms, one has been earmarked for their children, and the other for use as a home office and occasionally as a guest bedroom, too.

The home is a remarkable juxtaposition of neutral hues augmented by the extensive application of timber fittings in rich tones, resulting in open yet infinitely comfortable zones that put one at ease. Its minimalist yet beautifully layered spaces utilise a light palette, soft textures and subtle highlights to infuse the apartment’s sleek, modern vibe with snugness and warmth.

“As the couple love the idea of mixing terracotta hues with wood into their home, this became the most important ‘pigment’ in the interior environment,” explain the designers, elaborating that the homeowners also love the mid-century modern look with its uncluttered forms and lines.

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Timber fittings in warm ochre tones and a soothing off-white palette lend snugness and a tangible sense of home to this airy mid-century modern apartment
Above Timber fittings in warm ochre tones and a soothing off-white palette lend snugness and a tangible sense of home to this airy mid-century modern apartment
Timber fittings in warm ochre tones and a soothing off-white palette lend snugness and a tangible sense of home to this airy mid-century modern apartment

Their predilection for the mid-century modern aesthetic, as reflected by the images and sense of style communicated on the mood board, helped to guide the designers in working out the eventual look of their dream home.

Natural materials such as marble and oak wood were utilised, ensuring longevity and durability. Stained red-tone veneer was applied to showcase the beautiful grains on the wood, evident on the wall cladding, cabinetry and doors. This creates a cocooning yet stylish vibe that also serves to provide gentle visual accents and communicate a richness in materiality.

The application of red-hued travertine lends luxury and a splash of colour. The layering of the stained veneer, metal and oak wood flooring also combines to enhance the character of the mid-century modern-inspired home’s various spaces. In the bathrooms, recycled coloured glass subway tiles lend an additional splash of vibrancy and tactility.

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Characterised by soothing chocolate and honey shades, the first bedroom functions as a home office for the husband
Above Characterised by soothing chocolate and honey shades, the first bedroom functions as a home office for the husband
Characterised by soothing chocolate and honey shades, the first bedroom functions as a home office for the husband
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Green tiles were used to add a pop of colour to the bathroom
Above Green tiles were used to add a pop of colour to the bathroom
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Vertically laid-out green subway tiles bring a modern slant and invigorating colour to the bathroom
Above Vertically laid-out green subway tiles bring a modern slant and invigorating colour to the bathroom
Green tiles were used to add a pop of colour to the bathroom
Vertically laid-out green subway tiles bring a modern slant and invigorating colour to the bathroom

The furniture in the mid-century modern apartment was also carefully selected to reinforce the overall mood the designers strove to attain. These include a 1960s Danish dining table and chairs in Brazilian rosewood from Noden Furniture, a plush sofa from King Living, and a coffee table and rug from Upper Room.

All in, this calming yet characterful abode is a sanctuary that is fully in tune with its owners’ needs and preferences, and one that they settled into quickly and comfortably. The designers themselves expressed a particular fondness for the home’s dry kitchen and the living and dining areas, as these spaces showcase the owners’ character with a magical mix of materials that coalesces into a stunning whole.

Credits

Images: Edward Hendricks

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