Bankers Jeric and Steph purchased this home from its previous owner after the five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for Executive Condominiums (EC).
The couple liked how spacious the unit was but felt that there was a lot of “wasted space” and that the layout could be more efficient.
“Functionality was our priority. We also wanted it to be cosy and fun so we can spend the whole day at home at weekends,” says the couple.
They found interior design firm, Imagine SK66, online and entrusted the task of transforming the unit to interior designer Kriszha Mae Soriano, who says, “They came prepared with inspirational images that gave me an understanding of their preference to formulate a design suited to their tastes,” Kriszha says.
Who Lives Here: A family of five
Home: 4-bedroom HDB Executive Condo (EC) in Sengkang
Size: 1,367 sq ft
Interior Designer: Imagine SK66
3-Gen family
Besides their two daughters, Steph’s father also lives with them, making them three generations under one roof. But this didn’t make the design any more challenging.
“My father-in-law is very easy-going. He had only a few requirements for his room and left the design for the rest of the home to us,” Jeric comments.
$85,000 Renovation
The scope of the renovation, which took three months and $85,000, was fairly extensive.
Besides the electrical aspects and work on the ceiling, flooring and walls, there was some reconfiguration and the hacking of walls mainly in the kitchen, the master bedroom and one bedroom adjacent to the living area.
Living room
An island at the front of the kitchen was removed and the freed-up space became the dining area. Relocating it away from the living space meant the latter is now bigger, creating more room for the girls to play in.
Storage spaces
Of the storeroom, the helper’s room and the toilet in the kitchen area, hacking the storeroom walls allowed Kriszha to add more built-in cabinets and a washing machine.
And, since the owners don’t have a helper, the room for one and the toilet have been converted into the new storeroom that now occupies a smaller footprint than before but still provides adequate storage for the family while slightly enlarging the kitchen.
Study and playroom
One of the bedrooms is now both a study and a playroom.
“I have always wanted this in my home. When we host family and friends, the ladies tend to occupy the living and dining areas while the men usually end up in the study-cum-playroom,” Jeric reveals.
Sliding glass panels
Two of the existing walls that formed an L-shape have been replaced by full-height fixed as well as sliding-folding glass panels. This opens up the room and connects it physically and visually with the living area.
“It also makes the space look bigger,” Kriszha points out. The distinctly fun vibes are a fitting reflection of the room’s purpose.
Colourful artwork display
The wall above the desk has colourful artwork depicting Kaws’ iconic characters.
“I like street art and picked this up from an artist in Chatuchak Market in Bangkok,” says Jeric.
Air Jordan shoe display
One important item on Jeric’s wish list was a built-in display cabinet for his Jordan shoe collection.
The requirement was to accommodate 20-plus pairs but, since moving in in March 2019, his collection has outgrown the display that is integrated into the living room feature wall.
He got the idea while shoe shopping: “The shoes are always so nicely displayed in the shops, so I thought it would be nice to have something like that at home.”
Walk-in wardrobe
The master bedroom underwent major changes, too.
The old en suite bathroom took up about half the entire bedroom.
Kriszha felt would be better utilised as a walk-in wardrobe since more storage space is always welcome.
It even has a display case for Jeric’s watch collection as well. The walk-in also provides a spatial transition from the sleeping area to the new spacious bathroom.
Jeric and Steph were so pleased to be able to achieve the modern design with a touch of street style that they wanted.
“We really appreciate Kriszha’s expertise, and especially her great sense of colour. The neutral shades of grey and white made furniture selection a breeze for us. She has created exactly what we desired.”
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This article was first published on Home and Decor in January 2021. Photography Vee Chin; Art Direction Kristy Quah