Upon learning that his patrons favored wood grain finishes and pale hues, interior designer Ebenezer Yoon of Mynmyn Studios pictured the Andaz Hotel. He noted that the hotel’s use of timber and off-white shades creates a quiet sense of luxury.
Because the pair share their home with a Shiba Inu and frequently entertain guests, Yoon faced the challenge of maximizing the capacity of their four-room HDB apartment. Their way of life becomes apparent as soon as one steps inside the Potong Pasir residence.
Replacing a typical entryway, Yoon installed a small shoe cupboard topped with a flat shelf for daily items, accompanied by a dry pantry that proves useful for get-togethers. When game evenings occur, visitors instinctively gather around the dining table.
A Customized Space
The dining table, a custom piece measuring 1.5 m square, was built for such events. Its size accommodates extensive layouts, and a sintered finish protects it from spills, impacts, and the vigorous tapping typical of lively gatherings.
If attendees seek a quieter spot, they are guided to the space the owners humorously label their “therapy room”, located only a few steps away. This snug alcove houses their cherished toy collection and serves as a setting for more private chats.
Luxury Touches
A more subdued atmosphere pervades the living area, where Yoon adds a subtle luxury. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet clad in brown leather is balanced by an irregular rug that quickly became the dog’s preferred place to rest.
“The carpet is actually low-pile, so vacuuming the dog hair is much easier,” Yoon explained, noting that the pair also replaced curtains with blinds, which collect less canine fur. He added that sofas and chairs were selected in pet-friendly material, and the floor covering chosen for its high resistance to scratches.
Typically, owners of four-room HDB units must decide between a guest chamber and a study, yet Yoon’s clients retained both functions. To optimize floor space, he removed the partitions of all three sleeping areas, forming the previously mentioned “therapy room” along with two separate bedrooms.
A Functional Layout
One bedroom was converted into a joint study, featuring two desks divided by sliding glass doors, enabling simultaneous video calls for the couple while working remotely. Despite this arrangement, a bed remains in the room, serving as a guest space when required.
The other bedroom became the master suite, equipped with a large wardrobe and two broad nightstands. “The owner wanted a mirror to check themselves out before leaving the house, and it made sense to place it beside the bed where the natural sunlight is great.”
Simultaneously, the mirrors serve to conceal the air-conditioning ducts that remained visible after the remodel. Yoon stated that masking these eyesores proved the most difficult yet satisfying aspect of the project.
“This is one of the few HDB projects where I didn’t keep a single thing, from the layout to materials. It was a drastic transformation, but I feel proud to see whatever I envisioned come to fruition,” Yoon said.