Home Tour: $120,000 Minimalist renovation for a 40s couple’s 3-room HDB in Bedok North

Minimalist and monochromatic are the two words that immediately come to mind when stepping into this home. These were exactly what the homeowners- a freelance trader and his accountant wife, both in their mid-40s, conveyed to design manager, Simon and design consultant, KS from Ovon Design Pte Ltd.

The couple also have a preference for curved edges and wanted everything to be hidden so that the house will always look neat and tidy. This is evident right from the entrance foyer where a series of full-height, built-in cabinets with rounded corners provide ample storage for shoes and other household items, while also concealing the DB electrical box.

Who Lives Here: A couple in their mid-40s
Home: A 3-room HDB flat in Bedok North
Size: 720 sq ft
Interior Design: Design manager Simon, and design consultant KS from Ovon Design Pte Ltd

Living Room Design

With just the two of them living in the flat, the couple only needed one bedroom. As they wanted to have a big television set, it was decided that one of the bedrooms be opened up and converted into a living room and television room. It is separated from the master bedroom by sliding glass doors that make it feel like an antechamber to the bedroom where the couple can lounge and watch television.

The design of the television console is consistent with the rest of the interior - simple, clean and with rounded edges. A column that could not be demolished has been turned into a feature instead, with a curved box-up and lighting.

Minimalist Kitchen Design

The rectilinear kitchen has been divided into a wet and dry kitchen separated by bi-parting glass doors. The dining table is positioned side-by-side with a higher island to create a long, two-tier, central fixture that anchors the open-concept space. A series of floor-to-ceiling cabinets, drawers, shelves, a countertop and sink make up the pantry that provides convenient access to water and drinks without having to enter the wet kitchen.

Master Bedroom Design

In the master bedroom, Simon and KS designed a customised bedframe to suit the interior theme. This is complemented by a limewashed bedhead. They managed to carve out space for a walk-in wardrobe with His and Hers wardrobes flanking either side, both sporting rounded edges that tie in with the rest of the home. The attached master bathroom possesses a limestone cave-like quality that is tranquil and meditative, perfect for a relaxing and restorative shower after a long day.

$120,000 Renovation Budget

The controlled palette of materials and colours brings out the home’s beauty in simplicity. The couple moved into their new home in September 2023 after a 12-week renovation costing approximately $120,000 including furniture.

Their favourite space within the home is the living area because they can see the entire house from there and this fills them with an immense sense of comfort. For interior designers Simon and KS, it is the unique and 360-degree transformation that fills them with pride.