A complete reshuffle of this home’s original layout creates designated spaces for work, play and family time
Key Ideas
1. To break away from the norm, incorporate two or more different themes to create a distinctive look.
2. Closed cabinets can look stiff and block the fow of light and space. Opt for open shelving to create a look that is more free-spirited.
3. Instead of swing doors to connect rooms, use a sliding door or panel as a more space-saving option.
4. Solid walls have the effect of boxing up a space. Reduce the boxed-in effect by replacing a portion of it with a glass panel to open up the space visually.
Truth be told, a child-friendly home does not have much appeal in terms of aesthetics; what with all the unsightly childproofng devices. The homeowners of this 2+1 condominium unit had other ideas however, since they believe that children who grow up living amidst good design will quickly learn to appreciate and take care of the beautiful objects around them. With that, they commissioned their interior designer from Brim Design to not let the design plans be hampered by their four-year-old son.
The married couple wanted a Scandinavian theme and the design team proposed the idea of infusing the typically clean concept with a raw edge to give the home a distinctive touch. The couple welcomed the idea. But frst, the apartment had to go through a complete restructure to create a new layout for this apartment. What used to be an area for two rooms and a storeroom is now a study room, a child’s bedroom and a master bedroom with an ensuite bath. By redistributing the foor area, the family now has unique spaces dedicated to their needs.
To get started, all the boundary walls in the apartment were torn down. A divider was then put up to separate the private quarters from the communal areas. The red brick wall that spans the length of the dining area and living room was constructed to serve this function.
Possibly the most striking feature in the apartment, this red brick wall was left as it is without extra application of plaster, cement or paint, for this very intent – to be unabashedly attention grabbing. Unlike many other brick feature walls that are done up using craftstone or wallpaper, this brick wall was painstakingly constructed brick by brick, and layer by layer.
The new layout also serves to fulfl the homeowners’ request for an open concept kitchen. The cabinets are clad in white laminate with added carpentry details on the doors to achieve the light and natural feel of Scandinavian kitchens. The bottom cabinets have trimmings while the overhead ones feature black vertical lines. A backsplash made of glossy white tiles accentuates the pristine white feel and helps to draw in more natural light. For practical reasons, wooden foorboards, an element ubiquitous in Scandinavian homes, could not be used and so, tiles that resemble wood panels are applied for the fooring in both the dry and wet kitchens.
The same carpentry details are repeated on the cabinets of the island counter that constitutes the dry kitchen. The design team positioned it in between the kitchen and dining area in order to provide more storage and food preparation work space.
A row of green pendant lamps hovers above the island counter and helps to better proportionate the space. Originally in white, these lamps have been spray painted a dark green to earn its place in the whole design scheme. The countertop in light wood grain laminate provides a sense of continuity to the adjoining dining area. Fitted with two cushioned chairs, a bench and an orange-coloured ghost chair, the dining table from Cellini, featuring clean and simple lines, creates an inviting space for the family and the occasional guest to have meals together.
The welcoming fow of space and light streaming from the dining area to the living room bathes the area in good light. Open shelves flled with books and paraphernalia of all sorts add to the easy-going atmosphere, while a rocking horse and mini-sized London phone booth bookshelf contribute an air of playfulness to the space.
A clear glass panel encased in a black frame is a window to the study area beyond the brick wall. A decal of birds on a wire adds a whimsical touch. With the white timber blinds drawn, you can sneak in a peek of the studious space doused in a rich shade of blue.
The design team reveals that they wanted colour but not such a striking one that would fght for attention with the red brick wall and cause a riot. Artisan, a warm blue hue from Dulux, proved to be just the right shade that was distinctive without being overwhelming.
Entering the master bedroom, you’d notice that its wardrobe has been built in such a way that it keeps the bed from sight. In order to maintain the fuidity of this passage way that stretches from the study all the way to the master bedroom, the door to the master bathroom is fushed neatly with the bluish-green wardrobe.
A custom-made bed frame and wooden side tables from Ikea make up the sleeping area. The design team then used Deep Waters, a unique green tint from Dulux, to anchor this restful zone. As the couple did not want a headboard, the team decided to paint only the upper half of the wall, thus creating the visual illusion of a headboard as a fnishing touch.
With living spaces that are vibrant and warm, and private quarters ideal for rest and relaxation, this home contains just the right amounts of vivacity and tranquility for its occupants to live, work and play.