These housemates’ differing tastes resulted in an eclectic mix of industrial rawness and traditional charm.
Not sticking to a singular theme allows the homeowners to play around with colours and different styles.
“Jeffrey and I wanted a place where people feel comfortable enough to put their feet up – but we didn’t quite know how to translate that into a style,” says Nick Longstaff, who moved to Singapore from Canada in 2009.
It turns out he didn’t have to explain much, as friend and interior designer Arjan Twillhaar has got the housemates’ taste to a T.
Homeowners
Arjan shares that Nick likes a more traditional style, while Jeffrey is a little whimsical and eclectic (“I like colour and graphical art prints… I have a print of a machine gun-wielding Red Riding Hood that I have yet to put up!” says Jeffrey) so he mixed the two to create a cool, New York loft-type ambience.
This style welcomes classic design elements like white skirting with dark herringbone floors, and a mix of industrial archetypes like brick walls and steel grid windows.
![84580-hd2704178202](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84580-hd2704178202.jpg)
Renovation Cost: $90,000
Their $90,000 renovation includes tearing down one bedroom to make way for a spacious kitchen.
Nick loves to cook for guests who come over for brunches and dinners, and a large stove and oven were essential.
![84578-hd2704178167-1024x682-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84578-hd2704178167-1024x682-1.jpg)
Kitchen Countertop
This meant less countertop space, so most of the food prep is done on the kitchen island, which is fitted with a sink, dishwasher, and wine chiller.
![84579-hd2704178176-1024x673-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84579-hd2704178176-1024x673-1.jpg)
IKEA Small Items
The housemates accessorised the home with items from IKEA, Commune and Second Charm, as well as from their travels (like the copper lamps).
![84591-aidentlofttype5](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84591-aidentlofttype5.png)
Eck & Art Posters
“I love travel posters, and bought these Singapore-themed prints from Eck & Art,” says Nick.
![84577-hd2704178085](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84577-hd2704178085.jpg)
Relocated Bathroom
Removing one bedroom made space for a common bathroom, too. Arjan, who has plenty of experience in shifting bathrooms, was the only designer who took up the challenge to create a bigger bathroom.
![84589-aidentlofttype3](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84589-aidentlofttype3.png)
Sea Grey Wall
The sea grey wall provides a muted backdrop for the colourful console and photography prints.
![84590-aidentlofttype4](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84590-aidentlofttype4.png)
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom features a more subdued and restful colour palette.
![84576-hd2704178062](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84576-hd2704178062.jpg)
Barn Bathroom Door
This barn door, which leads to the bathroom, was one of Jeffrey’s must-haves.
![84588-aidentlofttype2](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84588-aidentlofttype2.png)
Bathroom Plants
With extra space in the elongated shower area, the homeowners decided a large plant would be a nice addition to the bathroom!
This story first appeared in Sona Decor in 2018.
![84587-aidentlofttype1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/84587-aidentlofttype1.png)