Home Tour: $50,000 White & grey renovation for a 3-bedroom condominium in The Nautica, Sembawang

When a discerning couple approached Max Lee, director of Icon Interior Design, to reimagine their Sembawang condominium unit at The Nautica, their vision was clear: create a space that embodied modern elegance while maintaining uncompromising quality in every detail. This 3-bedroom condo transformation would become a masterclass in sophisticated design, where material authenticity played a starring role alongside thoughtful color choices.

The project began with a fundamental decision that would set the tone for the entire renovation. Rather than opting for standard laminates, wood veneer was chosen for the feature panels, reflecting the owners’ commitment to genuine materials.

“Wood veneer looks and feels more natural, and this lends ‘authenticity’ to the look,” Max explains. The addition of black-coated wood veneer framing transformed these panels into striking architectural elements within the Sembawang condominium unit.

The color palette drew inspiration from the female owner’s admiration for Kelly Hoppen, the renowned UK-based interior designer famous for her mastery of “greige” – that sophisticated marriage of grey and beige tones.

$50,000 Renovation cost

With the couple’s exacting standards on quality materials and furnishings, the renovation came up to about $50,000, while the furnishings cost another $20,000.

Taking full advantage of the Sembawang condominium’s generous 3-meter ceiling height, Max designed a dramatic window treatment featuring full-length grey curtains with a maroonish skirting detail.

“Besides the pop of colour at the bottom, the use of two different shades also makes the curtains look less heavy,” Max notes, demonstrating how thoughtful design can maintain grandeur while avoiding visual heaviness.

The living room of this 3-bedroom condo showcases a stunning Volakas marble slab as the TV backing, its natural patterns harmonizing perfectly with the room’s dominant grey palette. Throughout the space, furnishings in varying ash tones create a sophisticated layered effect, from the carefully selected sofa to the textured rug beneath.

Living room concealed lighting

Strategic concealed lighting in both living and dining areas adds an extra dimension of elegance to the Sembawang condominium unit, while the intricate grains of white marble throughout create an enhanced sense of spaciousness. The overall neutral palette achieves its intended purpose, establishing a peaceful sanctuary within this urban home.

Kitchen with Blum cabinets

The kitchen design reflects a practical yet elegant approach, divided into wet and dry areas separated by a sliding door. The dry kitchen maintains a minimalist white aesthetic, while the wet area continues the home’s grey theme, creating a cohesive flow throughout the 3-bedroom condo.

Modern handleless cabinet panels contribute to the space’s contemporary appeal, while the sophisticated Blum cabinetry system ensures that functionality matches form, providing abundant storage solutions throughout the kitchen. This attention to detail extends to the bathroom, where simple yet refined design choices maintain the home’s elegant aesthetic.

Large format bathroom tiles

While the bathroom design embraces simplicity, it’s far from basic in this Sembawang condominium unit. The space continues the home’s sophisticated grey and white palette, with carefully selected materials that enhance both functionality and visual appeal. Large-format tiles in a cool grey tone line the walls, creating a seamless look that makes the bathroom appear more spacious while requiring minimal maintenance – a practical consideration that doesn’t compromise on style.

Warm wooden flooring

The bedroom continues the sophisticated grey palette established throughout the Sembawang condominium unit, with warm wooden flooring adding a natural element that softens the space. This thoughtful combination of materials and colors creates a restful retreat that perfectly balances modern design with comfortable living.

Throughout this 3-bedroom condo, every design decision reflects a careful consideration of both aesthetics and functionality, resulting in a home that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The renovation demonstrates how strategic material choices, thoughtful color palettes, and attention to detail can transform a standard condominium unit into a luxurious modern sanctuary.