In today’s economy, forking out for a flat white and croissant only makes sense if you’re paying for the ambience too. But for a pair of new homeowners in Clementi, that cosy cafe experience is now just a few steps from the bedroom.
“The homeowners wanted a cafe-inspired space that mixes different styles to give off the perfect mix of charming and chill,” said Keith and Reyen, the interior designers from Key Concept who were behind the project.
That vision comes through immediately in the foyer, which swaps a standard entryway for a gently curved one.
“The curved feature breaks away from the typical rigid lines of an HDB layout. We introduced it because the homeowners wanted to create a sense of privacy when entering the home and soften the look of the entrance.”
The curve, while visually striking, presented design challenges. Space planning was key to ensure the shape didn’t interfere with the functionality of nearby zones. Detailing was also crucial to maintain a smooth, seamless arc.
Material selection played a big role in tying everything together. Maroon metro tiles, reminiscent of a bakery counter, were used to line the entry, while glass blocks brought in a nostalgic, homely touch and helped diffuse light. Paired with warm ambient lighting and a suspended cement bench, the space feels like a waiting area within a stylish cafe (minus the queue).
“We catered a space in between the foyer and the kitchen, where the homeowners created a coffee bar with off-the-shelf furniture,” they explained.
“The homeowners had very good taste in picking furniture, most of the furniture was sourced by them without consulting us.”
That coffee bar, with its mid-century modern flair, defines the vibe of the rest of the flat. The living area leans into the look with low-profile dark walnut furniture and soft furnishings in cream and forest green. At night, a variety of table lamps cast a moody glow over the space.
In the dining area, a sculptural akari paper lamp becomes the centrepiece above a curved built-in settee paired with mismatched chairs.
“We integrated it with the peninsula so the kitchen and dining feels unified, and so the homeowners can interact with their guests over the counter.”
To make the most of the kitchen’s natural light, the homeowners chose textured artisan alabaster tiles for the backsplash. The designers noted that lighter tiles can show dirt more easily, but proper sealing and regular cleaning go a long way, and are a small price the homeowners are willing to pay.
This warm, earthy palette continues in the common bathroom, which echoes the same curves, metro tiles, and timber textures used throughout the home. The wooden tones intensify in the master bathroom, creating an onsen-like vibe within the shower area while blue wall tiles signal a calming shift to cooler hues.
“The homeowners wanted to clearly define the areas for resting and getting ready, so we proposed to house the bed in the common bedroom, and the wardrobe and vanity in the master bedroom.”
This delineation allows early risers to get ready without disturbing their partner, with the master bathroom just a few steps from the dressing area. Here, an L-shaped wardrobe with an integrated vanity, clad in textured laminate, maximises the space while keeping visual weight to a minimum. The calming design ensures mornings begin with ease and quiet—a fitting finale to the home relaxed atmosphere.
