Designing Calm: Lessons from One of Our Most Loved Modern Classic Homes

MIL Design & Construction
Oct 22
3 min read

Classic modern bedroom sith blue bedhead and dresser table and wall panelling

Even after years of new projects, our Jade Hills Semi-D remains one of our favourite classical inspired home.

When we first saw the empty house, it was a fresh developer unit — neat but cookie-cutter. The kitchen was small, tucked away, and felt disconnected from family life. So we reworked the flow: concealed the bathroom door seamlessly, extended the kitchen forward, and introduced an 18-foot coffee island-bar. Now, it’s the heart of the home — where cooking, coffee, and conversations blend effortlessly.

living room with natural sunlight and feature marble wall

So here are our top tips :

1. Build Calm with a Muted Base

A modern classic home begins with restraint.

We used a greige palette — a fusion of grey and beige — layered with natural marbles and grey-toned timber. The beauty lies in the textures, not loudness. These materials age gracefully, developing warmth and depth over time.

Tip: Start with tones that soothe. Let texture and light do the storytelling.

2. Add Colour with Emotion, Not Excess

Muted doesn’t mean boring.

We punctuated the calm with a deep Hermes orange pop color selected for key furniture pieces in the living, a blue velvet headboard in the master, and a scarlet red accent in the daughter’s room. The contrast keeps the home alive — quiet but full of spirit.

Tip: Choose one bold accent per space. Or go with a colored single furniture piece. It should make you feel something yet not too overwhelming.

Tip2: You can also put a colorful artwork in a nuted color palette living area which you can change it anytime. Keep colors only to loose piece if you are not up to it yet.

Before after of extended kitchen

3. Make the Kitchen the Heart

Post-pandemic living changed how families gather.

Instead of separating spaces, we designed the open-concept kitchen and dining as one large, flowing zone. With the long island bridging both, everyone can interact — whether cooking, studying, or sharing tea.

Tip: A great kitchen layout starts with flow — not furniture. Design for connection, not just storage.

Design A home Office or multi purpose room

The Home Office with a corner reading area and mini pantry kitchen is also our focal point in this home. This space is converted from the third floor family area.

Tip: Design for lifestyle and function

5. Hide the Clutter, Keep the Calm

Clean lines only work when everything unnecessary is hidden.

Concealed storage, panelled doors, and built-in lighting maintain the sense of quiet order. The more visually restful the home, the more luxurious it feels.

Tip: Design isn’t just what you show — it’s what you choose to hide.

6. Blur the Edges Between Indoors and Out

Balconies and garden patios are designed like extensions of the living space — furnished lightly with timber and soft lighting.

Always open up the dining to the patio and garden area. Natural sunlight streaming into the house is one of the best design point. Use good quality sheer curtains or blinds that do not block out sunlight

At the Home office we also connect visuslly to the large balcony using grey sheer curtains. Views towards the greenery outside from the home office were awesome.

Tip: Don’t treat your outdoor space as leftover area. Make it part of your rhythm.

Even today, this modern classic palette semi-D in Jade Hills stands as one of our most beloved works — a calm, functional sanctuary where elegance feels effortless.

Because true luxury is not about more.

It is about feeling at home, beautifully.