A penchant for nostalgia was the guiding principle for the design and renovation of this three-room HDB flat at Crawford Lane. Belonging to a couple, the flat is situated in what was once known as Sio Po, or “small town”, on the East side of the Singapore River during the olden days.
The homeowners wanted to pay tribute to the area’s rich heritage by infusing a sense of nostalgia into what would otherwise be a contemporary approach. “We came up with the ideas together to bring back the [retro] vibes and feeling of nostalgia,” says Happe Design Atelier, whom the couple engaged for the design. The result is a airy yet cosy home accented by rich wood tones and patterned tilework that harks back to yesteryear.
AT A GLANCE
Home: Three-room HDB flat in Crawford Lane
Size: 78 sqm
Who lives here: A couple
ID: Happe Design Atelier
To open up the space, Happe Design Atelier reconfigured the 3-room HDB layout by removing the walls from one bedroom.
Tinted mirrors were used to create the illusion of a larger space. A regular mirror would have been too contemporary, but the sepia tint lends the living area a retro touch. It also complements the warm woodwork and the green leather sofa beautifully.
The rich panelled woodwork instantly elevates the dining area while providing concealment for storage. The space doesn’t feel dark, thanks to plenty of natural light.
Banquette seating allows room for plenty more should the homeowners have guests over. For smaller spaces, this is a great way to save room.
At one end of the dining room is a bar table that doubles up as a home office space in a pinch.
The other end leads through to the kitchen via a set of panelled glass doors with a distinctively colonial feel.
The kitchen is minimalist, featuring the same panelled woodwork on the cabinetry complemented by a marble backsplash with a subtle vein.
(Read also “Minimalist Home Decor Ideas That Will Make Your HDB Or Condo Look Spacious“)
Keeping the plumbing exposed lends an retro-utilitarian touch, softened by the patterned tilework and plants.
There’s plenty more storage in this area.
Reconfiguring the home allowed for a bigger master bedroom. Here, the bronze-mirrored headboard echoes the sepia-tinted mirror in the living area, contrasting with the pronounced wood grain for visual balance. Clean lines help to keep the look contemporary.
This article was first published in Home and Decor.