Home Tour: Canadian expats’ $300,000 renovation for their 2-storey intermediate terrace house in Clementi

When John and Dea Tolton first stepped into their intermediate terrace house in Clementi, they saw beyond its dated interior to envision a space that could become their perfect family sanctuary. The couple enlisted interior designer Ken Lee of Space Matters to orchestrate a comprehensive terrace house renovation that would transform the property into a sophisticated yet welcoming home. The $300,000 project, excluding furnishings, would become a masterclass in balanced design, where every element serves both form and function.

Intermediate terrace house in Clementi

The brief was clear: create interiors that embodied clean lines and superior finishing, but interior designer Ken understood that a successful terrace house renovation requires more than surface-level changes. He delved deep into the property’s potential, reimagining its layout, spatial flow, and relationship with natural light.

In the living area, a striking floor-to-ceiling display shelf became more than just storage – it evolved into a personal gallery where the family’s journey unfolds through carefully arranged books, photographs, and treasured mementos from their global adventures. The towering shelf not only personalizes the intermediate terrace house but also draws the eye upward, emphasizing the home’s generous height.

Bespoke dining table

The dining area showcases the power of custom craftsmanship in terrace house renovation. A bespoke dining table commands attention with its distinctive design, adding architectural interest to the space while serving as a gathering point for family meals and conversations.

Adjacent to this social hub lies the guest room, thoughtfully repurposed as a cozy media room where the children can retreat for entertainment while remaining connected to the home’s main living spaces.

Imported outdoor furniture from Indonesia

Perhaps one of the most dramatic transformations in this intermediate terrace house came in the form of the yard’s metamorphosis. What was once a utilitarian space has been reimagined as a sophisticated outdoor lounge, furnished with carefully selected pieces imported from Indonesia.

The installation of sliding glass doors at both the front and rear of the property creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, a coveted feature in modern terrace house renovation that expands the perceived space while fostering a natural flow between interior and exterior zones.

Bedroom with blonde wood tones

Throughout the bedrooms, a consistent palette of blonde wood tones establishes a sense of calm and continuity. This neutral foundation provided the perfect backdrop for the family’s carefully curated furniture collection from Indonesia, each piece adding character while maintaining the home’s serene atmosphere. The thoughtful material selection demonstrates how a terrace house renovation can balance contemporary design principles with personal style.

Unique home decor

The bathroom and bedroom spaces reveal the Toltons’ eye for unique pieces that make a statement. Venetian-style etched mirrors, discovered during their furniture sourcing adventures, add unexpected glamour to these intimate spaces. The ornate bathroom mirror, Dea’s elegant dressing table, and the sophisticated bedside tables prove that in terrace house renovation, sometimes a single well-chosen decorative element can transform an entire room from simple to spectacular. These pieces serve as brilliant examples of how personal touches can elevate a space without overwhelming it.

Throughout this intermediate terrace house, interior designer Ken’s expertise in space planning and the Toltons’ distinctive taste have combined to create a home that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal. The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a standard terrace property into an extraordinary family home, where every corner tells a story and every space serves a purpose.