Something Blue

By staying consistent and shaking things up where it's least unexpected, this 4-room HDB offers a novel interpretation of Peranakan style.

- Joyce Yang

Intricate patterns and vivid colours probably come to mind when you hear the words "modern Peranakan." That makes Agnes's 4-room HDB flat in Teban Gardens something of an outlier.

Designed by Christine and Terence of Loft 9, the apartment takes a different path, skillfully balancing minimalism with eclectic touches while sidestepping any risk of visual overload.

The trick, it seems, is to commit to one tile from start to end. In the living room, the first showcase of said tile, carefully chosen by the designers and homeowner, adorns a bookshelf converted from an original recessed niche. It adds storage and serves as a display cabinet without sacrificing floor space, keeping the communal areas bright and airy.

This ambience is enhanced by cove lighting and a simple pendant that casts a soft glow over the dining area, where the dining set—handpicked with a nudge from Christine and Terence—sits ready to impress.

“We had a fun time choosing some of the furniture,” Christine says. “She already knew what she needed and wanted, so all we had to do was pick the best option for her. Most of the pieces have wooden and rattan textures, in line with the classic Peranakan look.” The apartment doesn’t get more Peranakan than in the pantry, which the designers consider its standout feature and a proud achievement of theirs. Encased by an arched niche, the blue Peranakan-style tiles shine, complemented by the blue cabinet below and the patterned ventilation blocks above.