Avin Tan, a 41-year-old Community Relations Manager, has transformed his 3-room HDB resale flat in Geylang Bahru into a unique and quirky home, inspired by the Kallang Basin Swimming Complex.
Design Inspiration
Avin’s design inspiration came from the iconic swimming complex. He incorporated elements of the complex’s design, such as the blue and terracotta hues, into his home. The blue color is prominent in the piping works, front door, master bedroom walls, and curtains, while the terracotta floor tiles are paired with sand textures.
The design of the home is also influenced by the neighborhood surroundings, with Avin taking inspiration from the new flats and the MRT lines’ color coordination.
A Personal Touch
Avin’s home is filled with personal touches. His 13-year-old dog, Renren, is an integral part of the family.
Avin’s family has a strong connection to the hawker center culture, with many of his family members being hawkers. This is reflected in the home’s kitchen, which is fully functional and features cream laminate-finish cabinets, a granite bar countertop, and Peranakan floor tiles from Hafary.
Related: Tan France and Castlery launch furniture line
A Functional Space
The double-study is Avin’s favorite space, where he spent a significant amount of time and budget to create a flexible and functional area. The room features two separate desks, one near the window for his partner and a larger second-hand sourced wooden desk for himself. The space is used for various purposes, including work, counseling, and choir practice.
They worked with a numerologist to guide the room’s layout, who provided parameters for the design. The result is a space that is both personal and functional, reflecting Avin’s eclectic style and personality.
As someone who is neurodivergent, Avin has a unique perspective on design and functionality. He is sensitive to textures, sounds, and visual stimuli, which influenced his material choices for the home. The result is a space that is calming and comfortable for him, with a focus on functionality and personal expression.
“I had a very clear vision of what I wanted to do; a blend of Mid-Century design. When I went to my designer, I said I don’t want a minimalist home – I told them I am a maximalist. I want it lived-in from day one.It’s very comfortable and cosy; there is something very tangible about the home. If you grew up in Singapore, there’s something immediately relatable.”
It is a space.
