Minimalist resort, colonial Indochine and American farmhouse – these three styles sound like an unlikely design mishmash and yet, they work harmoniously in this HDB maisonette in Jurong West. The homeowners were also passionate about unwinding at home and living a well-rounded lifestyle. As such, our designer focused on an open floor plan and spaces with lots of textures, ample light and good air flow to evoke tranquil living and to be conducive for entertaining. Concrete planters were also constructed in areas for gardening and to allude to the idea of a Bali villa. Most of the original walls have been demolished to cater for open plan living, like the first level’s utility room which was knocked down to extend the kitchen. With its removal, the kitchen now presents a much more spacious visage – perfect to accommodate shaker-style cabinets and a generous farmhouse-inspired sink. Form meets function too where the kitchen cabinets conceal effective storage solutions, such as slide-out pantry drawers to organise and retrieve items easily. Framing the entrance of the kitchen is a curved archway. It echoes the graceful curvature of the peninsula counter outfitted with a Dekton Edora countertop, and ties in nicely with the organic forms found in other parts of the home. The staircase has been designed with undulating curves. We wanted to express a softer minimalist detail with these curved elements. The stairs were also modified with a directional change and lights have been added to illuminate the steps for the kids’ safety. On the other side of the living area lies the original balcony which has now been converted into a dining area. It adds to a larger expanse of space for the homeowners to entertain more guests comfortably. A glass awning has replaced the previous balcony roof, allowing lots of daylight to enter the communal zones. This concept of ‘connection’ is something that’s repeated throughout the villa-inspired home, and in thoughtful ways that encourage many moments for meaningful bonding. Click here to begin your renovation journey with Insight.Out Studio.
