My First Home: A university sweetheart couple’s 4-room BTO in Dakota

It all began at King Albert Park, over study dates and shared tuition classes. But even then, Jovina already had a hunch: there was something quietly magnetic about Zheng Xiang, and she wasn’t going to wait around to find out more. Years later, that confidence and clarity carried through to a bold decision that would surprise even their closest friends: applying for a BTO flat while still in university.

“A lot of people were shocked,” Jovina recalls with a laugh. “They said, ‘So fast? So young?’ But we just knew. We felt ready.” And ready they were, not just for marriage, but for the long and often complex journey of designing their very first home from the ground up.

Dakota BTO

Their chosen location? Dakota. A surprising pick for two self-professed Westies, but one that made perfect sense thanks to its connectivity, calm vibe, and proximity to family. The couple was drawn to the area’s blend of serenity and convenience—Old Airport Road for food, Joo Chiat’s characterful streets, and even a Sheng Siong right beneath their block. “We joke that it’s like an extension of our fridge,” Zheng Xiang says.

Once keys were collected, the real transformation began. With clarity and intent, they reimagined the entire layout of their 4-room, 1,000-square-foot flat. Out went most of the walls. In came an open-plan living space, filled with light, warmth and thoughtful contrasts. The original living room became a study, while two bedrooms were combined to create a generous, welcoming lounge.

Living Room Design

“We spend most of our time in the living room, so it made sense to enlarge that space,” Jovina explains. “We wanted it to feel bright and open, especially for when we have friends over.”

That openness, however, didn’t come at the cost of character. The couple leaned into a palette of rich dark walnut and soft curves to ground the home with a sense of calm luxury. A round dining table, something Jovina had always dreamed of, anchors the space and encourages easy connection. “There’s something special about everyone sitting around in a circle, sharing a meal,” she says.

Dark Kitchen Design

From a design standpoint, the home balances aesthetic sophistication with practical decisions. The kitchen, for example, was rendered in dark tones, not just for visual impact, but also to help mask cooking stains. A dishwasher takes the stress out of hosting, while a glass partition conceals the service yard without blocking light or flow. Even the niche by the corridor, an unintended by-product of reworking the master bedroom, now displays treasured wedding photos.

Master Bedroom Design

Throughout the home, every design choice is rooted in how the couple lives and loves. The deep blue sofa, for instance, is a favourite for its style and function, accommodating up to six guests or transforming into a bed for overnight stays. The sliding door to the master bedroom doubles as a statement feature and space-saver, opening into a darker, cocoon-like sanctuary designed for deep rest. “We wanted the bedroom to feel completely different from the rest of the house,” Jovina says. “A place where we can really wind down.”

Master Bathroom Design

Even the black-themed master bathroom, often considered a bold choice, reflects their commitment to comfort over convention. “Some people think the whole house should be bright,” says Zheng Xiang. “But we love the calmness and luxury of the darker tones.”

Study Room Design

Beyond its good looks, the home also supports their evolving lives. Jovina, who works in events, has also launched a wellness business, hosting spa parties and intimate gatherings from the living area. Meanwhile, Zheng Xiang’s tucked-away study provides a peaceful, private space for calls and deep work, even when the house is bustling with activity. The room is intentionally sparse, with the future in mind: “If we have kids, this can easily be a child’s room,” he says.

At its core, the home is a launchpad, a space that empowers the couple to chase dreams, build businesses, and grow their family. And it’s already the keeper of cherished memories, from spontaneous dinner parties to that first, unforgettable night: watching the FIFA World Cup final together on a brand-new screen, slurping cup noodles on an unfurnished floor, basking in the glow of everything they had created together.

“We weren’t fully unpacked,” says Jovina. “But it felt perfect. It felt like ours.”

In many ways, it was more than the start of a new chapter. It was the beginning of a life designed consciously, courageously, and completely from love.