Home Tour: $80,000 Modern Scandinavian renovation for a couple’s 3-bedroom condominium

Before its renovation, this resale 3-bedroom condominium apartment was small, dark and cramped, with outdated fixtures that cast shadows across already limited spaces. It was a far cry from the modern, spacious home the homeowners wanted – a light-filled sanctuary where they could build their new life together, free from the confines of typical condominium constraints.

Knowing that a major renovation was needed, the newly-weds turned to Raymond Kua from The Design Practice for help. 

“They didn’t really know what style they wanted for the home,” explains the designer, “but they knew that it was more than just aesthetic changes that had to be done.”

Wood and concrete-screed interior

To stick to their budget of $80,000, he suggested a simple wood and concrete-screed look that would provide a timeless foundation for their evolving tastes. The warmth of natural timber would balance the cool, industrial feel of polished concrete, creating a harmonious contemporary aesthetic. The rest of the budget would be used to help restructure the space – breaking down barriers both literal and figurative to reimagine what condominium living could be.

While he could not do anything about the long and narrow passageway that led into the home – a common challenge in typical condominium layouts – he made sure that it opened into a surprisingly airy space that defied the initial expectations set by the entrance. 

Open-concept kitchen

The wall that separated the kitchen and living area was taken down to create a brighter, larger area where sunlight could flow unimpeded from morning until evening, transforming the atmosphere with each passing hour.

A long bench-like surface also extends from the customised TV console, right up to the sliding doors of the balcony, which helps to visually elongate the room while providing practical storage beneath its sleek wooden surface. This multifunctional element has become the couple’s favorite spot for morning coffee, where they can watch the city wake up while planning their day ahead. 

The minimalist Scandinavian-inspired furnishings – a low-profile sofa in linen, a soft rug, and nesting coffee tables – complete the sense of uncluttered openness.

Wall glass panels

Wood-framed frosted glass panels were used to replace the solid wall separating the living area from the master bedroom, a design choice that allows light to permeate while maintaining privacy. In the evening, the light from the room offers a lovely lantern-like glow through the glass, creating ambient illumination that transforms the living space into an intimate gathering spot for the couple and their closest friends.

In the master bedroom, Raymond camouflaged the entrance of the en-suite bathroom by using the same material and treatment as the wardrobe doors, for a clean and sophisticated look that eliminates visual clutter.

$80,000 renovation

The couple spent $80,000 on the renovation, investing in quality materials and thoughtful spatial planning rather than trendy fixtures that might quickly date. They are now the proud owners of a home that boasts a contemporary appearance, influenced by the simplicity of the Scandinavian style and the rugged appeal of the industrial look – a perfect reflection of their shared aesthetic that balances warmth and modernity.