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Light and Clean Finishes Turn A Small Unit Into A Dreamy Urban Nest

Karisa Yee, the interior designer kept it minimal but tasteful for this home renovation project


“A home is a place where you love coming home to at the end of the day. No matter who your designer is, it should reflect your personality and style,” interior designer Karisa Yee tells Metro.Style about her definition of a home. With this philosophy in mind, this creative helps clients achieve a house they dream of.


Just like with a recent space she worked on, Karisa brainstormed with the homeowners to really flesh out the perfect look for this renovation project. “Me, my client, and her brother went through a lot of design ideas—from inspiration images we would plug these in the 3D model to see if it would work in the space. We’d then tweak it a bit to see how to make it suit the space better whether through dimensions or materials,” she shares.


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This 100 sq.m. high-rise unit, which used to be a blank, cramped space, is beautifully transformed into a modern minimalist nest with an overlooking view of the city. 


From the beginning, the goal isn’t just to put together a chic, sophisticated space—the intention is to not make it feel any smaller. However, the division of the space must be kept as areas, such as the kitchen, is fully functional. Karisa answered this problem with simple yet brilliant solutions.


First, they tore down the wall that separated the main living space and replaced it with a glass wall and door. Second, they stuck to light colors so as to make the home look wider and change the mood of the unit. They also updated the master bathroom with an elevated, freestanding tub and framed it with light. They carefully chose the key pieces that will go into the space—light laminated oak floor, unique light fixtures per room, and strategic pieces of mirror scattered throughout the unit.


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The final design is a spacious urban setting that meets the client’s lifestyle, needs, and tastes. “Upon entry, the design isn't the only impression you will see, but also the feeling when you enter the space,” she says. Walk a few steps for a glimpse of the enclosed kitchen, which features wooden wall organizers, chairs, and a counter that doubles as a bar. The lights add style, complementing the pristine walls and flooring. To the right, the dining and living area’s furniture are kept to a minimum. To keep the look fresh and elegant, a display of framed photographs dress the walls and some indoor plants add a punch of color. Just off the arched hallway is the common batth, followed by the daughter’s bedroom clad in pink padded walls and a bunk bed. And finally, the master bedroom boasts of a four poster with a metal frame, while the walk in closet opens up through another archway.


When asked for tips on how to recreate this look into your own space, the interior designer points out three things. “Keep it simple, stick to the basics, and go for finishes that are light and clean,” she advises.


Check out the gallery below for the before and after images of the unit!



Photos Courtesy of Karisa Yee

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