A decades-old flat with an awkward layout goes through a complete, shocking transformation. Sona Decor Singapore paid a visit to uncover the clever ideas that make this home adaptable to the owner’s lifestyle.
For many singletons, between the living area from compact three-room HDB flats hold massive appeal. Such flats provide the ideal amount of space for living alone and hosting guests.
The homeowner is known to her friends and family as a kind and independent person dedicated to her profession, religion, and community.
“Sometimes, she will have large gatherings, so the space has to be flexible so that it will not be too small for big gatherings and not too big for a single dweller,” says Amanda Pang, founder of AMP Design co.
The search for the right unit ended in Clementi, which is close to her family.
Who Lives Here A bachelorette
Home A 3-room flat in Clementi
Size 800 sq ft (74 sqm)
Interior Designer Amanda Pang, AMP Design Co.
40-Year-Old HDB Resale in Clementi
Almost 40 years old, the flat was originally a dark and constricted space with a layout typical of flats of that age. The kitchen was large, and a storeroom sat between the living area from the kitchen. The unit also had an L-shaped living area that separated the two bedrooms.
“The goal was to open up the space and create a Scandinavian-themed home with a minimalist aesthetic. Originally, it was very messy and cramped, with not enough light to have an airy feel and cross ventilation,” Amanda explains. She also aimed for a design that matches the owner’s personality and needs.
Complete Transformation
Therefore, a total makeover was in order. The idea was to go with contrasting colours instead of a light Scandinavian palette. Keeping the original terrazzo flooring, the team jazzed it up with wood-looking vinyl flooring. The once-cluttered flat is streamlined yet engaging, thanks to textures, lines, and contrasting colours.
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Living Room
Knocking down walls and reconfiguring the layout, the team transformed the living area into a cosy one with natural light and cross ventilation. With no walls around the bedroom, reeded sliding doors can be used to close off the area when needed.
Thanks to the spacious free-flowing space, the owner can use the entire living area to gather with her family and friends. Of note is the design feature in blue, which grounds the whole space with its steadfast, curved lines.
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Guest & Study Room
Now a study that doubles up as a guest room, it is equipped with a murphy bed from Spaceman. There are also storage solutions for it to be a comfortable room for a guest. At other times, the area functions as a study for the owner.
Removing the walls blurs the boundaries between the L-shaped living area and bedrooms. The design team also installed a customised display unit with cabinets behind the sofa.
“Since the store room was demolished, we included storage solutions for bulky items like luggage as well,” Amanda says.
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Dining Room
Removing the old storeroom is pivotal in bringing more light and cross-ventilation. The living area opens directly into the kitchen, with a cosy dining area outside.
An extendable dining table from Danish Design Co., which can be converted from a single-person dining set to one that accommodates six persons, gives the owner flexibility. The kitchen counter provides additional seating for the owner’s guests.
She loves to bake, so it serves as a comfortable worktop too.
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Kitchen
A big draw of old flats like this is the spacious kitchen, and the overhaul reveals its potential. The L-shaped configuration and the placement of appliances aid in smooth workflow. Of note, the full-height cabinets on one side make the most of the kitchen without constricting it.
Amanda introduced the same shade of blue here for consistency. Patterned wall tiles match the original flooring.
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Bathroom
Another significant move was the extension of the bathroom space. As a result, it can accommodate a standout sink with customised storage.
Lifting it off the floor aids cleaning, and the lit-up mirror adds depth. The new layout also accommodates a shower area that can be closed off. The consistent use of blue, grey and woodgrains imbues this unit with a calming feel that can be experienced from one space to another.
More importantly, by thinking beyond boundaries, Amanda has revitalised this home. Additionally, keeping the old flooring is a nod to the old flat, even as it has been rejuvenated for a new owner.