This Bidadari five-room flat has playful touches for a modern, industrial look

Ong Wei Sheng, lead designer of Earth Interior, had conceptualised a timeless, modern look for the home to address the couple’s brief. A neutral palette of deep grey, walnut, and off-white tones was used to both anchor the space and act as a backdrop for the vibrantly-coloured toys and artwork. “This helps them to stand out and shine,” says Wei Sheng.

The couple’s toy collection includes popular icons such as the shark from Japanese brand A Bathing Ape and Bearbrick figurines. Paired with their choice of artwork, which includes Rennaisance-style paintings hung casually in the kitchen and bedroom, they give the home a playful personality.

In the background, deep colours and raw finishes lend the home an industrial look, balanced out by luxe brass and marble accents. The TV wall in the living room, for example, features brass inlays set against a backdrop of concrete. Wei Sheng also added interesting accents with pops of colour, such as the striking navy-blue sofa, and lighter elements like the rattan bar stools.

Since the couple frequently hosts gatherings, proper spatial flow between the communal areas was essential. Wei Sheng made this a priority in the design, proposing two separate but linked spaces — the dining area and the dry kitchen area — that guests could move between freely. As the couple does not cook often, they decided to go with a larger dry kitchen and smaller separate wet kitchen, maximising the space outside for entertainment.

“We also proposed having the dining table behind the sofa so that those in the living room and dining room can interact with each other,” shares Wei Sheng. “The homeowners spend most of their day here as well, so we made sure there were different spaces for entertainment, relaxation, and meals, but all joined together.”

Most of the furniture was either sourced locally from the Tan Boon Liat building, or custom-made from overseas. The brass and marble coffee table, for instance, was made to order on Taobao. The rattan dining chairs and bar stools were also custom pieces ordered from Malaysia as a complement to the rustic suar wood of the dining table. Set against the industrial finishes of the home, the personality of the furniture and accessories sparkles.

The renovation process took two months and cost about $55,000. Although it was a challenge sourcing and pulling together the different elements of this home, Wei Sheng says he enjoyed it very much due to the easy-going nature of the homeowners. “From the first meeting, we knew we could work well together,” he says.

Photography: Earth Interior

This article was first published in Home and Decor.

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