While most compromise (or even omit) balcony space for a bigger living room, Vera Poh of Human Space opted to do otherwise. She extended the balcony into the original living room - from 50 to 100 sq ft. What I consider to be a brave decision, I asked her: "Why?"

"The tropical style, on which the interior design of this home is based, is highly suitable for our lifestyle here in Singapore. Tropical materials, like timber and tiles, suit our climate," Poh says.

Indeed. Blessed with good scenery, nothing bars the view from the balcony from the parapet wall upwards. Non-intrusive tension cables are fitted for added security. "Tension cables, instead of typical grilles are used to aid a clear view of the vast greenery," she continues.

Further enhanced with potted plants, the timber-decked balcony is not expensive at all. The price of the timber boards is affordable. Rather, difficulty lies more in securing supply. Poh obtains them from timber merchants.

A sturdy furniture set is placed here for al fresco breakfast, lunch or dinner. When night drew near, the enjoyment of hearty dishes in the cool evening air with the sounds of rustling leaves makes dining at home a rather different experience.

Essentially, this is a modern home, despite the somewhat rustic balcony. The interior view here, through the sliding glass doors to the living and dining rooms, and all the way to the kitchen, is clear. The uncluttered disposition of the home renders an open feel. However, this is not to say the home's minimalist.

The minimalist style can be somewhat cold and requires frequent maintenance. It's also not too friendly with hassle-free living or messy days (we all have them). Here, however, you can leave magazines and even your children's toys lying around. (Just don't get too messy.) This home is meant to be liveable. The cosy parquet floor, warm lights and cool slates evoke a welcoming ambience.

Since the layout is so open, Poh and the Human Space team rely on different materials to demarcate boundaries and dispel the "floating" effect that a too open home can summon. Parquet travels from the living to the dining room, where it is then paralleled by black slate tiles that lead to the kitchen and portions outside bedrooms. The bedrooms revert back to parquet.

Two bedrooms have been merged into one to create a bigger master bedroom. The room is spacious enough to accommodate a relaxation corner (chaise lounge chair by the window's good for reading), wardrobes and even a niche accommodating an eye catching floral arrangement as well as a Japanese lamp. The sleeping area rests snugly behind sliding, sandblasted glass doors for further privacy. This neutral hued room is enlivened by an abstract pink painting for that chic touch. The painting pertains to Human Space. The master bedroom connects to a bathroom that also features sandblasted glass fixtures.

The furniture for the home is contemporary. "Does contemporary fuse with the tropical style?" I ask Poh.

She replies: "Yes. Because they share one common characteristic: no frills. It is Balinese style that cannot take modern furniture. While the tropical style is warm, cosy with straightforward designs, the Balinese look is conveyed through carvings and intricate details."

In addition to no frills, coherence is also achieved through colour matching: an earthy and amiable colour theme. The Trax sofa in the living room is grey, while the ottoman (cubic article that functions as a footrest or seat in itself) is light purple. It becomes somewhat grey under certain lights, but light purple certainly fits into the earthy colour theme. Even with potted plants, the furniture doesn't look out of place.

One factor is very noticeable in this apartment - it makes no attempt to increase 'wall' space. Many homes display feature walls, wood panelling or tiled walls (in the kitchen). In this home, on the contrary, only a diminutive false ceiling is created to hide wiring and cables. Otherwise, a clean look is secured. Even in the kitchen, walls are simply painted (not tiled) to complement the sleek kitchen cabinets and refrigerator.

While food is being prepared here, the hungry guest anticipates a good dinner, for good food deserves good ambience. Enjoy. After all, it's home.