One-of-a-Kind 4-Room BTO Goes Bold With Soft Brutalist-Luxe Look

Not your average 4-room BTO.

If you’ve spent time scrolling through social media or renovation platforms (and we know you have!), you’ve probably thought that most of the homes look pretty similar. Or, as we call it, a cookie-cutter design.

This 4-room BTO flat, however, is anything but cookie-cutter. Instead of leaning into the same design choices, homeowners Alicia and Ryan chose to break away from the familiar with a unique aesthetic they describe as “a mix of brutalism, modern luxe, and wabi sabi elements.”

About the homeowners and the home

Located in Sengkang West, Alicia and Ryan’s 4-room BTO was designed to strike a balance between open, ample spaces for hosting and features designed fully around their current lifestyles as a couple.

Initially planning to leave one bedroom empty for future planning purposes, they eventually reconsidered after discussions with their interior designer, Adeline from LA Design Studio, prompted them to prioritise what they truly wanted from their long-awaited marital home (which took 5 years!).

Design-wise, the couple started out with different design preferences: one preferred a neutral palette, while the other liked darker tones. Despite that, they still shared an appreciation of brutalist and wabi sabi elements – and eventually, they found a mix of everything they liked and paired it with hints of luxury to further elevate the look.

Living room and pantry

Wanting a space that could host large groups efficiently, Alicia and Ryan decided to hack the walls of the nearest junior bedroom and rework it into an open pantry-bar area that flows seamlessly into the living room.

The move was, in part, a response to the flat’s structural constraints. As the unit was built using the PPVC method, the home came with multiple structural beams and columns that prevented the couple from extending the kitchen into the communal area (which they initially wanted).

However, instead of finding a way to conceal these structural features, Adeline suggested incorporating them into the design.

In particular, the column between the living room and the pantry has since been turned into the communal area’s centrepiece. Inspired by the image of a gold bar encased in rock, it’s wrapped in a concrete-like finish with a cutaway revealing a bronze-toned core underneath.

It’s a feature that’s meant to symbolise strength and value – but on top of that, it fully leans into the core wabi sabi principles by embracing imperfections and turning it into a standout feature.

Walkway and master bedroom suite

One of Alicia and Ryan’s main priorities was to keep their bedroom as hidden as possible, hidden away from the communal area behind a concealed door.

As such, they treated the walkway into their bedroom as a ‘transition’ space that feels moodier and quieter than the rest of the home. Additionally, star-like pin lights line the ceiling, creating a lead-up that’s both gradual and dramatic.

Inside the bedroom, you’ll find an enlarged suite that houses the sleeping area and a walk-in wardrobe. This was done by merging the second junior bedroom with the master bedroom.

Rather than treating it as one giant, open space, the couple chose to separate the suite into different zones to minimise noise and disruptions: a ‘sunken’ sleeping area and a walk-in wardrobe that functions as a lead-in into the bathroom.

Within the sleeping area, the space maintains the dark, cocooning look. But the real highlight is the faux fireplace that imbues the space with cosiness and warmth (without the actual heat).

And in the middle of the space? A striking glass planter box that doubles as a divider, fitted with a faux skylight with dimmable lighting that with presets that recreate natural lighting (like sunset and daylight). The result: an ‘out-of-home’ vacation atmosphere that evokes calming vibes while allowing the couple to start their day revitalised.

While they were initially concerned about compromising wardrobe space, Adeline helped them strike a balance by introducing storage beneath the planter, thus ensuring that the feature remains practical.

Part of the walk-in wardrobe also consists of the sink, which the couple brought out of the actual bathroom to create more room. Now, the ensuite has ample space for a sizeable shower area, which includes a rain shower and a built-in seat for the ultimate spa experience.

To sum up

After 5 months and spending $150,000 on this renovation, Alicia and Ryan’s new abode turned out to be everything they ever wanted from a home.

“It’s been 2 years since we moved in, and we honestly love every single thing,” Alicia says. “We feel that the way the space is planned improved our daily lifestyle, since it’s exactly how we needed to use it.”

Their advice for fellow homeowners? “Before the renovation, it’s good to have a discussion with your partner about the things you like or dislike, so you can work towards a good outcome,” Alicia says. “And you should also be clear about your individual lifestyles so your ID can help plan a space that suits both of you.”