From BTO to a Brooklyn‑style Loft – The Reimagined Life of a Young Couple
When Norica Ng and Jaret Sim stumbled into the 1,184‑square‑foot BTO flat in Bukit Batok, they were already dreaming of a different kind of home. “No sofa, no dining table – just pure space and vibes.” Their vision: a place that felt like a chic New York loft but kept the practicality of everyday living.
Designing a Modern Dream
The duo consulted three interior designers before settling on Space Sense Studio’s Kelvin Teo. He challenged their expectations and gave the industrial aesthetic a warm twist: sleek wood accents and a thoughtful layout that’s both stylish and functional.
Ceiling Masterpiece
- Raw black steel beams slice across a wood‑panel wallpaper, criss‑crossed by LED tubes.
- Kelvin’s inspiration? Lofty NY apartments he’d seen abroad.
- “A kitchen or living room feels instantly luxe when the ceiling boasts exposed beams,” Kelvin said.
Break the Mould: No Couch or Dining Table
Instead of a conventional sofa, Kelvin designed a two‑step platform that looks like it’s literally holding the TV. It’s topped with a wooden decking that seems supported by invisible I‑beams—an aesthetic nod to its industrial roots.
When Jaret rolled out bean bags on the platform, he discovered the TV is at eye level, making binge‑watching a breeze. The full‑height console houses storage cabinets, with metallic vent details that give the doors a locker‑like vibe.
As for meals, the kitchen’s peninsula counter stretches into the living room, giving the space a larger footprint. Its wood‑look laminate and cabinet doors that resemble gear cases bring a musician’s backstage into the kitchen.
Color Cohesion
- Concrete screed walls painted grey.
- Black accents from the cooker hood and a checkered steel splashback.
- Bright red pops from the kettle and spray‑painted pipe.
Industrial Inspirations
Kelvin incorporated “shipyard‑inspired” cage lights in the kitchen and a steel mesh door beside the TV console—both taken straight from armories and work sites. Kinda cool, right?
Secret Doors and Safety
A seemingly innocuous “escape” door is actually the entry to the bathroom. A flashy fluorescent exit sign and a crash bar set the mood, while the shower tiles share the same striking hue as the exit door.
The master bathroom shines in a black theme, complementing the rest of the house’s standout color palette.
Beyond the Interiors
Front gate features unfinished wooden planks nailed in a random yet tasteful manner, hinting at a rustic charm.
A sliding barn‑style door turns an adjoining wall into a walk‑in wardrobe, fleshing out space for the master bedroom.
Adding a Dash of Fun
Despite the serious color tone, the couple’s playful spirit didn’t stay hidden. A gigantic hand‑painted geisha mural becomes the living room’s centerpiece.
“We even sourced a fire hydrant dustbin and bean bags that match Kelvin’s aesthetic.” They worked hand‑in‑hand with him, making sure the final result echoed their style.
Result & Cost
- Five‑month renovation, $70,000 spent (excluding furnishings).
- Norica and Jaret rave about the journey, the design, and the sense of ownership.
With a mix of industrial grit and warm wood, the newly‑shaped home gleams with a personality that blurs the line between “modern” and “industrial.” It’s a testament to how a well‑thought‑out design can turn a BTO flat into an instantaneous home.
