This is how you transform a bland new build into a soulful space – take a tour of a modern yet characterful Singapore apartment

Bringing personality to the design of a bland, dated 1990s apartment in the center of Singapore was quite the challenge for interior designer Elizabeth Hay. ‘The clients bought this apartment wanting to create a home for them and their three children,’ says Elizabeth.

The project was a full renovation as the apartment hadn’t been touched since the block was built. Opening the space up and injecting light into the kitchen was a prerequisite in the houses design.

‘Sometimes with these apartments, the kitchen feels like an afterthought – it was a small kitchen laid out in a galley-style, in the middle of the house with no windows, so making it more functional was a priority,’ says Elizabeth, who concentrated on reconfiguring the layout.

‘We gutted the apartment and removed walls, opening up smaller, darker rooms to make spaces more usable and increase natural light.’ Sliding glazed doors between the sitting room and kitchen, and glazed doors between the back laundry and kitchen, coax through an abundance of light.

Elizabeth’s signature use of bold color and pattern came into its own. This apartment exudes curated color and showcases a wealth of custom pieces.

The clients required certain areas, such as the open-plan sitting and dining room and the main bedroom, to be serene and relaxing, while a fun and joyful aesthetic was key in the family room and children’s rooms.

Speaking of the children's bedrooms, Elizabeth explains ‘the children are very artistic and were keen to be involved in their rooms; their son specifically wanted a paint splatter wallpaper and they craved color'.

In the sitting and dining space, interest is created using pattern and texture. The soft green space features Venetian plaster walls. ‘It’s such a large area that I felt plain walls would seem boring. I love the Venetian plaster finish - it makes the room feel much cozier and is visually interesting without being too overbearing.’

The clients have a collection of Asian art and one of the pieces was chosen early on for the room because it worked well with the colors. Elizabeth played with materials for texture, introducing brass, glass, natural fibers, and bobble lamps.

‘If you’re doing a neutral palette, you need to have lots of texture and interest,’ she says. The pattern was brought in with the fabrics. ‘They all tone very well so it doesn’t feel overpowering.’

Because it’s an open-plan sitting and dining space, Elizabeth teased the soft green color tones through to the dining area, drawing the eye to the table by upholstering the backs of the chairs with a statement damask design.

One of Elizabeth’s inspired touches is a secret home bar – when the doors are closed, it’s camouflaged behind the Venetian plaster. ‘My client’s husband loved the idea of having a secret bar you could reveal when guests visit.’

Stronger colors prevail in the family room, which Elizabeth describes as ‘joyful, cheerful and fun. We wanted to keep it light, fresh and uplifting.’

The tongue-and-groove treatment on the ceiling draws the eye up, while color was introduced with pinky peach carpentry and an ikat sofa so the room feels light and happy.

Elizabeth also experimented with perforated brass cabinetry doors to team with the brass lights. The powder room and the husband’s home office showcase additional depth of color. A statement red elephant wallpaper is teamed with a green vanity, while the study celebrates dark hues such as chocolate and deep blue.

‘There’s a lot of color and pattern and it’s very layered,’ says Elizabeth, ‘but the overriding feeling is fresh and light – just what the clients wanted.

Meet the designer

Elizabeth Hay shares her style inspiration

What part of the project were you happiest with?

The reaction of my clients when they first saw the apartment.

Which element was the greatest indulgence?

The de Gournay wallpaper in her study.

What one small change has the biggest impact?

Adding the custom moulded cornice throughout the apartment to make it feel slightly more classic.

Which decorative detail is your go-to?

Contrast piping on all upholstery.

Describe your style in three words.

Multicultural, layered and colourful.

How do you stay inspired?

Travel. My travels around Asia have enriched my design to a huge degree.

Who is your design hero?

Robert Kime.

Finish the sentence, I know I'm a creative because...

I constantly want to create and try new things.

How should home make you feel?

Safe, happy and at peace.

Can you reveal a shop we should know about?

Granby Workshop for really original handmade tiles.