Home Tour: $75,000 Renovation for a 60s couple's 3-bedroom condo in Reflections at Keppel Bay
Witness a journey of transformation, where vision meets design in a couple's dream retirement home
By Jyn Teo -
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In the lush enclave of Bukit Merah, Mr and Mrs Aw have found a symphony of nature's bounty right at their doorstep. The siren call of verdant parks and winding trails had long enchanted them, a charm that only deepened as they transitioned from their spacious 3-storey semi-detached home into the more manageable confines of a 3-bedroom Reflections at Keppel Bay condo, heralding their semi-retirement years.
Who lives here: A couple in their 60s and their son.
Home: A 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay.
Size: 1,550 sq ft
Interior Design: Weiken
Living room in a 1,550 sq ft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay. Interior design by Weiken.
Reflections at Keppel Bay
It was the architecturally stunning Reflections at Keppel Bay, with its ribbon-like glass façade and tranquil waterside presence, that beckoned to them a decade prior, promising a serene canvas for their golden years.
North-South facing home
The couple's seasoned history of relocation and home refurbishment meant they approached this new endeavour with seasoned insight. "The apartment's orientation was a key draw for us, being north-south facing - it's ideal from a Feng Shui perspective, and while we're not fervent followers, it's a nice bonus," they explained. Their astute selection led them to a pristine unit, ripe for infusing with their unique essence.
In pursuit of a professional who could bring their bright, modern vision to life, Mr and Mrs Aw delved into a home renovation network, encountering interior designer Eunice Lam of Weiken. Eunice's expertise and her attuned responsiveness resonated with them amidst a sea of potential designers.
Stainless steel kitchen basin and tap in this 1,550 sqft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay. Interior design by Weiken
Black kitchen backsplash in the wet kitchen of this 1,550 sqft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay. Interior design by Weiken.
A black fridge in the kitchen of this 1,550 sqft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay. Interior design by Weiken.
Wet kitchen design
Their culinary passion ignited the first phase of transformation: a commodious wet kitchen designed for both intimate meals and bustling social gatherings. The once singular wall kitchen unfolded into a dynamic galley, ripe with potential.
A curved wall leading into the dining area.
A vase set on a console tabletop.
Curved wall
A shopping foray to lighting gallery Sol Luminaire sparked the idea for a graceful curvaceous wall, delineating the kitchen and living area. Adjacent to it, a breakfast nook cradling a meticulously restored vintage marble table stood as a testament to their love for the space. "We dedicated days to sanding and varnishing that table, bringing it back to its former glory," homeowner Mr Aw fondly recalled.
Indoor garden in this 1,550 sq ft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay.
Indoor garden
Greeted by the dawn, the couple now revels in their indoor garden, a lush haven for botanical companions that have graced their lives for over thirty years. "We contemplated several layouts, including a fixed indoor balcony, but this current agile design brings us joy," they mused with satisfaction.
An all-white and wood dining area for a couple in their 60s and their son lives in this 1,550 sq ft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay. Interior design by Weiken.
Dining room
The area once designated as the dry kitchen has evolved into an inviting dining space, bathed in the soft glow of a cove light installation conceived by interior designer Eunice. This collaboration has yielded a sanctuary that balances modern elegance with heartfelt warmth.
A palette of neutral shades and thoughtful elements, such as durable black quartz worktops and sleek white glass cabinets, underscore their affinity for both style and ease.
A planter sitting on a niche within a built-in carpentry storage cabinets.
A planter sitting on a niche within a built-in carpentry storage cabinets.
All black bathroom in this 1,550 sq ft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay.
$75,000 Renovation budget
Their pragmatic ethos extended into the bathrooms, which absorbed a significant portion of their $75,000 renovation investment to ensure enduring comfort and accessibility. A roomy shower space, now featuring a curved seat ledge, stands in place of the old bathtub, with doorways expanded to anticipate any future mobility needs.
Master bedroom in this 1,550 sq ft 3-bedroom condominium apartment in Keppel Bay.
The meticulous nature of Mr and Mrs Aw's involvement in the renovation is evident in every detail—from the strategic placement of light switches to the discreet storage systems, all designed to maintain the home's streamlined allure.
After three months of unwavering commitment, the couple embraced their revitalised home in June 2023. Their journey stands as a heartfelt chronicle of vision, joint effort, and the unwavering pursuit of a bespoke retirement haven.