Home Tour: $150,000 Renovation for a HR couple’s resale 4-room HDB in Toa Payoh
Beyond aesthetics, a well-designed home also makes light work of daily routines. Home & Decor finds out from these homeowners how even daily chores have become much more enjoyable in their new home.
By Lynn Tan -
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When HR professionals Keith Yap and Stephanie Gan, both in their 40s, purchased this BTO flat that had fulfilled its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), they initially only planned on doing the usual carpentry work, having a small island for the kitchen and dining areas, and adding a walk-in wardrobe.
It wasn’t until they met Eric, the interior designer from E+e Design and Build that they realised their home could be so much more. “At our first meeting, even though it was a non-obligatory consultation, he went the extra mile by showing us visuals to help us better imagine the design. He provided practical insights and his innovative ideas on space management and design concepts blew us away,” says homeowner Keith.
Who Lives Here: A family of three
Home: A 4-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh East
Size: 1,001 sq ft
In the living area, a curved sofa echoes the gentle lines of the ceiling and walls.
E+e Design and Build Review
Fundamental to the interior design proposal was a thorough understanding of the family’s lifestyle habits and preferences. From meticulously orienting the television set in the living room so that it can be viewed from the dining counter as homeowner Keith likes to watch television during mealtimes, to designating a specific location for the laundry basket and cleaning robot according to the workflow, interior designer Eric took extra effort to ensure that the design is tailored according to the family’s needs.
Curved design elements flow throughout the home, adding softness and a sense of continuity to the interiors.
Entrance Foyer Design
For the entrance foyer, interior designer Eric tried to jazz up the ubiquitous shoe cabinet and feature wall used to conceal the household shelter by introducing curves in the flooring and light pelmet.
The entrance foyer features a curved wall detail that softens the look of integrated storage.
“Along with a laminate with a limewash effect, these set the tone for a softer feel from the moment you enter the home. It also helps to keep things clean and bright,” Eric explains. To ensure consistency, the rounded motif continues in the living room expressed as curves in the false ceiling and television feature wall, complemented by a curved sofa.
An open-plan layout connects the living room to the dining area, enhancing flow and functionality.
Dining Room
The dining area comprises of a peninsula island dining counter abutting a pantry. This is regarded by the family as the heart of the home where they eat, work and chill. It is also where their 11-year-old son, Kyler, studies.
The peninsula dining counter anchors the space with its clean lines and practicality.
Interior designer Eric thoughtfully incorporated power points and storage below the island. The dry pantry is where they can easily access the coffee machine and water dispenser without having to enter the kitchen. The curved design of the tile and vinyl flooring adds a playful touch.
The dining table serves as a hub for dining, work, and study.
The entrance to the kitchen is tucked neatly beside the dining area, blending style with accessibility.
Kitchen Design
By demolishing the existing wall separating the kitchen and the yard, interior designer Eric was able to carve out more space. This is one of the things that homeowner Stephanie really appreciates: “As someone who likes to cook and bake, the kitchen has become one of my favourite spots to whip up delicious dishes.”
The kitchen counter is streamlined and functional, offering ample prep space while maintaining a clutter-free look.
Much thought went into designing the laundry area at the back of the kitchen to create a seamless and efficient experience. The setup is organised and clutter-free. There is a place for everything, from the laundry basket to the cleaning robot, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
A concealed door merges seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry, maintaining the clean lines of the bedroom.
Master Bedroom Design
Extensive reconfiguration was carried out around the master bedroom. The original bedroom door was moved forward so that it now sits beside the pantry, disguised using the same laminates as the pantry cabinets.
A sleek vanity counter sits just outside the master bedroom, thoughtfully designed for convenience.
By hacking the wall between the existing master bedroom and the adjacent bedroom, the new master suite is now more spacious and includes a new walk-in wardrobe, along with plenty of storage to accommodate the couple’s clothes, bags and other personal belongings.
“I opted for a darker laminate for the master bedroom to make it cosier. It also helps the couple to wind down especially since the bedroom is a place for sleeping,” Eric points out.
The master bathroom balances form and function with elegant finishes and clever storage solutions.
Master Bathroom Design
The master bathroom checks all the boxes in terms of functionality while looking aesthetically pleasing. A long basin integrated into the vanity counter makes cleaning much easier compared to a regular basin.
Textured stone-look tiles and a wall-hung toilet give this bathroom a refined, resort-like feel.
A wall-hung water closet looks elegant against the stone and concrete look tiles. A niche in the shower compartment not only provides a place for shampoo and other toiletries, but also gives it a touch of luxury reminiscent of resort bathrooms.
A built-in niche adds both storage and a touch of elegance.
$150,000 Renovation
The family moved into their new home in July 2024 after a 10-week renovation that came up to about $150,000 excluding furniture and furnishings. The homeowners are very pleased with the results.
Homeowner Keith says: “It fits seamlessly with our lifestyle and has surpassed our expectations, thanks to Eric’s keen eye for details.” Stephanie adds: “The house is thoughtfully planned and beautifully designed, with practicality in mind to suit our needs. Eric’s focus on storage is especially impressive and the carpentry offers ample space, which we truly appreciate.”