Home Tour: $17,000 Retro and industrial 4-room HDB DBSS in Trivelis Clementi

For the homeowners, a couple in their 30s, their 4-room Trivelis Clementi HDB DBSS apartment represented more than just a first home together - it became a canvas for their shared passion for vintage treasures and industrial design. The 883 sq ft 4-room HDB DBSS apartment presented the perfect opportunity to showcase their carefully curated collection of retro finds, each piece telling its own story of weekend hunts through antique shops and flea markets.

Working closely with Seed Interiors, the couple embarked on a journey to transform their HDB DBSS flat into a thoughtfully designed sanctuary where every corner would reflect their distinctive aesthetic. The design team understood that this wasn’t just about creating a beautiful space - it was about crafting a home that would serve as a gallery for the couple’s growing collection of vintage pieces while maintaining the contemporary edge that modern HDB DBSS apartments are known for.

The warmth of their design vision radiates throughout the space, beginning with a carefully selected color palette that serves as a perfect backdrop for their eclectic taste. In this Clementi DBSS apartment, industrial-inspired lighting fixtures become architectural jewelry, each piece thoughtfully chosen to create dramatic shadows and warm pools of light that transform the space as day turns to evening.

Retro Living Room

The living room serves as a testament to their curatorial eye, anchored by a statement-making pink and white retro-patterned sofa that immediately draws attention. Nearby, a cherished four-drawer chest creates an intimate display area for treasured finds, each item carefully positioned to tell part of the couple’s story. The arrangement speaks to the careful balance achieved in this HDB DBSS home, where vintage charm meets contemporary living.

Moveable dining table

The dining area showcases the couple’s commitment to craftsmanship, featuring a bespoke movable dining table by Peng Handcrafted. Three distinctive pendant lamps hover above, their exposed bulbs casting a warm glow that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. This thoughtful lighting arrangement transforms the corridor-adjacent space into an intimate dining nook that proves small spaces in HDB DBSS apartments can be both functional and sophisticated.

HDB DBSS Balcony

The balcony reveals another custom piece by Peng Handcrafted - a bar table that has become central to the couple’s entertaining style. In their Clementi DBSS home, this space has evolved into a favorite gathering spot where friends linger over drinks and conversation, the urban landscape providing a dynamic backdrop to their social encounters.

Faux brick wall

Perhaps the most striking feature of their home is the custom faux brick wall in the living room, a labor of love that required meticulous attention to detail. Each piece was individually hand-cut to create a pattern that draws the eye naturally through the space, demonstrating the level of craftsmanship possible in renovation.

DIY corridor lighting

The corridor itself becomes an art installation, with a clever lighting display that proves good design doesn’t always require a hefty budget. Simple DIY elements combine to create an engaging visual experience that connects different areas of the home while maintaining the industrial-meets-retro aesthetic.

Retro bedroom design

In the bedroom, the design team masterfully balanced retro charm with industrial edge. Exposed trunking runs along walls and ceilings like industrial sculptures, while vintage-inspired furnishings including step drawers and a classic fan add nostalgic warmth. Pendant lamps flank the bed, creating pools of intimate lighting that transform the space from practical to poetic.

$17,000 Renovation Budget

The master bathroom continues the home’s design narrative with patterned tiles that echo the retro sensibilities found throughout the apartment. At $17,000 excluding furnishings, this Clementi DBSS renovation proves that thoughtful design and personal style don’t require an extravagant budget - just a clear vision and careful execution.

Peranakan bathroom design

Through every carefully considered detail, Marcus and Lisa’s HDB DBSS apartment is a deeply personal space that honors both past and present, creating a home that’s uniquely their own while inspiring others in their design journey.