Industrial Chic

An eclectic mix of materials, an abundance of storage units and a well-planned layout account for the signature modern-industrial style of this family home

- Germaine Cheah

The search for a comfortable and spacious home led this family of four to this four-bedroom resale condominium unit in Balestier. However, there was still much to be done before the new owners could call this space home. That was where designer Lucas Choo from local interior firm Distinct Identity came into the picture.

First, he had to understand the kind of theme the family wanted for their new home, which he describes as a modern-industrial concept. “The owners wanted their home’s design to mimic that of a New York loft, where the main characteristics include brick walls and raw materials like cement,” he elaborated.

This then informed the choice of materials used, of which the most notable is the red brick wall in the living room. Crafted using thin brick pieces, this feature wall injects a vivid industrial aesthetic into the home. Having this feature accent on the wall lining the entryway into the home instead of on other parts of the home also helps to visually elongate the space without overwhelming it aesthetically.

Next on the family’s list was to have a big bespoke island unit in the communal zones. To cater to this, Lucas customised a 860mm-high Vicostone quartz-topped island that doubles up as both a dining table as well as a spot for baking. Meanwhile, a full-height cabinet behind has been divided into a variety of functions – from dedicated slots for storage, to a table top for a coffee machine, as well as open shelves for display purposes.