Home Tour: Shabby chic 2-room HDB BTO in Yishun for a female homeowner

Tucked away in the heartlands of Yishun lies a home that transports visitors to the cobblestone streets of Europe. With its vintage-inspired decor and thoughtfully curated spaces, this budget BTO renovation proves that creating a dream home doesn’t require breaking the bank.

For Jowel Foo Hui Li, a restaurant manager, her journey to homeownership began with a stroke of luck - securing a 2-room flat on her first BTO application in July 2013. This budget-friendly renovation story showcases how personal vision and resourcefulness can transform a standard HDB unit into a characterful haven.

2-room Yishun BTO

The decision to pursue a BTO flat was primarily driven by practical considerations.

“Price was the main factor for me,” Jowel explains, seated in her cozy living room. Her budget BTO renovation journey began with a savvy financial decision - choosing a home she could afford without taking a loan, a feat that would have been impossible with other housing options. The introduction of singles-eligible BTO flats opened new possibilities, and the flat’s proximity to her parents’ home in Bishan sealed the deal.

Small but cosy apartment

Contrary to common perceptions about small spaces, Jowel’s first impression of her flat was a pleasant surprise. “It was not as small as I thought!” she recalls with a smile. The thoughtful layout provides ample walking space, earning admiration from friends and family who frequently comment on its cozy atmosphere.

Budget-friendly renovation solutions

Transforming the standard BTO unit into a personalized sanctuary required careful planning and creative budget-friendly renovation solutions. Jowel embraced a “shabby chic” theme, seeking furniture pieces that carried a sense of history and character.

Her budget BTO renovation journey took her beyond Singapore’s shores to Johor Bahru, where she discovered unique pieces including her Victorian-style dressing table and a charming dining set that perfectly captured her desired aesthetic.

Comparing prices

Cost-consciousness drove many of her renovation decisions. Rather than settling for package deals, Jowel sourced bathroom fixtures, accessories, flooring, and wallpaper from different suppliers, comparing prices to maximize her budget. This careful approach to her budget-friendly renovation allowed her to allocate funds toward pieces that truly mattered, like her beloved leather sofa.

The flat’s design thoughtfully balances work and leisure. As someone who frequently works from home, Jowel created a dedicated workspace with storage solutions for files and a quiet area for calls. The living room features a welcoming corner for entertaining, complete with comfortable seating that invites lengthy conversations.

Unique BTO interior design

Personal touches make this budget BTO renovation truly unique. Wallpaper adorns not just the walls but extends to the ceiling, creating an enveloping sense of warmth. Artwork from Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market and a distinctive wine glass holder from a local factory add character to the space. Custom-installed wall shelves house books and treasured items, telling the story of a well-traveled homeowner.

Splurging on furniture

The living room’s sofa corner holds a special place in Jowel’s heart. Despite exceeding her initial budget, the leather sofa has become her favorite spot for unwinding with drama serials or enjoying meals while watching raindrops paint patterns on her windows.

Friendly Yishun neighbourhood

Beyond the physical space, this budget-friendly renovation has created something more valuable - a true sense of home. The friendly neighborhood atmosphere, with its mix of singles and elderly residents, has fostered genuine connections. Jowel shares cookies with neighbors during Chinese New Year, embodying the authentic heartland spirit she’s come to cherish.

Researching BTO information

For prospective BTO homeowners, Jowel offers practical wisdom gained from her experience. She recommends thoroughly researching using HDB InfoWEB and the Mobile @HDB app, maintaining a clear renovation budget, and diligently comparing prices among suppliers. Her own journey proves that with careful planning and creativity, a budget BTO renovation can result in a deeply personal and beautiful home.

This article was first published on The Straits Times.