Home Tour: $50,000 Renovation for a man’s 1-bedroom condominium in Alexandra

In the vibrant Alexandra district, a modest 604 sq ft Alexandra condominium has been transformed into a striking example of contemporary interior design, proving that size need not limit style or sophistication. For Jay Chia, a naval architecture graduate with an inherent understanding of how space flows, this compact home became his canvas for expressing his design sensibilities through dark hues and earthy tones.

$50,000 Renovation

Walking through the apartment today, it’s hard to believe that just six months and $50,000 worth of renovation work could create such a profound transformation. Every corner of this Alexandra condo apartment reveals Jay’s meticulous attention to detail and his passion for contemporary interior design, showcased through thoughtfully curated elements that maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Condo built-in TV console

The living room serves as a masterclass in space utilization. A customized full-height TV console commands attention while cleverly doubling as a display cabinet, where Jay’s carefully chosen home accessories and books tell the story of his personal interests and travels. The geometric-patterned rug from Boconcept anchors the space, adding texture and visual interest to the contemporary interior design scheme.

In the dining area, Jay’s creative problem-solving shines through. Taking an extendable dining table from Ikea, he elevated its appearance by cladding it with black laminate, seamlessly integrating it into the home’s sophisticated color palette. This transformation exemplifies how thoughtful modifications can elevate simple pieces to match a high-end contemporary interior design vision.

Framed Marimekko fabric

The bedroom, though minimalist in approach, speaks volumes about Jay’s design philosophy. Here, a striking piece of Marimekko fabric serves as artwork, framed dramatically in black to create an architectural headboard that adds character to the space while maintaining the clean lines essential to contemporary interior design.

Deep blue bathroom tiles

Perhaps the most daring element of this Alexandra condo apartment lies in its bathroom, where deep blue tiles create an unexpected moment of drama. “I was fortunate to get these tiles because they were meant for a swimming pool, but that project was shelved at the last minute. I really love the colour,” Jay shares, his eyes lighting up as he recalls the serendipitous find. This bold choice proves that small spaces can handle dramatic elements when executed with confidence.

Condo outdoor patio

Facing the challenges of limited interior space, Jay made the ingenious decision to extend his living area into the semi-outdoor patio. In a move that exemplifies smart contemporary interior design thinking, he replaced the bedroom’s bay window with a sliding door, enhancing both natural light and ventilation while creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

DIY green wall

The patio itself showcases Jay’s DIY spirit and creative vision. “I bought 1,000 pots of artificial plants from Ikea and displayed them in the supporting frames that I built,” he explains, pointing to the impressive green wall that has become a talking point among visitors. This vertical garden, set against a cheerful yellow wall, transforms what could have been a simple outdoor space into an urban oasis that extends the living area of this Alexandra condo apartment.

Throughout the home, Jay’s naval architecture background influences his approach to space planning and detail execution. Each element serves multiple purposes, from storage solutions to visual focal points, creating a living environment that feels both efficient and welcoming.

In Jay’s hands, 604 square feet become an infinity of possibilities, proving that with the right approach to contemporary interior design, size becomes merely a number, not a limitation.