Home Tour: $111,000 Renovation for a finance executive assistant’s 4-room resale flat in Hougang
This modern and minimalist 4-room resale flat has a timeless and future proof design for the homeowner to grow old in.
By Lynn Tan -
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Who Lives Here: An executive assistant in the finance industry in her 50s
Home: A four-room HDB resale flat in Hougang
Size: 904 sq ft
Interior Designer: Happe Design Atelier
One of the most important criteria for Catherine C, an executive assistant in the finance industry when she was house hunting was that it had to be near her mother’s place. Having a targeted shortlist based on specific search criteria meant that it took only three viewings for her to find the unit that she wanted.
“This is not my first home, but it would be my last,” says Catherine, who is in her 50s. As her forever home, her brief to senior interior designer, Johnson Ng from Happe Design Atelier included future-proofing considerations should mobility be an issue in the future.
“We levelled all the floors throughout the flat for a seamless flow and to minimise tripping hazards,” he points out. This also reinforces the semi open concept layout of the flat that offers flexibility for Catherine in terms of indulging in her favourite hobbies and pastimes, such as her vinyl collection, playing the Er Hu and an automatic mahjong table.
As a self-proclaimed “lazy minimalist”, Catherine wanted a spacious, bright and airy interior that requires minimal maintenance. Johnson took the client’s lifestyle and personal philosophy into consideration and focused on creating light-filled, clutter-free spaces that flow seamlessly from one area to the next.
“Every corner was thoughtfully planned to serve a purpose with an emphasis on functionality, simplicity and ease of cleaning to ensure that the spaces remain uncluttered and are effortless to live in,” he highlights.
Entrance foyer
The repositioning of the main entrance to enclose the former access balcony creates a cosy entrance foyer. An existing window facing the main door was sealed for feng shui reasons and Johnson designed the new wall in such a way that it conceals the DB box.
Windows along one side give the entrance foyer a bright and welcoming feel. A simple and compact low cabinet below the windows takes care of Catherine’s shoe storage while still keeping the entryway open and uncluttered.
Living room
A gallery wall beside the entrance foyer draws you into the living area. Dual LED light strips at the top and bottom of the wall create an art gallery-like ambience for Catherine to display her collection. Across from this wall, a long sofa extends the length of the windows in the living room. The open and minimally furnished space looks curated and put together while giving off a laid back and comfortable vibe.
Dining room and kitchen
The new dining room was a former bedroom beside the kitchen. With the wall demolished, the two spaces flow around one another. As Catherine seldom cooks, an open kitchen works as she does not have to contend with the grease and smoke from frequent and heavy cooking.
A kitchen island becomes the natural focal point within this space. As the structural column and beam could not be removed, Johnson integrated the island around them and added open shelves below the island. This is complemented by the clean lines of the kitchen cabinets and countertops to create a cohesive and streamlined look.
Master bedroom
With the original master bedroom entrance repositioned, the room is now defined into two zones- one for the wardrobe and attached master bathroom, and the other for the bed. Johnson choreographed the master bedroom spaces around Catherine’s daily routine- from entering through the concealed door to showering, dressing and resting.
A walk-through wardrobe leads from the bedroom entrance towards the attached bathroom, serving both as a transition space, as well as a headboard for the bed on the other side.
Master bathroom
The original master bathroom was extended into the master bedroom to align with the bedroom door. The additional space allows for a proper vanity counter and basin, along with a shower compartment. “The master bathroom was designed with the same minimalist philosophy. It features soft, ambient lighting and clean, streamlined details to evoke a calm, spa-like atmosphere,” shares Johnson.
The renovation cost about $111,000. It took about four months to complete and Catherine moved into her forever home in May 2025.
Can’t get enough of this home? We spoke with the homeowner to understand more about their design thinking and favourite home pieces here: