New homeowners often borrow ideas from their favourite haunts, whether it’s the cosiness of a café or the zen atmosphere of a spa. One aesthetic that consistently makes the mood board is the Aesop store, famed for its organic curves and stone finishes. That was the exact brief handed to interior designer Benjamin Toh of M2D Interior Design and Consultancy when he was tasked to reinvent a BTO flat in western Singapore.
“The theme here is minimalist, with an emphasis on clean lines and soft curves. Apart from the Aesop look, the homeowners also had fengshui requirements,” Benjamin explained.
As it turned out, the Aesop aesthetic played nicely with fengshui principles. Curves represent flow, while stone elements add a grounding touch of nature.
These come into view as soon as one enters the foyer, demarcated by a single plane that shields the communal spaces from prying eyes while serving as a shoe cabinet. For two homeowners who love hosting but value privacy, this small detail makes all the difference. The trick was getting the measurements right.
“We had to ensure that the entry width felt generous, the shoe cabinet aligned with the main door, and that there was enough space for a 1.2-metre dining table,” Benjamin shared.
In the kitchen, Benjamin’s placement of the stove, sink, and fridge in the kitchen ticks the fengshui boxes while honouring the classic working triangle. Other appliances, including the robot vacuum, were tucked neatly into the carpentry as soft curves lent the space a cave-like cosiness. Shaping the curve above the sink, however, was no walk in the park.
“We had to conceal the pipes neatly. The length allowance had to be just right, about 5 to 10 millimetres, or it would mean a major rework,” he recalled.
The natural palette continues into the dry pantry, where drinks, snacks, and collectibles are displayed in easy reach of guests.
“The idea was to maximise storage, keep it uncluttered, and still be simple to maintain,” Benjamin added.
Across the room, the dining area holds its own charm, anchored by a paper lamp and sketches of the homeowner’s prized toy. Displayed in the niche alongside the latter, it adds a dash of personality without overwhelming the minimalist look and feel.
Adding to the minimalist appeal is the Samsung Frame TV, ready to pass off as wall art when it isn’t streaming the latest K-drama. The living room scores another win with a boucle sofa that looks custom-made yet fits without fuss.
Venturing down the hallway, one quickly realises that the master bedroom had been upsized by merging with another room. Fengshui played a role here too.
“The homeowners did not want the bedhead to face the toilet entrance, as it could cause sleep interruptions,” Benjamin explained.
A minimalist glass door with fluted panels lends privacy while allowing light to filter through, keeping the bathroom bright yet discreet.
With this setup, the original master bedroom transforms into a walk-in wardrobe, making post-shower dressing a breeze and serving as a reminder that fengshui and functionality can go hand in hand.
Learn more about M2 Decor’s approach to functional, thoughtful interiors here.
