Queenstown HDB flat a Zen zone for software engineer and his cat

SINGAPORE – Software engineer Andi knew exactly what he wanted his first flat to be: a clutter-free, wood-toned sanctuary where every room serves a clear purpose.

The result, realised with interior designer Lim Siling of LXY Designers & Builders, is a home that embodies both philosophy and practicality.

Each room of his 1,055 sq ft resale HDB flat in Strathmore Avenue was designed with intent: the study for focus, the bedroom for rest and the living room for relaxation and the occasional late-night work call.

For Andi, who did not give his full name, greenery was always part of the plan for the four-room flat. But he was worried about insects and about his pet cat nibbling on the foliage. He compromised with a preserved bonsai, placed at the entrance as a symbol of serenity.

At the heart of the home is a sculptural dining table which transformed the entire look of the home.

Andi had originally wanted a light palette inspired by Japanese brand Muji, but when he spotted a dark walnut resin table at Singapore furniture retailer Grey & Sanders, he could not let it go – another customer’s interest in the piece spurred him to buy it on the spot.

That choice set off a chain reaction. The lighter woods were replaced with darker laminates and the palette shifted towards bolder, deeper tones.

Although the living room was conceived as a place of calm, it also doubles as Andi’s late-night workspace, as he often has meetings scheduled on US time.

By day, he works in the study, where a standing desk, ergonomic chair and soundproofed walls create a zone for deep focus – along with a “cat condo” at the bay window for Andi’s feline friend.

The corridor is a transitional space that helps Andi switch gears between activities. The multiple concealed sliding doors blend seamlessly into the dark panelled walls when shut, creating an almost meditative feeling.

Patterned glass for the kitchen door prevents cooking smells from escaping. Some doors also have flaps for the cat to move freely between rooms.

The galley kitchen is finished in deep tones with stone-look counters and under-cabinet lighting. Storage is concealed behind flush panels, with the household shelter door also blending into the cabinetry.

In the master bedroom, the bay window has been concealed by Andi’s king-size platform bed with built-in storage. The dark palette here creates cocoon-like conditions for deep sleep, complete with heavy curtains and soft lighting.

In a play on contrasts, one bathroom has been designed to be light and the other dark. The guest bathroom, finished in pale tiles and warm lighting, feels open and spa-like. In contrast, the master bathroom is an atmospheric, calming space with stone-effect tiles and wood tones.

For Andi, the contrast between the two reflects the same balance he has sought throughout the home. One is bright and uplifting, ideal for starting the day, while the other is a place to wind down.

The renovation took about four months and cost around $142,600, including carpentry.