Our Living Room with ZERO Built-Ins | 5 Room BTO in the West

1699

Minimalist
HDB (BTO)
~1,200 sqft
3 br
Couple Living

Welcome to our living room, the space that truly feels like the soul of our home. It’s where we slow down after busy days, gather with friends for cosy evenings, and find those quiet moments of stillness we all need.
When we envisioned this space, we wanted it to be more than just comfortable. It had to feel open, inviting, and calming — the kind of room where you can breathe a little easier as soon as you step inside. Every piece here has been chosen with that in mind, from the soft, neutral tones that bring a sense of lightness to the striking black accents that add a grounding elegance to the room.
We intentionally chose to forgo built-ins and instead opted for loose furniture, allowing us the flexibility to refresh our space whenever we want to. And yes, we even decided against mounting our TV! This gives us the freedom to rearrange and reimagine the space, adapting it to our needs and moods over time. Whether it’s adding a new accent chair or shifting the layout for a different vibe, having movable pieces allows us to keep our living room feeling dynamic and personalised. It’s all about creating a space that evolves with us!
We kept the decorations on our TV console minimal, focusing only on the essentials. It features just what we need, alongside a few carefully chosen decor pieces, like our Arctic Monkeys vinyl and a stylish table lamp from IKEA. This approach not only keeps the space uncluttered but also highlights the items that truly matter to us, adding a personal touch without overwhelming the room.
One of the biggest challenges we faced during renovation was figuring out the best spot for our robot vacuum. After much deliberation, we came up with a creative solution: we decided to cut out a small space at the bottom of the door to create a little “house” for our robot vacuum. This way, it can easily come and go without being in the way, keeping it out of sight while still ensuring it’s ready to tackle the cleaning whenever needed.
Everything from books to remotes has its place in the hidden storage, leaving the surfaces clear and the space feeling open. We are firm believers that when things are tucked away, our minds can rest. The less visual clutter, the easier it is to relax.
The centerpiece of our living room is undoubtedly our sofa. It's easily one of the best purchases we have made from Taobao, costing less than $1,000 for a generous 3m length, and the best part is that we could customise it to fit our theme perfectly. Our guests have been raving about it, too! Its comfort is truly unparalleled, making it the perfect spot for lounging, chatting, or even napping.
Natural light floods our living room during the day, thanks to the large windows adorned with sheer day curtains that keep things feeling airy and open. We love how the sunlight dances across the floor, changing the mood of the room as the day goes on. In the evenings, we rely on soft, warm lighting — just enough to create a cosy glow.
We opted for a simple false ceiling design, choosing to forgo any hanging lights. This contributes to the overall open feel of the space, making it a serene backdrop for our cosy living area. Thanks for reading, and see you on our next!