Sleek Sanctuary

Modern design strokes imbue this flat with an idyllic holiday feel

For the couple living in this HDB fat unit, the design of the interior makes their home the perfect place to unwind after a day’s work. Mesmerised by the stylish yet homely feel of service apartments on their trips abroad, they wanted to recreate that feel in their own apartment. To achieve that, they engaged John Chan from Genesis ID and in a mere fve weeks, they were presented with a service apartment-inspired house to call their own.

Doused in a soothing shade of dark brown and laid with marble fooring, the communal space is a vision of relaxation and elegance. Separated into two zones by a full-height display cabinet that provides storage and also doubles up as a divider, the living area features a zone for watching television and another zone for entertainment and games. When not in use, sliding glass panels conceal the screen and other entertainment peripherals.

Sensuous Spaces

This one-bedroom shoe uni is a definite show-stopper with its open versatile living areas, streamlined cabinetry, luxurious detailing and sensuous lighting. 

There are many occasions when it is simply not possible to physically enlarge your home, especially

when you live in a purpose-built block of apartments. However, inspired thinking can hlp you use the space you do have to best effect, at the same time creating the illuson that your home is much bigger than it really is. In this show unit, an edgy, urban vibe is cetainly felt by the palette of cooli idustrial colours of gaphite greys, black and ash browns. The living area is kept simple wit minimal furniture like the 60' inspired wooden-framed sofa filled with comfy pillows in a myriad of grey stripes and a sculptural tree-trunk, which also acts as a side table. A rush of playful colours is introduced by a floor rug which provides a vibrant energy to space. Not only that, accessories, like the framed black and white piece of art, are stylish must-haves for blank walls. 

Open House

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.

Nordic Calling

Unpretentiously warm and welcoming, this bachelorette pad’s quiet Swedish style is livened up by dashes of cool blue

Key Ideas

1.Blue is a cool shade so it is very complementary to an all-white colour scheme. It will instantly switch the mood from cold to inviting. 

2. Brighten up dull and petite kitchen spaces with the use of vivid hues  and implement some open shelving. An entire kitchen of closed cabinets will box up the space and make it  look narrow. 

3. Keep multi-purpose rooms versatile with portable furniture. This home’s study room features a desk that slides along the window niche so the settee can be accessed as a spacious reading corner.

4. For a lighter and roomier feel, go for low-lying furniture so it doesn’t hinder your line of vision.

How to Increase Your Property Value

Smart design decisions can help you improve the ROi (return on investment) of your home. I outline some key areas where you should consider upgrading, inside and out.

Colour

Rather than opt for a white interior, choose a softer colour to showcase your home. Coordinating a full colour scheme is best left to a qualifed interior designer or decorator; however, if hiring a professional is not in the budget, consider colour palettes created by paint company designers. 

Kitchen

The biggest, single investment you can make is to update the kitchen. If your budget allows, stainless-steel appliances, stone countertops and refaced (or freshly painted) cabinets are a good place to start. Granite and quartz have the most pizzazz and are desirable features when reselling.