Minimalism with a Touch of Farmhouse by RENOSTUD.IO
Located in north-west Singapore, this four-room flat was reimagined by RENOSTUD.IO for a young family of three: a couple and their two-year-old toddler.
The brief centred on creating a home that feels bright, open, and functional while remaining safe and comfortable for daily family life. Complicating the renovation were the unit’s unusual angular walls and a kitchen layout that felt tight despite the home’s overall size. Rather than allowing these constraints to dominate the interior, the project approached them as opportunities to introduce subtle spatial gestures that soften the geometry and bring cohesion to the home.
A restrained palette plays a central role in visually calming the irregular plan. By limiting colours and materials, the angled walls become less pronounced, allowing the interior to read as a more unified environment. The kitchen, positioned as the heart of the home, underwent one of the most significant transformations. Opening up the previously enclosed layout improves sightlines throughout the home, enabling the parents to keep an eye on their toddler while moving between spaces. The removal of the storeroom further enhances this openness, making the entry sequence feel more expansive and allowing light to travel more freely across the living and dining areas.
Despite the desire for openness, maintaining clear functional zones remained important. The kitchen and living room are subtly distinguished through a distinctive curved line in the flooring that separates timber from tile. This gesture introduces a gentle contrast while complementing the broader strategy of incorporating curves throughout the home. These softer forms counterbalance the angular walls of the original unit, helping the interior feel more welcoming and visually composed.
The renovation also included reinstating the common bedroom, which had previously been merged with the master bedroom by the former owner. Restoring this room returned the apartment to a more practical configuration for a growing family, ensuring that each area serves a clear purpose while still maintaining the openness the clients requested.
Material choices reinforce the home’s balance between brightness and warmth. Light tones dominate the palette, while warmer finishes prevent the interior from feeling stark. A combination of matte and reflective surfaces adds visual variation and depth. Glossy white tiles along the kitchen wall reflect light across the compact cooking area, subtly amplifying the sense of volume. On the floor, rustic tiles introduce a slightly tactile quality reminiscent of farmhouse interiors, creating a gentle contrast with the smooth cabinetry and easy-to-maintain countertops.
In the bathroom, white quartz surfaces are paired with wood laminates and softly tinted pink wall tiles, creating an environment that echoes the home’s overall light and airy atmosphere. The selection of finishes continues the interplay between warmth and clarity that defines the rest of the apartment.
Bespoke carpentry solutions were integrated throughout the home to ensure that everyday functionality aligns with the family’s lifestyle. In the kitchen, customised cabinetry maximises storage while maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. Lower cabinets include easily accessible compartments for the toddler, allowing him to independently reach snacks or toys, while higher storage keeps other items safely out of reach.
To prevent visual overcrowding, the kitchen wall features a single open shelf. Rather than filling the area with multiple storage layers, this element functions as a flexible display surface where the family can arrange objects, kitchenware, or small decorative pieces. As these items change over time, the kitchen naturally takes on new expressions without requiring further alterations.
A sculptural focal point appears in the living room in the form of a curved niche requested by the clients. This architectural detail introduces a soft counterpoint to the apartment’s original angular geometry while anchoring the living area visually. The curved edges of the TV console echo this gesture, reinforcing the sense of continuity between architectural form and furniture.
