Finance couple’s sleek Tampines apartment with a high-contrast palette

SINGAPORE – For their first home purchase and renovation, the owners of this home wanted a striking palette and textures, with stand-out features such as a living room bar.

The couple, who are in their early 30s and work in finance, hired home-grown studio DistinctIdentity to work on the three-bedroom condominium.

The 936 sq ft unit is decked out in earthy, elegant greys, browns and off-whites, with materials such as stone and wood for texture – perfect for the couple’s desired concept of “modern luxury with a hint of nature”.

Though one of the bedrooms was converted into a yoga and exercise room, the renovation was not a complete overhaul. The bathrooms and kitchen are original, as is the floor tiling.

The home owners say of the style: “We’re drawn to a sleek, classic aesthetic – something minimal yet timeless that brings a sense of calm and intention into our daily lives.

“Our style is chill and relaxed. We love listening to music, reading, and having a quiet space to clear our minds and focus on the work that needs to get done.”

Their favourite space is the living room, which was also the first area the team designed.

“It’s where we relax on the couch, enjoy music through our sound system, and unwind while facing the stone feature wall,” the couple say. “It gives off such a calming and comfortable vibe.”

Opposite the custom-built television wall feature, which blends seamlessly with the owners’ wine coolers and bar pantry, is a brown leather sofa. A piece of art provides a pop of colour, while a stucco wall – redone in a stone finish softer than the TV wall’s – adds dimension. Recessed ceiling lighting was installed for a more ambient vibe. Adjacent to this space is a cosy balcony, from which natural light filters through.

Of the TV feature wall, the couple say: “This layout isn’t typical, but we felt the space could handle it. We took a lot of careful measurements to ensure we weren’t compromising on functionality or design.

“It paid off. This area is now one of the most talked-about features when guests visit.”

Intended as a mountain-like surface, the main feature wall comprises two layers. The 3D part is crafted from low-maintenance polyurethane stone. The TV set sits on a flat laminate, and a space for cable management leads to a custom-built plywood-and-laminate console unit below.

Directly next to the TV console is a small wine cooler fridge, as the owners often entertain. Nearby is a wine bar, which has a sintered-stone counter chosen for its durability.

In the dining area, near the front door, is a built-in bench opposite the pantry, which serves as a spot to sit or put on shoes. A low, eight-seater island doubles as a dining table and storage for glasses and cutlery.

Instead of adding bulky carpentry to separate public and private, the interior designers used light to do so. There is a clear transition from the lighter living and dining areas to the bedrooms, where darker shades are introduced via the corridor’s painted walls and mirrored ceiling with LED lighting.

The master bedroom was kept simple with LED mood lighting and a custom headboard that matches the materials used outside. The two-tone wall features dark taupe on the bottom half and light grey on top.

As the owners work from home, one bedroom has been converted into a home office. The desk faces the windows to take advantage of the natural light.

A slate-grey structure encapsulates the bespoke two-seater desk, with fluted WPC (wood-plastic composite) panels to mirror the living room’s style. The floating display shelves are curved, both for safety and to soften the look of the space.

The renovation took about eight weeks to complete and cost $30,000. The couple moved into the unit in December 2024.