What used to be a home shrouded in darkness is now a bright and lively place for homeowner Ng Kok Choon and his family. Kok Choon had asked Raymond Seow, principal designer of Free Space Intent, to renovate his place so more light would enter, while retaining the three original bedrooms.

"Although it's large, the home was very dark when I first visited it," Raymond recalls. "The brown window grilles that were installed made the place look small and dim." One of the designer's first moves was to remove the grilles in question - and that small change was one of the measures that made a huge difference to the space.

"Expanding" the space without eating into the rooms proved a more difficult task. The upper halves of some walls were replaced with clear glass panels to bring more light into the living and dining spaces. A pull-down blind was added to provide privacy when needed.

Text: Bridget Tan
Photography: Wong Wei Liang assisted by Li Qizhi
Art direction: Betty Wong

Read more about this and other H&D Homes in the January issue of Home & Decor.