Home Tour: $80,000 Renovation for a HR bachelor’s 3-room HDB resale at Sumang Walk
The green colour palette and minimalist vibes of the home make the homeowner feel at peace.
By Lynn Tan -
Share this article
Like many homeowners, home for Duncan Chew is a place where he can relax and unwind after a busy day at work. The 37-year-old HR professional has always wanted a minimalist interior with a clean look that does not feel cluttered. What is slightly unusual is his choice of colour. “I like the colour green, so I thought that the house can include this colour in addition to the usual white, grey and black,” he says.
The previous homeowner did some basic renovation for the kitchen and a built-in wardrobe in the master bedroom. Duncan decided to gut the place and have everything redone and replaced according to his preferences with help from the team at MYD Pleasant Home Design.
Who Lives Here: A 37-year-old bachelor
Home: A 3-room HDB resale flat at Sumang Walk
Size: 732 sq ft
A striking green entrance foyer with pixel-patterned floor tiles and custom cabinetry.
Entrance Foyer Design
A green entrance foyer greets visitors the moment they enter the home. The floor tiles comprising different shades of green create an interesting pixel effect. The full-height shoe cabinet and half height side console were custom made by Gamar Furniture using the same green laminate as the rest of the home.
The model aircrafts displayed above the side console is a collection of the various aircraft models that Duncan had flown in during his former career as a flight attendant. “They remind me of how much I used to love flying. I would probably still be flying today if not for the pandemic, which made me rethink my career path,” he reminisces.
A close-up of the living area showing a feature wall extension and sleek modern furnishings.
Feature Wall
The wall behind the living room was extended to give the appearance of a feature wall. Against this backdrop is a Castlery sofa and a side table from LG PuriCare AeroFurniture that also incorporates air purifying and wireless charging functions.
A compact dining nook with a custom-sized table, green-cushioned bench seating, and a muted backdrop.
Dining Room Design
The dining area makes clever use of a little nook facing the living room. The interior designer initially suggested using wallpaper as a backdrop, but Duncan eventually decided to use a grey laminate instead for its durability and minimalist look.
A dining bench continues around the corner from the entrance foyer to the dining space where it transitions from a seat for wearing and removing shoes to a dining bench topped with green cushions. The dining table was custom made to the exact size that Duncan wanted- not too big and not too small, to complement the space.
A clean galley-style kitchen featuring green and grey cabinetry, with coordinated countertops and backsplash.
Green Kitchen Design
The grey-and-green theme continues in the kitchen cabinets, countertop and backsplash that tie it in with the rest of the home. The colour palette, together with the galley layout gives the kitchen a clean and organised look.
A restful view from the bed in Duncan Chew’s master bedroom, with muted tones and clean lines.
Master Bedroom Design
To make the most of the space in the master bedroom, a work desk has been integrated into the built-in wardrobe. It is positioned perpendicular to the wardrobe and parallel to the bed so that it can also double up as a bedside table.
An integrated work desk within the master bedroom wardrobe, blending functionality and space-saving design.
Green wall tiles in the master bathroom echoing the home’s entrance design, adding a bold yet cohesive touch.
Master Bathroom Design
The green wall tiles in the master bathroom echoes the pixel composition on the floor of the entrance foyer. These tiles are actually meant for use in a swimming pool, but they caught Duncan’s eye and he decided to use them in his master bathroom. In contrast, the common bathroom sports a terrazzo wall, but executed with a minimalist vibe in harmony with the rest of the home.
A minimalist bathroom with terrazzo wall tiles, designed in harmony with the home’s understated aesthetic.
Guest Bedroom
Duncan had the intention of renting out the second bedroom, but changed his mind after the renovation was completed. He now uses it as a home gym and keeps his weights and road bicycle inside.
A built-in bench with concealed storage, opened to reveal its dual-purpose function.
A minimalist bench with green cushions that doubles as storage in the entry and dining area.
$80,000 Renovation
He moved into his new home in January 2024 after a renovation that stretched over three to four months. He took his time selecting the furniture and it was fully furnished in July 2024. The total cost came up to about $78,000 to $80,000.
He was very impressed by the interior design team’s ability to deliver the design concept of the house and they also came up with very practical suggestions throughout the design and renovation process. “If you are going to engage an interior designer, they should be someone who can project manage well without you having to worry,” he emphasises.