THE CHIC APARTMENT

Toys and art for bachelor pad

Framed art prints and toy figurines add pops of colour to the monochromatic home of digital marketing manager Christopher Kurt Loy

The black-and-white palette in the living room (above) of the five-room HDB flat in Sengkang extends into the bedroom (below). The white DJ console in the living room of Mr Christopher Kurt Loy (above) has been custom-made to hide its cables.
The white DJ console in the living room of Mr Christopher Kurt Loy (above) has been custom-made to hide its cables. PHOTO: GIN TAY FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
The black-and-white palette in the living room (above) of the five-room HDB flat in Sengkang extends into the bedroom (below). The white DJ console in the living room of Mr Christopher Kurt Loy (above) has been custom-made to hide its cables.
The black-and-white palette in the living room (above) of the five-room HDB flat in Sengkang extends into the bedroom. PHOTO: GIN TAY FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

Before he bought his own home, Mr Christopher Kurt Loy had to squash his collection of 15 toy figurines and 4,000 vinyl records as well as DJ equipment in his bedroom at his parents' four-room HDB flat in Hougang.

Now, the 36-year-old, who is in a relationship, can proudly display his belongings throughout his 1,184 sq ft bachelor pad in Sengkang. The digital marketing manager at an advertising agency moved into the five-room HDB flat last month, after a month-long renovation that cost about $20,000.

Mr Loy adopted a black-and- white palette throughout the apartment, which he described as "gloomy" with dark grey walls before the facelift. He repainted the walls white to contrast with the new black wood laminate floor and black spotlights.

The kitchen wall was removed to open up the space and make way for a white counter to divide the space between the dining area and kitchen.

He says: "The previous owner had his belongings and clothes strewn all over the place and it was dirty and unkempt, but I liked the squarish layout of the flat."

The black-and-white palette in the living room of the five-room HDB flat in Sengkang extends into the bedroom (above). PHOTO: GIN TAY FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

His monochromatic pad is clean and modern with a gallery-like vibe. The kitchenis minimalist, with only a black coffee machine and white electric kettle on the counter.

But what adds pops of colours to the home is his toy and art collection, most of which are displayed in the living area.

The walls are decorated with framed art prints by New York artist Kaws, a film poster of 1995 cult Japanese animation Ghost In The Shell and five skateboards with graphics by Oscar-winning American director Spike Jonze.

Underneath the skateboard display is a shelf of toy figurines designed by Kaws and American graffiti artist Futura.

About 1,500 of his 4,000 vinyl records are kept on a white shelf in the living room. The rest are still at his parents' home, a five-minute walk away.

Pointing to a framed print of DC Comics superhero Batman layered over the cover image of English post-punk band Joy Division's 1979 album, Unknown Pleasures, Mr Loy says: "I was into DJ-ing and skate culture and all these are stuff I grew up with."

The laidback home owner started collecting the prints and figurines in his late teens, but could not display them properly when he was living with his parents.

Most of his belongings were then stored in boxes.

A white DJ console sits in the middle of the living area.

The self-professed "neat freak", who spins once a month at Potato Head Club in Keong Saik Road, got the console custom-made so he could hide the unsightly cables.

The minimalist look continues in his bedroom. Apart from a few art prints on the walls or displayed on the floor, the space is sparsely furnished with just a bed and wardrobe.

Mr Loy says: "I've left it empty because I want to sleep in peace."

He is enjoying his "dream pad" and freedom to "have friends over and play my music loudly".

He is also cooking more often. "I stay home most weekends and cook what I see on the Food Network."

•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

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 04, 2016, with the headline Toys and art for bachelor pad. Subscribe