Home Tour: $47,000 White & wood renovation for a 4-room HDB BTO in Clementi

In the heart of Clementi, a remarkable transformation has taken place. What began as a standard four-room HDB BTO flat has evolved into an open-concept home that defies spatial constraints through thoughtful design choices and clever material selection. The bright and airy interior creates an immediate sense of expansiveness, making visitors forget they’re standing in a typical HDB floor plan.

Dream home inspiration

For newlyweds Robertson and Joanne Tay, their home journey began with a shared digital scrapbook of dreams. Armed with carefully curated Pinterest boards and a clear vision for their future together, they found their way to Ivan O, creative director of IDISID, through a friend’s serendipitous recommendation. The connection proved to be perfect for bringing their vision to life.

Open-concept BTO flat

“We wanted a bright and airy home, with a good combination of materials like wood and concrete against a backdrop of white,” Robertson shares, his eyes lighting up as he describes their initial vision for the space.

The heart of this open-concept home beats strongest in its kitchen, where Joanne often finds herself creating culinary delights while maintaining a connection with the living space around her. “I really like the open-concept kitchen and island, because I can cook and still stay connected with others around the home,” she explains, gesturing to the seamless flow between spaces that makes entertaining feel effortless.

BTO wall hacking

In a bold move that transformed the apartment’s entire dynamic, the couple decided to break down the walls of two bedrooms. This crucial decision birthed a spectacular dining area that now serves as the home’s central gathering space. Bathed in natural light and blessed with optimal ventilation, this bright and airy interior showcases a unique dining setup: a table perched atop a raised platform, complemented by an innovative suspended swing bench and carefully selected dining chairs.

IKEA dining pendant lamps

The industrial-inspired black pendant lamps from Ikea hover above the dining table like modern sculptures, adding depth to the space while maintaining its airy feel.

Built-in swing bench

The swing bench, born from a practical concern about safety in the narrow space, has become one of the home’s most charming features, proving that necessity truly can be the mother of invention.

Wooden framed interior windows

Nature finds its way indoors through a whimsical pebbled garden path, leading to what will eventually become a child’s bedroom. The wooden-framed windows and doors create an clever illusion of space, extending the visual boundaries of this open-concept home beyond its physical confines. The future nursery, protected by light wood-framed foldable windows and a glass door, promises to be a bright and nurturing space that grows with their family.

Choosing home decor

Throughout the home, every decorative choice has been made with intention. Vases, containers, and other daily essentials were selected to harmonize with the overall color palette, creating a cohesive visual story that enhances the bright and airy interior.

Concrete screed bathroom

This attention to detail extends to the main bathroom, where concrete screed continues the home’s aesthetic narrative, and into the master bedroom, where a pared-down design approach ensures easy maintenance without sacrificing style.

$47,000 renovation

The result of this thoughtful renovation is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the modest budget of $47,000. The Tays have created an open-concept home that feels boundless, proving that with clever design and careful planning, space constraints need not limit one’s vision for an ideal home.