We often feature makeovers of larger-spec HDB flats, but once in a while, we chance upon gems of 2-room BTO units that stop us in our tracks. Case in point: the $45k renovation of a 527sqft Sengkang BTO, designed by The Interior Lab, that looks straight out of a MUJI Hotel property.
Minimalist in style, maximalist in function
Image credit: The Interior Lab
With only 527sqft of space to work with, spread over the home’s bedroom, communal space, toilet, and kitchen, maximising every bit of space becomes a need, rather than a want. With that in mind, the designers at The Interior Lab set out to factor in storage space wherever they could.
Image adapted from: The Interior Lab
This, while keeping in line with the minimalist, clutter-free ethos of MUJI-style design, which was the brief set out for them by the homeowner. Subtle frills come in the form of panelling on the slim-line TV console and a single column of open shelves beside the window for a very curated selection of minimalist decor.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
Instead of going with a standalone dining set, the designers went for a built-in bench along one wall that doubles up as a storage solution. Then, they connected it to the TV console, which then flows into a bench under the windows, and wraps around to form the raised platform of the bedroom.
The lack of clutter creates the impression of spaciousness in this home.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
This seamlessly connects to yet another wall wrapped in similar light wood veneers as literally everything else as far as the eye can see━creating a sense of clean, cohesive harmony throughout the home.
Bedroom marked out by a platform and retractable glass doors
The glass doors split up the living and sleeping areas without interrupting the space and flow of light in the small home.
Image adapted from: The Interior Lab
While other homeowners have the option of knocking down walls to create bigger bedrooms and living spaces, there’s little room for that in this 2-room flexi BTO flat. The space crunch and need for extra storage space were dealt with instead by creating a platform bedroom, which still aligned with the Japanese-style design that they were going for.
Firstly, the illusion of space was created through the lack of a solid wall between the bedroom and living area. On the note of illusions, the same light wood veneer was extended into the bedroom, enrobing the ceiling, walls, and floors.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
The area under the platform also becomes usable storage space for the homeowner, while built-in wardrobes run along one side of the bed.
Sleek bifold doors with cut-out handles maintain the sleek, clean aesthetic of the bedroom.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
MUJI-style kitchen with lots of storage
Image credit: The Interior Lab
Keeping open spaces clear of clutter and mess is a surefire way to make your home look immediately bigger. If that wasn’t apparent enough in the common areas of this flat, the kitchen shows this off to even greater effect━it’s an even smaller and narrower space.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
Both walls of this kitchen are lined with cabinetry, all sans handles for a sleek finish. Because there’s so much storage space, there’s no clutter on the countertops, which adds to the clean, spacious look.
The same panelled glass doors as those fronting the bedroom area close off the kitchen from the larger home, but feature a fold-to-close mechanism here. Noteworthy is the choice of white hardware on the glass doors, which blend in with the soft Japandi aesthetics of the home.
2-room Sengkang BTO looks like a MUJI Hotel
With some creative direction, even a 2-room flexi BTO can look spacious and welcoming, rather than cramped and claustrophobic. The key: reduce clutter, and maximise storage solutions where possible.
For more minimalist home renovations:
- Minimalist pink walk-up apartment in East Coast
- 7 all-white minimalist HDB flats in Singapore
- $100k minimalist 5-room HDB reno
Cover image adapted from: The Interior Lab
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