How To Create A Cosy Scandinavian-Style HDB Flat
Be inspired by this apartment's marriage of unique hues and clever spatial design that gives it a harmonious and comfortable look and feel
Trying to combine Scandinavian-style interiors with Eastern influences of harmony and balance may not sound like it could work, but this modern and cosy 645-sqf HDB flat in Tiong Bahru is proof that it does. Working with interior designer Ken Lee of Space Matters and a fengshui master, homeowner Carole Chow wanted her home to be a comfortable and airy space to relax in, which also encourages balance through the use of colours.
To achieve this, Ken created a quintessential Scandinavian look for the home. In the living room, he installed vinyl floor strips in a birch wood tone, and full height veneer panels in white ash wood - part of the overall $60,000 renovation cost. These elements balance out the strong colours used in each room - which were recommended by the geomancer - and also made the home airy and spacious. In following the geomancer's instructions, "we were more flexible with the hues, to keep with the light wood tones of Scandinavian interiors. Instead of bright red for the kitchen and blue for the study, we chose more complex hues such as magenta and cyan," says Ken. Green comes in the form of the Classic Stem wallpaper by Orla Kiely.
COLOUR TIP: As multiple colours were going to be used throughout the home, both the furniture and built-in shelves featured clean lines and simple designs.
The harmonious combination must have worked, as it resulted in the simple, relaxing home she wanted - a cosy place where she now entertains her friends.
Text: Eliza Hamizah/Home&Decor/Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew
Photos: Darren Chang