Modern Canvas

Embracing a modern setting with a twist, the final look of this resale HDB flat combines a carefully curated design plan of sleek minimalism and divine geometry

- Disa Tan

“Less is more” appears to be the design mantra for this 5-room resale flat designed by Wayne Ching and Kate Ng from Design Neu. Fronting the renovation, Wayne says the married couple living here asked for a “modern setting” but wanted to personalise the look with “varying accent colours and geometrical details.” Since the modern style is usually simple and unadorned, the Design Neu team had to find a way to gel everything together without upsetting the design equilibrium.

Helming the overall conceptualisation of the space, Kate says they “envisioned the new modern setup to carry a clean and muted colour scheme.” That culminated in a pared-back palette of mostly warm monochromatic tones which borrow from nature-inspired elements. “We engaged a line-up of wood-like strips for the feature wall in the living area,” remarks Wayne.“ The wood colour of these laminate strips was carefully considered; we certainly didn’t want it too light or too dark. It had to be a classic wood shade.”

Setting the scene with a subdued wood-tone oozing of opulence, the laminate strips were then paired with a marble-effect laminate covering. “This marble-style accent wall is meant to break the wood composition,” explains Wayne. “Too much wood would look overpowering,” adds Kate, “and the marble serves as a good visual breather.” The grey veining of the marble style also echoes the neutral tone of the newly-installed tile flooring in the communal areas.