The Chic Home: Balance and simplicity in bachelorette’s Tanjong Rhu condo unit

SINGAPORE – Having worked with local design agency DistinctIdentity twice, the owner of this unit at Water Place, Tanjong Rhu, engaged the team again to refurbish the apartment with a modern contemporary aesthetic.

Recruitment professional Ms Kim – who is in her 50s and lives alone – paid about $70,000 for the renovation, which took eight weeks.

Ms Kim, who did not give her full name, opted for custom carpentry throughout her home to conceal clutter and create a clear spatial flow. Sleek, low-profile furniture in elegant neutrals accentuates the open layout.

In the living area is a white sofa, paired with a minimalist coffee table and subtle, textured accents that add depth without being overwhelming. The room’s clean lines and airy feel create a calm, refined environment.

The designers also chose earth tones to make the space feel welcoming.

The living area initially had a sharp corner by the television wall and beside the windows, which Ms Kim disliked.

To address this, the design team installed a cabinet that not only softened the angle, but also added storage. Copper-like accents were subtly integrated through metal inlays on the TV wall and cabinetry.

Ms Kim’s master bedroom features soft, cool tones that exude calm – ideal for winding down after a long day. The headboard behind the bed has subtle wood panelling that brings warmth to the room without drawing too much attention.

Most of the furniture here, from the curved twin lamps to the rounded ottoman, was chosen with a focus on simplicity and curved edges to avoid harsh lines.

The bathroom continues the home’s modern theme. A black-framed sliding glass door demarcates the shower area, adding contrast to the light tiles. Stone-textured tiles on the floor and walls foster a sense of groundedness and create a contemporary look.

With the carefully considered combination of rounded edges and harmonious hues, positive energy flows freely throughout the home.