My First Home: A couple’s earthy & neutral 5-room BTO in Sengkang
In this episode of Home & Decor’s hugely popular My First Home series, we visit a 5-room BTO flat in Sengkang where homeowners Zhimin Ong and Melvrick Goh have created a warm, wood-toned sanctuary filled with thoughtful design and future-ready plans. From its earthy palette and textured walls to community-driven renovation ideas and family-friendly layout, their home is a heartfelt reflection of who they are and the life they’re building together.
By Young Lim -
When Zhimin Ong and Melvrick Goh first set their sights on a BTO flat, they weren’t just looking for a place to live, they were imagining the kind of life they wanted to build together. Their journey began in 2015 with multiple unsuccessful bids, and after finally securing a unit in 2017, they waited more than six years before receiving the keys. But that long runway gave them the time to save, plan, and dream.
The result? A 1,274 sq ft 5-room HDB BTO flat in Sengkang that balances their shared love for natural textures, functional living, and community spirit.
A Home Built for Two (and More)
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this home was designed with intention. Warm wood accents, marble surfaces, and a neutral palette of greys and browns anchor the flat in nature, evoking a relaxed, organic feel. “There isn’t a single word to describe our theme,” Zhimin reflects, “but we wanted a cosy, calming space.” The couple kept the original HDB layout mostly intact, with the exception of knocking down one wall to create a larger room. This space was converted into their shared workspace and reading zone.
Design Meets Personality
Zhimin, who gravitates toward aesthetics and storytelling, and Melvrick, who’s more pragmatic and systems-oriented, brought complementary energies to the renovation process. He focused on practical aspects like lighting and Wi-Fi placement, while she honed in on the textures, colours, and finishes that give the home its soul. The result is a home that feels both thoughtful and personal, including details like a textured corridor wall with brutalist overtones and a high-counter island designed for gathering and conversation.
For Family, Friends and Future Kids
“We really wanted a home where we could host people,” says Zhimin. The living and dining areas were conceived with this in mind: a counter island perfect for casual chats over drinks, and a large sofa that anchors their open-plan layout. Despite investing in a massive screen for movie nights, the couple admits it might have been a touch ambitious. Over time, they ended up watching from the dining table instead. A clear highlight is the dining area’s custom acrylic stand, sourced overseas, to visually lighten the wooden surroundings and offer a sense of elevation.
They also carved out a versatile space by merging two bedrooms. This included a sunny, open area that now serves as a study but could easily become a shared kids’ room down the line. “We both grew up sharing rooms with our siblings, and we want our future children to experience the same,” says Melvrick.
Bold Moves in the Bathrooms
While the main house embraces earthy, subdued tones, the bathrooms tell a more expressive story. The common bathroom features Peranakan tiles and playful colour accents in green, black, and gold, a conscious decision to create an element of surprise. Meanwhile, their en-suite bathroom leans into a moody, hotel-inspired ambience, where dark finishes and luxe fittings transform the daily routine into a mini retreat.
Life Beyond the Four Walls
But the home’s magic doesn’t stop at its doorstep. For a couple that had spent most of their lives in mature estates, moving to Sengkang initially felt like a leap into the unknown. What surprised them most was the vibrant, young community forming around them. Early on, they joined a Telegram group made up of future neighbours, where members shared building updates, sourcing tips, and bulk purchase deals for air-cons and furniture. “It felt like we were all building our homes together,” Melvrick recalls.
The location itself added unexpected joy. Nestled near a riverside trail, their neighbourhood offers green views and spontaneous meet-ups with friendly faces, including one elderly uncle who jogs daily with a 10kg backpack and greets everyone with a smile. These little moments have become markers of home too.
A Place to Grow Into
Zhimin and Melvrick’s home is more than just well-designed; it’s intentionally built for longevity, change, and community. “This space was designed for now, but also with the future in mind,” they say. Whether it’s hosting friends, raising a family, or sharing parenting hacks and hand-me-downs with neighbours, they’re building the kind of life that extends far beyond their own front door. And in doing so, they’ve found not just a home, but an estate teeming with kampong spirit along with supportive neighbours and newly-made friends.