Home Tour: An auditor & project manager’s $90,000 Wabi-Sabi renovation for their 4-room BTO in Clementi
Auditor Michael Zhang and his wife, a project manager at a creative software firm, reimagined their BTO flat into a tranquil wabi-sabi retreat designed for work, rest, and life with their dachshund, Latte.
By Sng Ler Jun -
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Before they began planning their home, Michael Zhang, 36, had already won his wife, 33, over in a simple but memorable way. Nearly ten years ago, they met while working at their first jobs, crossing paths in a shared hot desk area. Each morning, he would buy her bread.
The small gesture became a ritual, one that grew into a relationship, and eventually a decision to apply for a BTO flat just two years into dating. The flat took years to be completed, with delays due to COVID, but in the meantime they had built a life together. Today, the couple live in their 4-room flat in the West with Latte, their eight-month-old cream dachshund.
The couple’s wabi-sabi flat in Clementi: pared-back, calming, and home to Latte the dachshund.
Who Lives Here: A couple in their 30s, with their Daschund
Home: A 4-room BTO HDB flat in Clementi
Size: 1,001 sq ft
Interior Designer: SHE Interior Design
Wabi Sabi Interior Design
With both of them working from home, the home’s aesthetic needed to be functional yet calming. They turned to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi for inspiration, embracing soft curves, matte textures, and a muted palette that allowed the natural light to take centre stage.
The renovation, which cost around $90,000, was a joint effort. His wife, a project manager by profession at a local creative service provider, approached the design process much like her day job. She assembled a slide deck of inspiration images from Instagram, shortlisting interior designers before settling on SHE Interior Design.
After visiting seven different firms, they found a good fit and worked closely with their interior designer, often visiting the site to check on progress. Flexible schedules allowed them to spot issues early, such as paint colours that looked more yellow than expected, or tiles that arrived a few shades cooler than the showroom samples. Being present helped them make adjustments before they became major problems.
A serene entryway with fluted panels, ribbed glass, and an arched niche sets the tone for the flat.
Entrance Design
The home opens with a calming entryway, defined by soft tones and an arched display niche. Fluted panels and rounded edges set the tone for the rest of the flat, reflecting wabi sabi’s preference for organic forms over sharp lines. A simple console provides storage, while curated objects such as ceramics and a clock framed against ribbed glass bring quiet texture and variation.
The kitchen’s light wood cabinetry and matte tiles create a warm, clutter-free backdrop.
A slim runner softens the kitchen floor, while concealed cabinetry keeps clutter firmly out of sight.
Kitchen Design
Situated right beside the entryway, the kitchen carries through the home’s calm and muted palette, with light wood cabinetry and matte tiles that are both practical and warm. Storage is kept largely concealed, creating a seamless look that avoids unnecessary clutter.
At its front sits a slim island that extends into the living space. It is modest in scale yet thoughtfully designed, with two bar stools tucked neatly underneath for casual meals or coffee breaks.
Michael’s pride and joy — a La Marzocco espresso machine anchors the couple’s dedicated coffee nook.
Home Coffee Setup
The coffee nook beside the kitchen is very much Michael’s domain. A La Marzocco machine from Florence anchors this space. He takes pride in preparing coffee for the two of them and for visiting friends, which makes the addition of a mini wine cellar nearby a worthwhile investment.
Working closely with their interior designer, the couple carved out this dedicated corner. On the floor, a cheeky Curry Up rug by Human Made, the Japanese lifestyle brand known for its playful yet posh sensibility, adds a burst of personality.
Walls were hacked to create flow and openness, with sheer curtains softening daylight throughout.
Breaking boundaries
From the start, the couple knew they wanted a home that prioritised openness over room count. Instead of keeping to the original floor plan, they hacked down walls to create flow and space, even if it meant affecting future resale value. This results in a space that feels generous and fluid.
Sheer curtains filter daylight softly into the space, giving it a calm, almost weightless quality. The dining table sits just steps away from the kitchen, making it easy to host family and friends.
The living room centres on comfort, with a plush sofa, Netflix nights, and Latte curled by their side.
Embracing the D.I.N.K lifestyle, for now
In the living room, comfort takes precedence. The couple chose a sofa that anchors the space, paired with the same sheer curtains that soften the daylight. Shelves display Michael’s collectibles, adding personality to the otherwise pared-back setting.
Evenings here are a ritual: the couple would put on their latest Netflix binge, perhaps with wine glasses in hand, and Latte, the dachshund, curled up nearby. “After a long day at work, we’d come together, sit down, and watch something,” Michael says.
With no plans for children at the moment, their home is designed squarely around how they live now. “It’s dual income, no kids for now,” he laughs. That decision has allowed them to shape the flat for leisure and flexibility, without needing to compromise on space or aesthetics.
A case-in-point: the flooring was deliberately chosen in matte ceramic tile rather than vinyl, a practical decision with Latte, their fur baby, in mind. “Glossy finishes feel sticky and don’t work as well with pets,” Michael explains. “Matte tiles are smoother, easier to sit on, and easier to maintain.”
Sheer curtains wash the living room in soft daylight, giving the space its signature calm.
Taobao Frniture
They also learnt how to save smartly. Many of the home’s details, from curtains to lighting, were sourced from Taobao at a fraction of local prices, while essential fixtures like the stove and shower fittings were bought in Singapore for quality assurance. They caution against choosing the cheapest online option, noting that mid-range items with good reviews tend to last longer.
The master bedroom balances calm minimalism with a playful display of Bearbricks and handbags.
Wab-Sabi Master Bedroom Design
The master bedroom carries through the home’s neutral palette but introduces more of the couple’s personality. Against the clean-lined carpentry sits an impressive collection of Bearbricks, while a row of carefully displayed handbags reflects her taste. All of these sit in the built-in, see-through wardrobe. Rather than feeling cluttered, the arrangement feels intentional, almost like a gallery within a private space.
Wabi sabi restraint is practiced here. Consistency in tones, such as from the matte finishes of the wardrobe to the soft bedding, keeps the room calm and restful despite the presence of collectibles.
For all the thought that went into the design, the couple admits to just one regret: not choosing a higher floor. “We wanted level 40, but ended up slightly lower,” Michael shares. The difference may seem minor, yet to them, the appeal of higher ceilings and a broader view still lingers. Beyond that, there is little they would change.