PROJECT
201
There is a distinct joy in designing compact spaces — where every decision carries weight. This 1200 sq. ft. home for two, with frequent family visits, balances efficiency and expression. The approach was to treat storage as the primary design layer — where it becomes the decor. With no space to spare, every design decision begins with storage, and each element serves a purpose.
The client values neatness, order, and ease of maintenance. The brief focused on creating a calm, clutter-free home, where everything can be stored away effortlessly — keeping the space consistently composed. A key requirement was an open kitchen as the heart of the home, encouraging gathering and interaction. The design therefore evolves outward from the kitchen. The client also preferred a well-lit, task-oriented environment, ensuring clarity of movement throughout.
The kitchen anchors the home, acting as the visual and functional focal point. The living room remains minimal and open, allowing flexibility, while the kitchen introduces colour and material expression through bold tones and rich veneer grains. A striped island becomes the central highlight. Bedrooms shift to a softer palette of whites, warm browns, teak, and mirrors — creating warmth while visually expanding the space.
The palette is diverse yet controlled. Italian loom tiles are used across spaces in varied compositions. Oak veneers with strong grain add depth, while concrete-finish tiles are custom-cut into stripes to introduce rhythm. The palette is grounded in warm teak and real brass, bringing familiarity and cohesion.
Styling is minimal, aligned with the brief for a clutter-free, low-maintenance home. Furniture is custom-designed to serve both functional and visual roles. A single 20-foot sculptural light defines the space — providing soft illumination while acting as the focal point. Lighting supports a task-oriented environment, with illumination along edges and circulation paths to ensure clarity without harshness.
