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

An 89-square-meter apartment in Singapore's historic Tiong Bahru neighborhood has been transformed into a bright and airy home with a Scandinavian-inspired design. This gentrified area, once a squatter settlement in the 1920s, is now home to trendy cafes, boutiques, and a vibrant community of expats and creatives. The young couple, both working in finance, moved from a smaller condominium unit and sought a ground-floor apartment for easy access to walk their dog.

They were drawn to Tiong Bahru's Art Deco architecture, low-rise blocks, and distinctive details like portholes and curved staircases. The former occupants of the unit had mobility issues, prompting the couple to purchase it. The architecturally trained designer, Mikael Teh, created the modern layout by removing internal walls and reconfiguring the bathroom to create a powder room and spacious master bathroom.

The couple, who appreciate natural materials and warm spaces, opted for light-colored timber veneers and avoided polished surfaces. Their eclectic tastes in art are evident in the artworks from Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Italy displayed throughout the home. The open floor plan allows for flexibility in furniture arrangement, and the couple has incorporated elements of Scandinavian design, such as a dining table with chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen and an Enigma pendant light by Shoichi Uchiyama.