Houzz Tour: Making an All-White Apartment a Chic and Cosy Haven
A pristine palette paired with a seamless, open design was created for a singleton
“A clean, white minimalist home” was the precise brief given by the owner for this five-room resale HDB flat. “From the start, she knew exactly what she wanted – all walls and custom built-items must be white; grey marble-look tiles for the bathroom walls, kitchen countertops and island countertop, and the lightest possible colour for the vinyl flooring,” says designer Tennie Tan of DB Studio.
The walls, for instance, are painted a warm, natural white. It makes the well-lit living area and the adjacent entertaining spaces more welcoming and cosy.
A soft blue sofa was also chosen as the focal piece. “Blue is a good colour to brighten up a white/neutral space, while still keeping it calm and serene,” says Tan. Creams, greys and very pale wood tones also subtly balance the starkness of white.
A soft blue sofa was also chosen as the focal piece. “Blue is a good colour to brighten up a white/neutral space, while still keeping it calm and serene,” says Tan. Creams, greys and very pale wood tones also subtly balance the starkness of white.
Aside from the white palette, the owner required a bigger living area to host gatherings. To open up the space, they decided to forgo the existing study and give the enclosed space to the living area. This way, there is almost no physical partition from the main entrance to the entertaining spaces.
The homeowner also wanted a kitchen island as extra countertop. To maximise the space, the designer proposed to utilise the island as the dining table, too.
“We opted for a bar-height dining table because she wanted an open space for her guests to be able to stand around and mingle,” says Tan.
Beyond the dining area is the balcony, which is also entertaining-ready with comfortable bench and stools. Glass sliding doors and lowered tile decking demarcate the al fresco area.
“We opted for a bar-height dining table because she wanted an open space for her guests to be able to stand around and mingle,” says Tan.
Beyond the dining area is the balcony, which is also entertaining-ready with comfortable bench and stools. Glass sliding doors and lowered tile decking demarcate the al fresco area.
The entrance to the kitchen was also changed by taking down half of a wall. A glass window panel and glass sliding doors were installed to create a seamless visual link between the kitchen and dining area.
Consistency in materials was very important to the owner. Hence, the kitchen and dining cabinets use the same Lamitak laminates, and the same quartz tops the kitchen and island. All appliances are also either in white or stainless finish.
A glass backsplash was put in place to help reflect more light around the space.
A glass backsplash was put in place to help reflect more light around the space.
Revisions were made in the bedrooms. “The homeowner requested for the original master bedroom to be converted into a dressing room and vanity area, without a bed in it, for her to have a spacious area where she can get ready for the day,” says Tan.
She has the option to close the U-shaped walk-in wardrobe through sliding doors.
She has the option to close the U-shaped walk-in wardrobe through sliding doors.
Next to it is the master bathroom. Marble-look tiles in the shower area and the quartz vanity counter add depth and subtle textural interest without veering away from the white requirement.
The pristine main bedroom – originally the second bedroom – is dedicated solely to sleeping. To make the compact room more functional, the designer built a platform bed with drawers underneath for extra storage space.
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What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Who lives here: Single lady who works as a senior compliance manager at an investment firm
Location: Pasir Ris
Size: Approx 1,400 square feet (130 square metres)
Project duration: 8 weeks
White homes offer a smart impression and a timeless look, but they have the tendency to look too stark and plain. For this reason, the designer was mindful to create a soft, dreamy look amidst a fresh and clean palette.