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Project 26, Singapore

Creating a home that is both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing can be challenging, but interior designers Jack and Jia Hui of Resistance rose to the challenge when designing a 47sqm/505sqft apartment in Ghim Moh Link, Singapore. The designers wanted to create a living space that would develop a patina over time and tell a story, while also retaining the original bones of the apartment.

One of the main challenges was to maintain airflow while opening up the space. To achieve this, the designers demolished part of the wall beside the main door to create a dramatic first impression upon entering the flat. This aspect of the kitchen seamlessly unified the green colour scheme, which extended beyond the floors to the walls, ceiling, cupboard entry, and countertops.

In addition to the challenge of creating an open space with unified colour schemes, the designers had to contend with the bomb shelter that is common in Singaporean homes. They painted the unsightly metal door of the bomb shelter to blend into the nearby area and used the space for storage, a Polaroid, and other miscellaneous items.

The living room and bedroom make up the majority of the apartment, and the designers used a minimalist white scheme in the living room to create a sharp contrast, a visual cue to slow down and rest. Most of the furniture has legs to raise them off the ground, making the furniture appear less heavy and the space more spacious.

The kitchen continues the same colour scheme as the entrance, with green cabinets, floor, and walls. White mosaic tiles were selected to lighten up the space, and a dark navy blue countertop adds an eclectic color twist. Switches and plugs were thoughtfully hidden beneath the top hung cabinet as a detail.

The bedroom entrance is through a door from the living room, and the design language is the same neutral and airy look. Large windows provide natural light, and a mirror adds to the overall airy feel. A bed with adjustable wall storage and hanging storage provides flexibility.

The bathroom also has a consistent look, with mosaic house floor-to-ceiling white mosaic panels used to enlarge the space visually. A half-height walk along the back of the shower was designed to place shampoo bottles without breaking the design language. Epoxy flooring was used in the living and bedroom areas to create a smooth, bright, and seamless look that reveals the traffic and story of the home over time.

By understanding the clients’ lifestyles, the designers were able to curate what was to be hidden and what was to be displayed in the small space, creating a consistent look that gave the entire apartment a bigger and more spacious feel.

Images by NeverTooSmall