Home Tour: A resort-inspired heritage shophouse for family of four

Blessed with a beautiful shophouse unit, this married couple and their children didn’t ask for much when it came to redesigning it. The interior designers at Spacious Planners took on the home’s renovation, and turned over a brightly-lit, minimally-decorated, and absolutely cosy home for the family to grow into. Walking through the front door, visitors immediately sense the thoughtful balance between preserving heritage elements and introducing contemporary living solutions—a delicate dance that many shophouse renovations attempt but few master with such grace. 

The spaciousness of the living area is emphasised by the all-white walls, ceilings, and floor. Using low furniture like the lounge seating and coffee table that’s close to the ground also enhances the height of the space. Morning light streams through carefully preserved original windows, casting gentle patterns across the pristine surfaces and creating an ever-changing canvas throughout the day. 

“We wanted a place where the girls could spread out their toys and books without the space feeling cluttered,” the mother explains, running her hand along the custom storage solutions hidden beneath the window seats. This minimalist approach to interior design allows the family’s daily life to unfold without visual distraction, while the strategic placement of indoor plants brings touches of vibrant green life to the serene backdrop.

Dining table with mismatched dining chairs

The medley of mismatched seats, paired with a vibrant piece of artwork, creates a light-hearted bohemian feel for the open dining area. By restricting the differing dining table, chairs, and bench to a white and brown palette, a quirky rather than cluttered look is achieved. 

Each weekend, this thoughtfully designed dining space transforms from homework central to the heart of family gatherings, where extended family members crowd around sharing dishes and stories. The couple spent months hunting for the perfect dining table—one large enough for entertaining yet proportioned correctly for the heritage space—eventually finding a reclaimed teak piece that carries its own historical narrative. 

Stainless steel kitchen surfaces

The kitchen is kept functional and utilitarian with stainless steel surfaces. But thanks to the blackboard wall, the couple’s daughters are able to add colourful doodles to the space and lend a lighter note to its sombre palette. 

This interactive element changes constantly—from weekly meal plans to impromptu art galleries showcasing the children’s latest creative expressions. The family spends countless evenings here, preparing meals together while music plays from hidden speakers, the stainless steel countertops reflecting both the practical needs of serious home cooking and the wipe-clean practicality required by a family with young children. 

Master bedroom with bathtub 

The interior designers enlarged the master bedroom on the upper storey by bringing down the bathroom wall and designing an open-concept bathtub area beside the bed. The generous skylights bring natural light into the space, creating a resort-like feel for the couple’s private sanctuary. 

As evening approaches, the parents often retreat here, soaking in the freestanding tub while stargazing through the skylights—a daily ritual that brings the luxury spa experience into their home renovation. The careful acoustic design ensures that despite the open layout, this sanctuary remains a peaceful escape from the energetic household below.

Resort-inspired shower area

Opposite the bathtub is a more private area where a standing shower is installed. The free standing mixer, which mimics those found at swimming pools, also gives this corner a delightful and unexpected twist. 

This thoughtful bathroom design element was inspired by the family’s frequent travels to beach resorts across Southeast Asia, bringing those holiday memories into their daily routine.