One flat, many looks

From country to Peranakan to modern, this HDB maisonette has them all

The living room, which has a country feel, houses a collection of kooky knick-knacks, an old sewing machine that is now a charming table as well as modern black-and-white pictures. — PHOTOS: WONG WEI LIANG; ART DIRECTION: CARRIE TAN; TEXT: JACQUELINE TAN

Industrial-chic cement flooring visually unites the dining area(foreground), which has a Peranakan theme, with the sleek, monochromatic kitchen (background).. — PHOTOS: WONG WEI LIANG; ART DIRECTION: CARRIE TAN; TEXT: JACQUELINE TAN

The stairwell, which used to be dark, now enjoys plenty of light, thanks to the French door that has replaced a wall in the master bedroom. — PHOTOS: WONG WEI LIANG; ART DIRECTION: CARRIE TAN; TEXT: JACQUELINE TAN

HDB void decks and dumpsters are not the usual places where you would pick up furniture.

But it was in such unlikely spots that Mr Lawrence Ng, an executive search consultant, and his wife June salvaged a discarded sewing machine and an old cupboard for their three-room HDB maisonette in Clementi.

The sewing machine has been converted into a charming table in their living room and the cupboard now stores crockery.

‘You’d be surprised at the things that are dumped at HDB void decks,’ says MrNg with a laugh. ‘Many have a genuine ‘retro’ or ‘antique’ feel. Plus, they add character to the home.’

Lest you think the 1,700 sq ft home to their family of four – the couple have two young sons – is all old-world charm, think again.

The Peranakan feel of the dining area, which sits in front of the main door, gives way to a modish black-and-white scheme in the kitchen.

‘The kitchen is probably the only area that has nothing old or retro,’ says Mr Ng. ‘We wanted a mishmash of looks for the different areas. We didn’t want any one look to dominate.’

That was the brief they gave interior designer Angela Tantry of Metaphor Studio.

Hence, the ‘open’ dining space.

Part of it occupies an area that used to be the common corridor leading to the flat. The Ngs bought the L-shaped corridor from HDB and turned it into a space for meal times with a view of the lush greenery outside and a dining-at-the-balcony atmosphere.

Cement flooring gives the front part of the apartment a raw look. Stainless steel strips between the cement slabs create an industrial edge and help prevent the cement surface from developing hairline cracks.

The rest of the first floor is a bold display of clashing styles and hues – maroon walls in the study and fire-engine red walls and floor of the bathroom next to the kitchen.

Earthy tones

The strong shades, in addition to demonstrating the owners’ penchant for daring colours, demarcate the various sections of the apartment.

Colours soften in the living room, with summery green walls, terracotta floor tiles and a brick wall for an earthy, country feel.

‘We deliberately went for bricks with uneven surfaces. The rougher and more uneven, the better – it makes the wall more ‘natural’,’ says Ms Tantry.

The awkward corner under the staircase is sealed with panels, creating storage space.

The living room is a museum of sorts, showcasing kooky knick- knacks collected from around the region that contrast with the modern black-and-white pictures above the sofa.

The assault of colours and objects on the first floor takes a backseat to a more subdued tone in the private areas on the second floor, which contains warm hues and sleek touches.

The wall of the master bedroom nearest the staircase is partially removed to fit a French door with windows running down its length, so the room is breezy.

Adding a window also lets light into the dark stairwell.

These little details make the apartment a comfortable, liveable home that transcends trends.

This spread first appeared in this month’s issue of Home & Decor, published by SPH Magazines.

Out now: For more tips on stylish living, pick up this month’s issue of Home & Decor, published by SPH Magazines.

Source : Straits Times – 17 Oct 2009