How often do you see a loft net in a home?
For first-time homeowner Kai, functionality wasn’t just a bonus — it was essential. She wanted a space that would reflect her easygoing lifestyle, support her love for hosting, and feel like a true retreat after a long day.
Clean lines and clutter-free surfaces were a must. “I really don’t like having things out in the open,” Kai shared — so she worked closely with Cadine from Enid~ca Collective to create a home that was both sleek and storage-smart.
Together, they designed a contemporary space full of hidden compartments, modular elements, and space-saving hacks that maximise every inch of her 70sqm two-bedroom condo.
Here’s a look at the thought that went behind designing this home that balances form, function, and a little fun — starting with its most unexpected feature.
An eye-catching loft concept
At first glance, the most striking feature of Kai’s home is the loft net suspended above the living area — an unexpected but delightful addition that immediately draws the eye. The loft net was installed by a local vendor and is EN 10204 Certified, meaning that it can withstand 100kg/sqm up to a maximum of 700kg.
“It’s definitely one of those features people don’t expect to see in a home,” Kai laughs. “But everyone loves it — especially my nephews.”
While the penthouse came with high ceilings, the loft was not part of the original unit. It was fully custom-built as part of the renovation.
“I knew that I wanted to build a loft, so it did impact my selection process for an ID,” Kai shares. “I made sure that I was comfortable with the ID and that they were able to navigate the requirements and regulations of building a loft.”
Thankfully, the process was relatively smooth. Since the units were designed to accommodate lofts, the developers had already pre-approved the option of adding one for penthouse units. So no MCST approval or structural engineer was required — a big win that saved both time and hassle.
The loft itself was purpose-built as an entertainment area, primarily for Kai’s family gatherings. “My nephews love climbing up there. We used to have a projector set up, so we could throw on movies and hang out together in this cosy upper nook.”
A sleek living space with storage tucked everywhere
Beneath the loft, the space stays open and airy — a deliberate move to avoid making the home feel cramped. Clean lines and light-toned wood help the loft feel fully integrated, not intrusive.
The raised platform isn’t just for show — it hides a surprising amount of storage. Lift-up compartments keep clutter out of sight, a must for someone like Kai, who admits, “Clutter stresses me out.”
The star feature? A motorised pop-up table built right into the platform. With the press of a button, it rises for meals, work, or gatherings — and disappears seamlessly when not in use. “It’s all about flexibility,” Kai shares. “The space adapts to whatever I need.”
While the pop-up table serves its purpose day to day, Kai also keeps a foldable dining table and chairs neatly stowed within a storage panel built into the loft structure.
“I didn’t want a large dining table taking up space all the time,” she shares. “But this works perfectly when hosting bigger groups.”
A seamless entry disguised as a bookshelf
The common room door doubles as a bookshelf for Kai’s extensive book collection — pictured here before the shelves were filled.
Instead of a conventional door, Kai worked with Cadine to design a bookshelf that doubles as the bedroom entrance. The seamless, handle-free design blends perfectly into the surrounding cabinetry, maintaining a clean, cohesive look in the hallway.
“It’s not just for aesthetics,” Kai shares. “I needed more storage for books and display pieces — and it made sense to make the most of that wall space instead of having a plain door.”
The result? A clever, space-saving feature that’s both functional and visually satisfying.
A thoughtful transition from kitchen to bedroom
The master bedroom is tucked behind a sliding door, which keeps circulation smooth without needing the clearance space of a swing door — a small but impactful design choice in a compact home.
What’s particularly clever is how the bedroom entrance also acts as a visual bridge between two different material palettes. The condo’s original kitchen (not depicted here), which Kai chose to retain, features a cooler grey-toned colour scheme. But step past the kitchen, and the rest of the home shifts into lighter wood tones with a softer, warmer aesthetic.
“This was something Cadine suggested,” Kai shares. “It softens the transition between the kitchen and the rest of the living area, so it doesn’t feel so abrupt.”
To connect these zones, a custom wooden wall fitted with pegboard panels and grey display shelves sits right at the transition point. The grey shelves echo the kitchen’s tones, while the wood finish ties it back to the living area — making the shift between spaces feel intentional.
The pegboard also lets her switch things up when needed, whether it’s adding hooks, shelves, or small decor. “I like that it’s flexible so I can change how it looks over time,” Kai added.
Beyond the sliding door, the bedroom transforms into a calming, cocoon-like retreat. A moody palette of charcoal, grey, and black contrasts the lighter tones outside.
“I wanted the bedroom to feel a little more restful,” Kai shares. “Somewhere I can wind down at the end of the day.”
This minimal styling keeps the focus on rest, with just a simple bedside ledge and an art print propped casually against the wall, staying true to the home’s clutter-free philosophy.
To sum up
This home isn’t just a masterclass in space planning — it’s a reflection of how thoughtful design can adapt perfectly to one’s lifestyle. From the hidden storage tucked into every corner to functional touches like universal power sockets for Kai’s love for foreign appliances, every detail was considered.
It’s also a testament to the working relationship between homeowner and interior designer. When Kai had issues with her lighting setup, Cadine took the initiative to liaise directly with the electricians and get things sorted — no extra stress on the homeowner’s part.
And while this might be a compact condo, it’s proven to be plenty of fun for her family.
“My nephews stay in a landed house that’s way bigger than this, but they still love coming over to play hide and seek here — they are still small enough to fit into the hidden storage spaces,” Kai shared with a laugh.
As Kai reflects on her home a year on, she shares, “I really enjoy living here. Everything feels very intentional — it fits my lifestyle perfectly, and there’s a place for everything. I don’t feel like I’m compromising on space at all.”
Proof that with the right design, even the smallest spaces can pack a whole lot of joy.
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