Home Tour: $200,000 Mediterranean renovation for 3-bedroom walk-up in Tiong Bahru

Behind the charming facade of Tiong Bahru’s historic walk-up apartments lies a story of dramatic transformation. For homeowners Sheau-Yin and Eugene Woon, their journey to create their dream Mediterranean-style apartment meant completely reimagining a cramped 1,100 sq ft rental space that once felt more maze-like than magical.

“The ‘before’ pictures would shock you,” homeowner Sheau-Yin says with a laugh, gesturing around what is now an airy, sun-drenched haven. Where small, compartmentalized rooms once created a claustrophobic atmosphere, their Mediterranean-style interior design now flows with the easy grace of a Provençal villa.

Provençal Interior Design

The couple’s vision was crystal clear from the start. “We wanted our home to exude a natural and rustic look, with a dash of colour,” homeowner Sheau-Yin explains, her eyes lighting up as she points to the signature Provençal blue accents throughout their space. “We love the Provencal blue often seen painted on doors and window shutters in the Mediterranean region.” This dedication to authentic detail is evident in everything from their carefully curated tableware from Galanga Living to the thoughtfully placed architectural elements.

Piu Interior Design

Enter Mark Yong of Piu, the interior designer who took one look at the space and knew that nothing short of a complete reconfiguration would do justice to the couple’s Mediterranean dreams. The result? A $200,000 renovation that transformed every inch of the apartment into a slice of southern European paradise.

Mediterranean Interior Design

The Mediterranean-style apartment now boasts multiple built-ins that seem to have always belonged there, including a charming plywood dining bench paired with a weathered wooden picnic table that could have been plucked straight from a Tuscan farmhouse. The careful styling, featuring tableware and vases from Homes To Life and fresh blooms from Charlotte Puxley, adds those perfect finishing touches that make a house feel like home.

In a brilliant marriage of form and function, black steel beams run across the ceiling, serving both as anchors for LED lights and additional doors while adding an architectural element that feels both industrial and elegant. Paired with strategically placed vases from Homestolife, these structural elements become part of the home’s artistic narrative.

Mediterranean Kitchen Design

The Mediterranean-style interior design continues in the kitchen, where oak flooring extends seamlessly into the cabinetry. Here, the couple’s beloved Provençal blue makes its boldest statement, transforming practical storage into a visual reminder of Mediterranean seas and skies. “Every time I look at this blue, I’m transported to those stunning coastal towns,” Sheau-Yin shares, running her hand along the painted surfaces.

Clever design solutions abound throughout the space. A pull-out tabletop ingeniously integrated into one of the cabinets gives Sheau-Yin an extra baking counter while maximizing storage – a perfect example of how Mediterranean style can merge with modern functionality.

Above, a skylight with a rustic pulley-lever system adds both practical illumination and industrial charm to the space.

The attention to flow and movement so characteristic of Mediterranean-style interior design is particularly evident in the foyer, where sliding doors can be left open to create an uninterrupted vista through to the bedrooms. This thoughtful touch transforms what could have been a simple hallway into part of the home’s architectural narrative.

Mediterranean Bedroom Design

In the bedrooms, built-in plywood beds with hidden storage compartments prove that practical solutions can be beautiful too. “Every inch of space has been considered,” Eugene notes proudly, demonstrating how their Mediterranean-style apartment manages to balance beauty with functionality.

The result is a home that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern, where Mediterranean warmth meets Singapore practicality in the most elegant way possible. For Sheau-Yin and Eugene, their transformed walk-up isn’t just a showcase of Mediterranean-style interior design – it’s proof that with vision, commitment, and the right team, any space can become an extraordinary home.