It is probably every interior designer's dream to be told to "just go wild with the ideas".

This was exactly what housemates Kong Chek Yong and Kenneth Ang told Linear Space Concepts' Yiap Yiyun. The duo had a wish list of ideas for the four-room HDB flat in Old Airport Road, including neon lights, strong colours, iron grilles and patterned Peranakan-like tiles, but they were also open to other ways of working the various elements together to create something unique.

Sources of inspiration for this melange were hip cafes and various W Hotels - the brand is known for its distinctive statement-making style - around the world, says the well- travelled Mr Kong, who is in his 30s.

But while a smorgasbord of fun concepts makes for interesting interiors, it takes an expert eye to balance the contrasting styles to create a look that is aesthetically appealing.

The designer took on that challenge and the result - costing $84,000 - is nothing short of stunning and striking, without being haphazard or obtrusive.

The designer's deft approach ensured that the main visual focus of each area was clearly defined, while complementing the harmonious flow of the space.

A key principle for the 970 sq ft home's design was to adhere to a colour scheme that comprised not more than two main accent colours in each space. For example, it is orange and blue for the living area; and red and green for the kitchen.

There is also a consistent geometric theme to tie the spaces together.

There are standout features at every turn, with various materials being creatively put to good use.

The view after guests enter the home is one of a "cargo container" sitting right in the middle of the apartment. To achieve this effect, the designer cladded a wall with corrugated metal hoarding panels spray- painted in cheery sunny yellow.

This "cargo container" also conceals the doors to the common bathroom and master bedroom. Old- school metal grilles double as dividers in the living room.

In the study, the cupboard was made with wooden planks reclaimed from old houses in Malaysia.

As for the furniture and decor, Mr Kong sourced most of them from his travels. They include the workshop lamps above the dining table from Chatuchak market in Bangkok as well as the glass pendant lamp in the living room - one of his favourite pieces - he bought from Chinese shopping website Taobao.

Interesting textures, eye-catching details and vibrant colours flow together with hand-picked finds, creating an abode that is inspiring and comfortable.

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•This article first appeared in the March issue of Home & Decor, which is published by SPH Magazines. Get the March and latest issue now at all newsstands and download the digital edition of Home & Decor from the App Store, Magzter and Google Play. Also, see more inspiring homes on www.homeanddecor.com.sg