Breezy Interior Style

This home’s breezy interior style is a reflection of its owner’s demeanour and heritage.

- Isabelle Tow

Space 4-room HDB flat

Location Holland Avenue

Reno period 16 weeks

Home to A bachelor in his 30s

Budget $90K

Full-time writer and amateur musician Ilyas’ vision for his first home was straightforward: a chill, Bali-inspired space to live and work in. The tropical island-inspired look was an intuitive choice, influenced by both his laid-back disposition and Indonesian heritage.

Ilyas engaged the expertise of Mikael Teh of Monocot to realise his dream home within the 925sq ft four-room resale unit that he owns. To recreate the simple and effortless atmosphere of Bali, the designer began by curating a material palette that could succinctly capture the vibe. “For the space to feel closer to nature, we used an assortment of unpolished natural finishes like concrete screed, hollow blocks, bricks and plywood around the apartment,” shares Mikael.

The living room is designed to accommodate the owner’s twin passions for music and drink. A simple custom home bar was built next to the dining area for easy reach, comprising a floating open shelf that displays the owner’s prized spirits and bar counter that can accommodate a compact wine fridge. Lined in the same plywood finish is the console by the sofa, with its niches customised to fit the dimensions of an LP, of which the owner has amassed an impressive collection. His elaborate audio system sits on top.