NEVER TOO SMALL: Adaptable Multifunctional Apartment with Clever Storage, Singapore 38sqm/409sqft

In the peaceful Singaporean neighbourhood of Bukit Batok, the aptly named Interim Spaces is a simple, versatile and functional home for a social worker with a passion for painting and Chinese calligraphy. By removing a partial wall between the original sleeping and living area, interior designer Dess Chew of Three-D Conceptwerke created a multifunctional open-plan living space, featuring light movable furniture that can easily be rearranged to suit various activities, from sleeping and dining to working and relaxing. Key features include an integrated storage wall with a hydraulic Murphy bed, a mobile dining table, and a wall-to-wall bookshelf bench. The home also features the clever use of bi-fold doors and neutral and cohesive materials and palettes.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Ep 191
Project Name: Interim Spaces

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Kevin Siyuan
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Love You by Yehezkel Raz
Lieu De Paix by Roseblue
Promo: Bouncing to the Bop by Louis Adrien

[wolfiekun]

I like the way the designer talks about the project. He's clearly very proud that he created a space that works well for his client, but still just says what choices he made and why, so he doesn't sound egotistical or anything. It's nice to hear him talking about the place so happily.

[Suho]

That swing-down wardrobe is brilliant.

[ilprovaas]

What a lovely apartment. I like that it is not overly stylized and it looks affordable.

[harrycoward]

I'm sure lots of people say this, but it would be good to know the realised budgets for the projects you feature to give an indication of costs for those looking to take on their own works...

[axelarnesson]

This is probably the best intergrated Murphy bed I’ve seen, with the fold down clothes rack making the area behind the folded bed useable! I was worried that the open plan living dining sleeping would be cramped and intimate as these tend to be but I think the area works well in both configurations. The kitchen felt very cramped initially even though there was lots of storage but since the owner rarely cooks I can se this being more of a coffee prepping/ meal warming area and it makes much more sense. Great space with many well executed solutions

[soggyprog]

Wow the designer has got a great voice for tv and radio. Very soothing

[SuperClare]

Mobile wardrobe pull down thingy for the win! 🏆🏆🏆

[susanshannon]

What I really liked most about this design is the attention to the small details, not just storage for a small space or aesthetics. For me I really appreciated the bi-fold door on the bathroom, the niche for the curtains next to the storage block/murphy bed area (keeps the pushed back curtains from blocking the natural light from the window) and the door that closes off the entry area to keep the A/C in the living/sleeping space. I loved the wall treatment in the bathroom in the shower/sink area. Also, the cool stool in the kitchen (it kinda looks like a skateboard top, minimal but like sculpture). The client's oversized art makes the apartment feel really spacious and is very nice.

[sesengabe]

those cushions! lovely. And the architect's voice would be great for guided meditation, so cool :)

[YT-GuestAccount]

Having windows in each room (in the floor plan they forgot the ones in the kitchen btw) is such a win for itself but they really did a good job with the division, inbuilt storage and furniture choice. It feels light, airy, much more spacious than the given sqm – I mean, my apartment with only 5 sqm less suddenly feels so much smaller – and comfortably livable with a not too custom-y concept. :)

[dogofchaos]

He handles the colours so well, I love how everything has a natural hue, yet the flat doesn't feel overwhelmingly bland. I saw too many sad beige mom houses on tiktok, and for a moment I forgot that this colour palette can also be handled with grace 😅

[erikyau]

I can only say confidence is everything

[Miseremei]

Really love the large windows that brighten the room.

[ketoanonymous]

Over all, there a lot of useful ideas and design solutions. Personally, I prefer to have a permanent bedroom, it’s a chore to set up the beddings when sleepy or unwell. But that’s just me who prefers convenience when it’s bedtime ☺️

[gus]

The rolling work table (and those two wood block stools!), the roomy kitchen, and that amazing bathroom window makes me want to remodel! 😎✌️

[AndiDT-se]

With plumbing and drainage challenges, I would try to find ways to change the kitchen into the bedroom and put the kitchen in the living room. That way the bedroom becomes more private and seamless open layout for kitchen dining and living room.

[MarquisedeWhat]

Some great ideas in this one. I love the well-designed storage units, and covet that pull-down hanger rod! The colour of the wood is a standout, too. This design is a refreshing change from a more typical massive multi-function moveable storage/murphy bed unit, while providing all of the same functions, and has given me a lot to think about in terms of how multi-use I need furniture to be. Thanks, NTS!

[RoS-e-a]

Love the light outlining the room! And that little curtain niche! Clever

[khalishilman]

Love love love. With the thoughtful design, a 400sqft seems comfortable to live in. It seems airy and well ventilated. Kudos.

[Towkeeyoh]

I must say the eye for detail is excellent, like using white table legs with the white floor really opens up the space, allowing the table top to almost give it the illusion of floating and focus on the table top instead of the very functional and huge castor wheels.