Houzz Tour: A 30-Year-Old Apartment Embraces Modern Minimalism
See how quiet elegance is achieved in an all-white interior
“Modern simplicity” is how designer William Chan of Spacedge Designs describes the design theme of this five-bedroom condo apartment. Such is a fitting connection to the homeowners, a Norwegian family who combines discerning taste when it comes to design and practical living. Most notable is their strong preference for an all-white interior. “White is a very powerful colour and it gives a very modern feel,” says Chan.
Since the freehold apartment was built in 1983, Chan and his team had to tear down most of the unit’s interior walls and start from scratch to ensure that the new layout is re-proportioned according to the family’s lifestyle. The result is clean, pared interiors that highlight the essence of modern minimalism, while creating an overall feeling of lightness and airiness.
Since the freehold apartment was built in 1983, Chan and his team had to tear down most of the unit’s interior walls and start from scratch to ensure that the new layout is re-proportioned according to the family’s lifestyle. The result is clean, pared interiors that highlight the essence of modern minimalism, while creating an overall feeling of lightness and airiness.
The sole object that beckons in the foyer is an Element chair from Desalto. It sets the tone for the clean-lined, minimalist approach utilised throughout this home. The greyish veins of the Volakas marble, which is used for the apartment’s entire flooring, bring about just the right amount of textural interest to the white palette.
To create visually distinct areas in the same elevated space while maintaining easy access to and from both areas, the designer kept a wall between the kitchen and dining area from the original layout. The neutral palette emphasises the modern yet airy feel that the owners wanted for their home. The designer also achieved subtle contrast in the dining area by matching the family’s existing black Organic dining chairs from Vitra with two different chairs while keeping the whole look colour-coordinated.
(Kitchen) Servomuto multi-purpose chair by Flou: Xtra; Wire basket by Ferm Living from Lifestorey; (Dining) 25 dining table by Desalto: Xtra; Louis Ghost chair by Kartell: Space Furniture; Flow chair by MDF Italia and Sonora pendant lamp by Oluce: Dream Interiors
(Kitchen) Servomuto multi-purpose chair by Flou: Xtra; Wire basket by Ferm Living from Lifestorey; (Dining) 25 dining table by Desalto: Xtra; Louis Ghost chair by Kartell: Space Furniture; Flow chair by MDF Italia and Sonora pendant lamp by Oluce: Dream Interiors
The long kitchen island has one cantilevered side intended for casual meals and conversations. A column provides an unobtrusive break between this area and the cooking space. Books on floating shelves add a dash of colour to this nook.
Emeco bar stools by Emeco and Smithfield C ceiling lamp by Flos: Space Furniture
Emeco bar stools by Emeco and Smithfield C ceiling lamp by Flos: Space Furniture
The all-white scheme provides a pristine backdrop for the state-of-the-art cooking space. Sliding doors conveniently conceal appliances and the sink area when not in use, committing to the clean and streamlined aesthetic.
Oven, steamer and induction hub by Gaggenau: Rina Electrical; Cloud Nine hood by Elica: Kitchen Culture; Countertop: Silestone
Oven, steamer and induction hub by Gaggenau: Rina Electrical; Cloud Nine hood by Elica: Kitchen Culture; Countertop: Silestone
Moving to the private spaces, the bedrooms reveal the same stick-to-the-basics style. The 180-degree curved bay window allows abundant daylight to fill the master suite, making it a cosy sanctuary. Further enhancing the restful setting is the panoramic view of the greenery beyond. Another distinct feature in this monochromatic space is the ‘coffered’ ceiling. “Those are existing beams. Instead of hiding them, we revealed them to help make the room look bigger,” says Chan. Adding a whimsical touch to the space is the Eames rocker, which happens to be one of the wife’s favourite pieces – the art on the chair was drawn by a friend.
Bed by Royal Auping: Luxury Mattress Collection; Eames rocker by Herman Miller: Xtra; Rand ceiling light by Delta Light: Gruppe Lighting
Bed by Royal Auping: Luxury Mattress Collection; Eames rocker by Herman Miller: Xtra; Rand ceiling light by Delta Light: Gruppe Lighting
Like the rest of the spaces, the son’s bedroom is clean-lined and spotless. By tucking the bed to one side, almost hidden from view from the door, a bigger space is created for a lounge chair and a study area. The wardrobe also maintains a neat appearance through cabinet handles that are carved into the doors.
Loop bed by Hay: Foundry; Eames lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller: Xtra; Alpha reading wall lamp by Vibia: Gruppe Lighting
Loop bed by Hay: Foundry; Eames lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller: Xtra; Alpha reading wall lamp by Vibia: Gruppe Lighting
All bathroom walls, as well as the flooring in the son’s bathroom, are finished in Microcemento, a type of engineered cement from Spain. It renders the private spaces an industrial look, which befits the minimalist style. Large frameless mirrors with concealed LED strips bounce light around and ensure that the dark-coloured room remains soothing and inviting.
Vitra sanitary ware: Futar Enterprises; Zucchetti fittings: Sansei Singapura
Vitra sanitary ware: Futar Enterprises; Zucchetti fittings: Sansei Singapura
A previous part of a bathroom was transformed into a drum room upon the request of the son. Specialist JD Acoustic handled soundproofing and acoustic treatment, including hanging panels that double as wall art. The walls are in dry-erase paint so he can freely express his creative thoughts.
Dry-erase paint by IdeaPaint: Prospect Surfaces
Certainly this minimalist home is far from being cold and uninviting, as what is typically thought of in an all-white interior. Maintaining a consistent palette and careful selection of furnishings ensure that the homeowners will enjoy a no-frills, no-nonsense home, where everything serves its intended purpose well.
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Dry-erase paint by IdeaPaint: Prospect Surfaces
Certainly this minimalist home is far from being cold and uninviting, as what is typically thought of in an all-white interior. Maintaining a consistent palette and careful selection of furnishings ensure that the homeowners will enjoy a no-frills, no-nonsense home, where everything serves its intended purpose well.
TELL US
What is your favourite thing about this house? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: A Norwegian couple and their two teenage children
Location: Beverly Hill Condominium in District 10
Size: 344 sqm (3,700 sqft)
Project duration: 7 months
With no walls to define boundaries, the living area enjoys an open concept bolstered by natural light. Adding warmth to the sprawling space is the rich brown shade of its leather seating. The living area connects and extends to the TV area, which is bordered by its own comfortable seats. The designer also opted to camouflage the bedroom doors with the rest of the white walls, to maintain a seamless continuity of surfaces.
(Living) Delphi sofa by Erik Jorgensen: Danish Design Co; Egg lounge chair and foot stool: Fritz Hansen; Modo Chandelier 15 Globes by Roll & Hill: Space Furniture; Frank pouffe and Welland bench by SCP: Foundry; T-Gong coffee table by Alivar: Xtra;
(TV area) Sit Up sofa by Vibieffe: Dream Interiors; Bubble chair from Eero Aarnio; 265 wall lamp by Flos: Space Furniture