Minimalism in interior design is more than just hiding all the clutter behind sleek built-in cabinets and giving them a coat of limewash paint. To Cris Ng, Creative Director of 1618 Studio, minimalism is about balancing what’s functional with what’s beautiful and implementing that into a fully livable space that echoes the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.
This notion didn’t come to him overnight but was set in stone through a lifetime of personal experiences and professional growth as an interior designer. In this edition of Sol Meets, Cris takes us through his latest project, the process of thoughtful space planning, what gives a home a solid foundation, and his favourite luminaire for versatile rooms.
At 1618 Studio, our signature style is minimalistic and timeless. We focus on creating designs that stand out while ensuring that the spaces remain highly functional and livable, striking a balance between aesthetics and comfort.
Early in my career, I noticed how cluttered spaces often felt overwhelming and disconnected from the lives people wanted to lead. Later in my career, I began to explore the potential of typical floor plans and uncovered the impact of thoughtful space planning. I also learned to incorporate structural elements like beams and columns, transforming them into integral features of the overall design, enhancing both functionality and symmetry.
When a space exudes simplicity, clean lines, and a limited colour palette while ensuring that every element serves a purpose.
In minimalist design, clutter is minimised and the focus is on essential furnishings and decor that contribute to the room’s usability. Thoughtful storage solutions must be designed in accordance with the homeowner’s lifestyle. An open layout is often used to maintain a sense of spaciousness without sacrificing practicality.
A well-designed home doesn’t necessarily mean that every room must have standard features like a built-in wardrobe, nor does a laundry room have to include a specific laundry rack. A home is meant to accommodate people and every individual has unique living habits.
The design should be tailored to reflect and support the homeowner’s lifestyle, ensuring that the space aligns with their specific needs and preferences.
I’m always a believer in establishing a strong foundation for a home, focusing on elements like flooring, ceiling, wall treatments, and effective space planning rather than filling every corner with built-in cabinetry.
A well-designed base that aligns with the intended theme creates a cohesive framework that allows for the gradual addition of loose furniture or built-ins over time, resulting in a more complete and personalised home as you live in it.
The inspiration behind this project is the concept of a blank canvas. I envision it as an ongoing work in progress, allowing for seasonal updates with loose decor to keep the space fresh and dynamic.
The placement of the lighting fixture in this space was strategically designed to meet the specific functional needs of each area, rather than providing uniform illumination throughout. This approach highlights the furnishings and decor, avoiding the flattening effect caused by evenly distributed lighting.
In the living room, the heart of the home, I utilised an immovable structural pillar by cladding it with custom stone-textured paint and accentuating it with soft LED lighting from the ground up. This creates a striking visual feature that doubles as ambient lighting, perfect for a cosy, relaxed evening atmosphere.
My lights of choice are usually driven by what best enhances the design theme of each project, and Sol Luminaire® offers a wide range of luminaires that complement various design themes.
For this particular project, if I were to choose one, it would be the Isa V3®. The house features a colour palette dominated by off-white and stainless steel. Thanks to the versatility of the Isa V3®, I can opt for either a white or metallic funnel to seamlessly suit the different spaces, without feeling restricted in design choices.
Many homeowners are unaware of the crucial role lighting plays in a home—it is just as important as elements like tiling or carpentry, and luminaires from Sol Luminaire® can significantly enhance the overall interior design.
In my experience, the associates at Sol Luminaire® are highly trained professionals who can develop cohesive lighting proposals that elevate the design of any space. The thing to look out for is to trust Sol Luminaire® associates’ proposals when it comes to creating a well-thought-out lighting plan.
My primary goal for 1618 Studio in 2025 is to further refine our expertise in minimalistic design and continue delivering spaces that blend simplicity with functionality. We plan to explore opportunities for collaboration with artisans and brands that align with our design philosophy. Ultimately, the aim is to grow 1618 Studio's presence while staying true to our minimalist roots and maintaining high standards of design excellence.
