A Tiong Bahru apartment gets a warm, Scandinavian-inspired makeover

In the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, an 89-square-meter apartment in a low-rise block has been transformed into a bright and airy home with Scandinavian design elements. The apartment was originally occupied by an elderly woman with mobility issues and was sold by her to a young couple who moved to the area from a condominium. The couple, who both work in finance, were drawn to the neighbourhood's cafes, parks and market, as well as its convenient location near the MRT station and bus route to their workplace.

Architect Mikael Teh was commissioned to design the apartment after the couple saw his work in the area. The architect removed all internal walls to create an open floor plan and reconfigured the bathroom area to include a powder room and a spacious master bathroom. The couple chose natural materials, warm colors and simple design elements for the home, and decorated it with art from their travels around Asia.

The kitchen is spacious and equipped with both induction and gas hobs, and a kitchen island with Aalto high stools serves as a breakfast nook. The living area features a Samsung The Frame television with a timber frame, and a pendant light designed by Shoichi Uchiyama. Overall, the apartment feels cozy and inviting, with a timeless design that complements the neighborhood's unique character.