7 Dark and Handsome Homes in Singapore that Hit the Mark

  • May 22, 2018
For the longest time, the interior design scene was mainly dominated by bright and airy homes. But good news for gloomy folks, there has been a recent shift towards dark spaces. You can’t deny its appeal—a dark theme gives a space an intimacy as well as an elegant, mysterious air. For small space dwellers, the prospect of going to the dark side is daunting. You were taught that bright, white and all things light were what made a home appear larger and bigger. While that is true, darker colours can work in small spaces and in some instances, work even better in a limited square footage area. Compiling a list of homes from small to big, we’re showing you how appealing dark and moody can be if you do it right. And if you’re still apprehensive, we’ve also included tips and tricks on how to make it work for your home.  

1. Masculine Mandate

‘Man cave’ would probably be an appropriate description for this bachelor’s apartment. Sized at just under 700 square feet, the space is clad in black with some surfaces covered in cement screed for contrast and texture. The small home is packed with features, including a walk-in wardrobe, for functional living, but still manages to showcase the homeowner’s personality through design touches as well as décor. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="12208"]

The ceiling and one part of the wall on the longer side were painted black. In contrast, the shorter sides of the wall, where a window sits, are painted white. This creates a stark contrast and helps trick the eye into seeing that whole wall as a single light source.

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Art pieces hang off the walls to provide some colour and contrast.

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An island and dining table combination runs the length of the narrow kitchen instead of full cabinets in order to create more walking space. A ceiling-hung shelf provides storage for the owner’s spirits collection.

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The walk-in wardrobe sits adjacent to the bedroom and is mainly done up with open closets and shelves rather than closed compartments in order not to visually bog down the room.

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The bedroom is kept fuss-free with no unnecessary furniture.

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The vanity sits outside the toilet in this en suite, freeing up space inside for a larger shower area. Unfinished patterned hexagon tiles lend an interesting detail.

Design: Edge Interior Location: Serangoon Ave 4  

2. Polished Elegance

Here’s a home that balances the light and dark thing really well, but it still manages to retain a moody sort of milieu thanks to the choice of materials and furnishings. Dark rustic wood surfaces give a textural interest, while the floors are covered in polished cement for a more neutral stance. The handsome leather sofa steals the show in the open living and dining space, while the grid straight lay tiles in both the kitchen and bathroom offer a strong visual impact. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="46627"]

The brown leather sofa sits parallel to the open bar and dining area.

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The daylight from the windows casts a beautiful glow on the dark wall in this living space. If you’re having a dark feature wall, it’s a good idea to have it face the window as it gives it a different look throughout the day.

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The open shelving which holds the bottles of wine and liquor blends seamlessly against the black wall.

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The kitchen is decked out in black tiles stacked vertically atop one another. Dark wood oak cabinets and the stainless steel fittings provide a visual juxtaposition.

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The wall at the end of the hallway is painted in a gorgeous deep blue and adorned with a brass-framed picture.

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To make the most of the layout in the bedroom, the designer had the bed backed against the window. A mahogany brown wood border surrounds the window, framing the sleeping area.

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This bathroom is a minimalist’s haven.

Design: Tommy Lai from TLDesign collaborated with Reimage Decor on  this project Location: Clementi Ave 4  

3. Industrial Revolution

If you like the raw aesthetic, the industrial theme in this home might be right up your alley. Dark colours, metal finishes, exposed pipes and wires, brick walls, as well as rustic surfaces reign in this condominium. There’s a loft vibe to it, thanks to the addition of modern pieces of furniture and décor. No surface is kept bare in this warehouse-inspired space. Walls are either decked out in accessories or texturised with cement screed. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="64570"]

The homeowners proudly show off their shoe collection against the brick wall in the living room.

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Track lighting is the perfect accompaniment in an industrial themed space, but they also help to spotlight the different features in this interesting home.

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The kitchen is mainly covered in rustic wood laminates.

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The study hides behind a metal mesh divider.

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The bedroom features a similar colour and decorating scheme as the rest of the home.

Design: Neu Konceptz Location: Tanjong Pagar  

4. A Revival of the Classics

The modern Victorian look blends the ornamental with the practical. And this home clearly does that very well. At 990 square feet, this home feels a lot larger than it really is despite its dark scheme. The home keeps to a mainly open concept, with the study segregated by black-framed glass panels rather than concrete walls. Rather than go for all black, the designer chose to use other hues like a deep forest green and royal blue to evoke interest as well as to divide up the different zones in the apartment. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="67875"]

A brown chesterfield tufted sofa faces a TV wall that is made up of a series of black wood panels. A cluster of light bulbs, finished in an elegant gold, hangs above the dining table.

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The light-coloured flooring helps to elevate the darkness in this space.

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The foyer, clad in black, is an impressive visage, with the flooring covered in classic black-and-white tiles.

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Glass panels show off the beautiful green walls in this study room.

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A white-tiled backsplash provides a stark contrast against the matte-black kitchen cabinets. The deep green wall, which features a cosy display nook, elevates this otherwise muted kitchen.

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A beautiful monochrome bathroom with an eye-popping flooring to match.

Design: The Scientist Location: Bendemeer Light  

5. Tropical Adventures

Adding sophisticated tropical touches created a cheery, rather than gloomy, vibe for this gorgeous dark home. The black chosen for this apartment isn’t quite black, black. It’s more of a really deep grey that’s almost black, creating this very elegant look that makes this home such a stunner. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="60171"]

The bedroom is our favourite part of the home, with a charcoal wall that is not quite black, the fun tropical prints and the gilded touches stealing our hearts.

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The tropical view from down the hallway.

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The living room features an impressive wood structure that runs across the ceiling and down to form part of the TV wall.

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One of the common bedrooms come with a custom desk that is joined together with the platform bed.

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The balcony features a flooring made up of small Peranakan-inspired tiles.

Design: The Scientist Location: Punggol Central  

6. Posh with Panache

The false ceilings and the warm recessed lights help to create a very intimate and cosy space in this HDB flat, which was set to be narrow and long. The dark colour scheme comes from the use of dark wood, which can be found throughout the home including most of the flooring. Classic furnishings add to the timelessness of the interior design. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="19188"]

Dark wood panels line the walls in this home, which is a perfect option if you want your dark coloured scheme home to appear warmer and cosier.

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The dining area lends a formal and polished feel thanks to the choice of furniture and lighting placement.

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The L-shaped kitchen features black granite counters and woodgrain cabinets.

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A plush bed sits within the narrow bedroom that comes with handsome wood flooring.

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The workstation was placed in the same room as the full-height closet, all clad in woodgrain laminates.

Design: Hap Design Location: Yishun Street  

7. Flexible Living

With homes in Singapore being so limited in space, we love nothing more than a home that is big on flexibility. And this home is the epitome of such. The rooms are ‘collapsible’ here and can be tucked away or pulled open when needed. The former leads to an enlarged and open area, while the latter creates a more intimate and cosy space that has pockets of private nooks. [gallery cstype="gallery_lightbox" columns="1" size="full" ids="70009"]

The living room becomes one big, open space when the rooms are ‘collapsed’ and tucked away.

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The dining table joins together with the kitchen counter, creating a seamless eating area within the cooking zone.

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A wine rack hangs above the stainless steel breakfast counter.

Design: The Design Abode Location: Marine Terrace  

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