HAFIZAN’S DREAM HOME

Type: HDB 4-Room | Location: Singapore | Home to: 2 Adults + Cat

Designer: Hafizan

Designed for a true homebody — Hafizan’s approach for his dream home focused on creating balance, harmony, and an inner sanctuary from the stresses and strains of life from the outside world.

Mood Images

Taking cues from Japanese wabi-sabi principles, Hafizan gravitated towards darker interiors that calmed and soothes his soul. Natural elements were incorporated to form a direct connection to the earth, with a selection of sleek furniture to contrast. The crisp and clean lines add a light modern touch for a more universal appeal, establishing the space as a contemporary zen home.

Material Palette

Featuring a subdued palette, Hafizan stuck to a simple selection of earthy neutrals and opted for texture play instead. Dark burnt woods, black accents and varying shades of gray monopolize the space, with an abundance of greenery breathing life into the humble abode.

Layout Plan

With an emphasis on privacy, Hafizan’s immediate attention fell onto the living spaces that were in full view upon entering the home. He first segmented off an entry walkway to tackle this concern, but later saw it as an opportunity to create an experiential journey as well. 

Introducing biophilic design elements, the pebbled walkway is distinctively reminiscent of zen stone gardens and sets the tone for unwinding as one transitions into the space. Tinted glass screens demarcate the walkway while ensuring that daylight and ventilation still penetrate deeper into the open-plan home. 

With the bedroom walls hacked down, the statement dining table now shares a larger communal area with the open kitchen and living. Spacious and inviting, Hafizan envisions this space to host the occasional gathering with family and friends.

Design is in the details – The kitchen is kept simple with ample storage cabinets and counter space, while suspended wooden shelves provide display opportunities that are stylish yet functional. Subtle features, such as the curved cut-out finger grooves and rounded counter edges, were introduced as a ‘softer’ element to contrast the hard stone textures within this space. 

Checking off his bucket list, Hafizan also made sure to carve out a quiet room – a small home library and meditative space to isolate from the distractions of the outside world. Having this dedicated area serves as a commitment to incorporate his spiritual practice in day-to-day life.

Despite being physically enclosed, it was essential that the room still felt spacious and comfortable. Hence, sliding glass screens were utilized to visually expand the space while shutting out noise. Wooden slats were also cladded onto the ceiling here for an added touch of warmth and texture.

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Renders by Hafizan