The Swiss Army Knife Home: How Modern Lifestyles Are Redefining Urban Living
In the bustling neighborhood of Fernvale, Singapore, located in the town of Sengkang, a new era of urban living is taking shape. As cities become denser, the traditional concept of the “spacious home” is being traded for something far more intentional. For Jackie, an illustrator, and Toby, a jiu-jitsu instructor, their 47-square-meter (506-square-foot) one-bedroom apartment is more than just a place to sleep—it is a masterclass in functional design.
The Swiss Army Knife Philosophy
When Jade, an interior designer at Knock Knock Studio, first met the couple, they presented her with a small Swiss Army knife. This object became the perfect analogy for their home: compact, functional, and exceptionally well-designed. In modern urban environments, particularly within Singapore’s public housing projects built by the Housing Development Board (HDB), space is a premium commodity. Jackie and Toby’s home, completed in April 2023, demonstrates that a small footprint does not require a sacrifice in lifestyle.
“It allows the apartment to transform effortlessly from a cozy place for two to an inviting space for friends and family,” Jade explains. This versatility is achieved through what the couple calls “side hustle furniture”—custom pieces designed to serve multiple roles while injecting personality into the home.
Designing for the “Side Hustle”
The concept of multi-functionality is visible from the moment one enters the foyer. A custom shoe rack doubles as a bench for putting on shoes. In the kitchen, where cooking and laundry often compete for space in small Singaporean apartments, the couple implemented a pull-out serving trolley that doubles as storage for unwashed laundry,. To ensure the home never feels like a chore-filled utility room, they replaced the original drying rack with an electric drying system, allowing clothes to be tucked away before guests arrive or cooking begins.
Living in a small space also requires clever concealment. The couple’s interests—illustrating and jiu-jitsu—are integrated but never overwhelming. For instance:
• The Workout: A pull-up bar is hidden inconspicuously beneath a blue display shelf in the dining area.
• The Guest Room: A secondhand IKEA sofa bed transforms the living room into a queen-sized guest suite.
• The Hidden Storage: Gym equipment is tucked away inside a custom pull-out bench that extends from the dining area.
Aesthetic Meets Identity
Modern living is not just about efficiency; it is about expressing identity. Jackie chose a calming shade of green for the foyer to provide a “respite from the busyness of the city”. In the bathroom, glossy maroon tiles were chosen because they are easy to maintain and create the illusion of a larger space.
The home is also a gallery of their lives. An illustrator by trade, Jackie curated a gallery wall featuring her own artwork and pieces from their travels—including a unique display made from Toby’s old jiu-jitsu belts,.
The Foundation of Need
Ultimately, the shift in modern home design is moving toward a needs-based foundation. As Jackie reflects on her childhood in a small home, she notes that while space was limited, she always found ways to add beauty. Today, she believes that “once you understand how the person lives, many design decisions are already made for you”.
In this new paradigm, every object and piece of furniture is the result of a conscious decision. As urban residents continue to redefine their living spaces, the focus remains clear: with thoughtful design, a small home is no longer a compromise—it is a highly desirable, personalized sanctuary.