SINGAPORE – Jovial and her husband Raymond, who both work in finance and did not give their surnames, are used to living near the city centre in Singapore. It is also important to them to live near Jovial’s parents and grandmother.

These were the priorities when the couple, who are in their 30s, applied for their Build-To-Order flat. They got a four-room flat in Kallang that spans 1,001 sq ft and, being a top-floor unit, has a higher ceiling.

Like most home owners, storage is a concern for them. In addition, they share their home with Raymond’s father, who is in his 70s, so they needed a comfortable and flexible environment with enough space for everyone.

Jovial and Raymond wanted a bright, airy space with light wood and a soothing, resort-like atmosphere that would evoke holidays in Bali.

Ms Carmen Tang, design director of Wolf Woof, took all these into consideration when planning the revamp of the space.

“The most notable strategy I came up with for this home was to have the walk-in wardrobe not adjoining the master bedroom, but instead be beside the living area,” she says.

This move fulfils several purposes. Because the couple wanted a work space, the area intended for the walk-in wardrobe could double as a study.

The new wardrobe-cum-study sits on a platform, ensuring that a user can look out into the living area when seated at the desk.

“I work from home two to three days a week, and that’s where I spend a lot of my time,” Raymond says.

He and Jovial host frequently, and spend their free time in the living area. Here, the faux-rock effect on the walls and patterns on the vinyl flooring a...