Home Tour: $160,000 Renovation for a Feng Shui Master’s 4-bedroom condo in Upper Changi

Walking into Fengshui master, Wilfred Leu’s home, its tasteful design is nothing like the garish and kitschy interior that one tends to associate with a Fengshui home. While every single element in the home was designed according to Fengshui principles and has an auspicious symbolism, they have been done in good taste and add to the home’s stylish and sophisticated look.

With his wealth of experience providing Fengshui consultations for residential and commercial projects, Wilfred, who is in his late 40s, has amassed a good understanding of interior design, lighting and different materials. Tapping on this knowledge, he allowed his imagination to take flight and sketched out his ideas for interior designer, Miki Shi, whom he has collaborated with on numerous projects and who designed his previous home.

“In some instances, I was very specific, right down to the brands of materials to be used. In general, I wanted anyone who enters my home to be wowed by a splendour and magnificence that integrates elements of Chinese culture, western influence and luxe details,” he says.

Who Lives Here: A Fengshui master
Home: A 4-bedroom condominium at Upper Changi Road North
Size: 1,400 sq ft (approximate)
Interior Designer: Miki Shi

Feng Shui Interior Design

Integrating Feng Shui principles and elements into the interior design in a functional and harmonious manner requires finesse and skill. “When I connect Feng Shui with design, I focus on the flow of the space and the experience of moving through it. By blending classical Feng Shui principles with modern design elements, I came up with spaces that are visually stunning while promoting balance and positive energy,” she says.

Main Door Feng Shui Design

The main door, along with the bed and kitchen stove are the three most important areas within a home. The moment you open the main door, you are greeted by a screen with a large Chinese coin motif in the middle made of bronze Formica and a thin layer of stone.

The circular coin with a square centre opening is associated with heaven (round) and earth (square), a symbol of harmony, which is believed to usher in wealth. The screen also provides a spatial separation between the entrance foyer and the rest of the home.

As you turn the corner, a painting of koi fish is meant to suggest wealth accumulating in the entrance foyer. A self-designed, custom sideboard below the painting was fabricated using wood, bronze and seashells, representing harmony and more wealth.

Warm Lighting

Feng Shui Master and homeowner Wilfred was very particular about the lighting in the home and insisted on using warm light. Apart from its Yang energy, the warm lighting also gives the home a cosy and inviting ambience. The living room has a striking ceiling shaped like a calabash gourd with recessed cove lighting.

“The direct and indirect lighting signifies Yin and Yang, while the warm light projects Yang energy. The calabash can ward off unpleasantries and is also a symbol of fortune and wealth,” he points out.

Living Room Feng Shui

The living room was designed based on Purple Star astrology, an ancient Chinese system that analyses a person’s fate and personality traits based on a birth chart featuring unique purple stars that represent different aspects of one’s life.

Here, the colour bronze has been balanced with blue accents from the sofa and the seat cushions, which also bring out the positive energy of the space. The television console extends upwards to a series of built-in cabinets that provide plenty of storage in the guise of a feature wall comprising metal door panels embedded with frosted glass cut-outs in the shape of Chinese coins.

At the end of the walkway leading to the bedrooms, Wilfred hung a calligraphy of the Chinese character that means wealth, illuminated by a purposefully placed downlight. Auspicious symbolisms aside, the light reflecting off the gold paint gives off an iridescence that draws you into the gallery-like walkway.

Home Office Feng Shui

Two of the bedrooms have been combined into a study comprising a library and workspace. Wilfred’s collection of books is housed in floor-to-ceiling shelves all around the library. The Chinese character “Fu”, which means good fortune, has been integrated into the ceiling as an interesting light feature.

Directly above his desk, a similar light fixture can be found, but with the Chinese character “Lu” (prosperity).

Instead of the usual office chair, Wilfred’s is a very rare antique Guanmaoyi yoke back chair that dates back to the Ming dynasty. “My study is just so comforting and pleasing and all the reference materials that I need are within easy reach. I soundproofed the room so that I can be in my own space with as little distractions as possible,” he shares.

Bedroom Feng Shui

The bedroom is another very important area within a home. Wilfred highlights that the bed must be positioned close to the wall, with no gaps or air column behind the headboard to ensure restful sleep.

Completing the Fu Lu Shou trio of lucky immortals, the ceiling light feature in the master bedroom is of the Chinese character “Shou” (longevity). A framed calligraphy of the Chinese character for “rest” bodes well for a good night’s rest.

$160,000 Renovation Cost

Executing the design and renovation entailed working closely with the contractors and carpenters to ensure that the designs could be implemented, including carpenters in China who were fabricating some of the pieces that Wilfred designed. The renovation took about nine months to complete and cost about $160,000. Wilfred moved into his new home in July 2024.