Cool industrial style, warm vibe
MARRIED couple Ng Wan Ting and Desmond Peh wanted an industrial theme for their new home because they felt the style would give it an open and unpretentious vibe.
But to tone down the harshness of the look, the couple and their designer, Kelvin Teo, opted for neutral tones such as brown and grey, as well as unique custommade furniture for a more downto-earth feel.
Ng, 33, says that while they knew they wanted an industrial theme for the 109sq m five-room flat in Sengkang, Singapore, they were not sure what furnishings would fit the look. So much of the furnishing decisions were left to Teo, who runs Singapore-based Space Sense Studio. The firm designed all of the custom-made furniture.
The kitchen cabinet and countertops are made from plywood and laminated with a wood finish, which gives them a warmer appearance.
Ng says the dining table, which is also made from plywood and topped with a sheet of quartz, has received many compliments from friends for being big and functional.
In the living room is a custommade high table, supported by metal legs with a lattice pattern that are filled with rocks to anchor the table. This is where the couple play computer games on their laptops.
Peh, 37, says their favourite game is World Of Warcraft.
Behind it is a set of metal storage lockers that have been spraypainted black and decorated with safety tape. The couple, both accountants in the food and beverage industry, got the used lockers for free from a warehouse.
Teo, 42, says: “Placing the lockers at different heights gives them a stacked look, which adds interest.”
Adding a vintage classic look is one of the couple’s favourite pieces: a brown leather chesterfield sofa they bought from English bespoke furniture company Timeless Chesterfields.
Ng says: “I like it for its antique feel and low maintenance.”
The industrial theme continues in the master bedroom.
A floor-to-ceiling wardrobe with a dark wood laminate fitted with steel pipes takes up an entire wall.
The bathroom has a custommade white barn door that has been made to look weathered, giving the room a homey feel.
What the couple find especially useful is the custom-made mobile cabinet in the same wood finish as thewardrobe.Asitisfittedwith glass panels on top, Ng says she can display her jewellery. It can be moved anywhere in the bedroom as it is fitted with wheels.
The renovation, which cost S$100,000 (RM315,000) with furnishings, took six months to complete.
The couple, who have no children and had moved in last year, enjoy watching television and trying out new recipes.
“We like to watch dramas and, sometimes, we’ll cook if we find an interesting dish,” says Ng, who adds that they also get really good views from their 23-storey flat.
“On Chinese New Year, we saw fireworks outside.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Calling homeowners, designers, architects, and anyone who appreciates beautiful spaces: share some photos at star2@thestar.com.my and we will feature the space in these pages.