Suite fit for a gentleman

The owner of this two-bedroom apartment in East Coast was drawn to the 1,306 sq ft unit because it is on the ground floor, with generous outdoor balconies and terraces.

- Home & Decor

Having grown up in a landed property, the bachelor in his 50s, who works in retail, wanted the design of the apartment to engage with the outdoors as much as possible.

Akihaus Design Studio's design director Lawrence Puah started by examining the relationship between the internal and external spaces.

The living room had a small terrace attached to the side, while the main balcony fronted the two existing bedrooms. This left the main balcony underutilised, as occupants spent time in the bedrooms only at night. As part of a corner unit with a narrow side terrace, the living room was also very near a boundary wall.

Mr Puah and the client decided to overhaul the 16-year-old unit, which was rather rundown despite some renovation carried out by the previous owner.

The designer swapped the locations of the living room and kitchen with the two bedrooms.