The home owners of this new HDB four-room flat in Punggol, Ms Ashley Foo and her husband, wanted an industrial-rustic look, but could not find the right interior designer to interpret and execute the style.
Then they met contractor Tan Cheng Chuan of Exquisite Art Furniture Interior Decoration, who was willing to take on the challenge of building the customised designs they wanted, as well as provide basic design direction.
Without an interior designer, it was difficult to visualise the end product, but Ms Foo and her husband took the risk. It paid off.
At a renovation cost of $50,000 - this included the customised furniture - they achieved their dream home.
Working closely with Mr Tan, the couple created the industrial look by choosing materials such as concrete-look tiles for the flooring and black subway and metal tiles for the kitchen backsplash.
As the couple also wanted a rustic charm in the 1,000 sq ft home to soften the masculine industrial look, they picked Peranakan-style tiles from material supplier Hafary.
They used the tiles to create a pathway to the master bedroom from the living area.
The washrooms have wooden barn-inspired doors and decorative knick-knacks in the kitchen enhance the cottage feel.
A distinctive feature of the interior is the use of wood-like surfaces, from the laminates for the walk-in wardrobe to the bathroom floor tiles.
Ms Foo says: "Since Mr Tan is more familiar with wood, we trusted his taste in the choice of grains to use."
As for furniture, the contractor fashioned a television console out of wooden planks and concrete blocks and built the couple a pipe-and-wood shelf in the study.
To avoid a home dominated by greys and browns, the home owners introduced some bold- coloured furniture pieces.
The pink sofa from Castlery is the focal point of the living area and sits beside a mint-green cabinet which houses Ms Foo's collection of dolls.
Artworks the couple collected over the years dot the space. The dining table and bench made by Singapore design workshop Peng Handcrafted sport orange metal pipe legs and a wooden top.
Ms Foo says: "With the pink sofa and red sideboard in the same area, we were afraid the colours might clash, but they worked well together."
• This article first appeared in the December 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 theAppStore, Magzter and GooglePlay. Also, see more inspiring homes on www.homeanddecor.com.sg
• If you have a Housing Board flat or condominium apartment you would like featured, e-mail your pictures, with the header The Chic Apartment, to stlife@sph.com.sg
