No storeroom? No stress. Here’s how Lynn and her interior designer Colin made every inch of their 3-bedder condominium work.
A year ago, Lynn and her family upgraded from their three-bedroom HDB flat to a new three-bedder at Treasure at Tampines. It doesn’t sound like much of a change, except one, they bade goodbye to a storeroom and two, it would be the home where their 10- and 14-year-old boys would spend their teenage years in. With the guidance of Colin from Renozone, their chosen interior designer, Lynn and her husband set out to create a clutter-free and cosy environment as their family begins a new chapter.
Previously, Lynn had a penchant for modular furniture, which she could rearrange on a whim to keep the decor fresh. However, the setup in their new home demanded a pivot towards built-in features, starting from the kitchen.
The first order of business was to maximise storage space here, even if it meant kicking the fridge to the foyer. In its place are new, handleless cabinets that maintain a sleek appearance while housing her small appliances and keeping the countertop clean.
Initially, Lynn, like most homeowners who opted for an open kitchen, was concerned about lingering cooking odours, but these worries proved unfounded with an induction hob, which complemented the black backsplash and worktop. Highlighted by under-cabinet lighting, they exude a modern luxe vibe that flows right into the living room.
Illuminated by glass pendant lamps and centered around a cosy marble table, the dining room is the true heart of the home, and where the family gathers for dinner at the end of each day. Though modest in size, the fluted panels stretch the room’s dimensions, with full-length mirrors delivering the illusion of space while allowing the family to check their reflections on their way out.
With most of the communal areas decked out in greige, Colin defined the living area by designing a gray TV feature wall. It incorporates additional storage and a display cabinet spotlighting the couple’s liquor collection—a combination that might have been clunky if not for the floating console below. To keep things airy, the couple also ditched the bulkier L-shaped sofas for sleek recliners, making the space versatile for both relaxing evenings and social events. Whether they’re enjoying movie night or the company of their friends over a dinner party, the spotlights, LED strips, and cove lighting can all be controlled from Lynn’s smartphone.
Lynn’s judicious use of space and appreciation for lighting extends to the two bedrooms down the corridor. The boys’ room features a nifty pullout bed and a long study table with a rounded edge that tricks the eye into seeing more space than there really is. Not to be outdone, the master bedroom features an integrated headboard with built-in lighting—ideal for winding down with a good read or film before bed.
These days, few master bedrooms are spacious enough to accommodate a dresser. Remarkably, Colin and Lynn had converted the narrow walkway between the storage bed and wardrobe into one. Complete with power outlets for grooming devices, it doubles as a charging station for the couple’s personal devices as they sleep through the night.
As condominium units get smaller, Lynn’s renovation journey illustrates how intelligent design can effectively overcome space limitations. Built-ins don’t have to dominate a room; instead, with thoughtful design elements, it’s entirely possible to include all the functional features you need without overwhelming the space.
Visit Renozone today to explore customised design solutions tailored to your lifestyle.
