Home Tour: A former flight attendant’s 3-room HDB in Kallang inspired by a hotel in Hua Hin, Thailand

Architecturally-trained Jonathan Poh was asked by his client and good friend to transform his 721 sq ft 3-room HDB in Kallang into a quiet sanctuary with “honest materials” for a sense of quiet luxury that would welcome him home after long journeys. The owner, a former flight attendant whose profession had immersed him in the world’s finest hospitality spaces, was inspired by the décor of Hotel de la Paix in Hua Hin—a property known for its seamless blend of minimalist aesthetics and rich textures.

This personal connection to the interior design brief created an intimate foundation for the 3-room HDB renovation project, one built on mutual understanding and shared aesthetic values rather than merely professional transactions.The internal walls were demolished and a clean and open rectangular canvas was left. Electrical wiring, air-con trunking and plumbing were concealed to achieve open vistas with uninterrupted flat walls and ceilings. 

Raw concrete living room wall

The main living room wall is rendered in raw concrete to replicate the texture of off-form concrete—a construction method where concrete is cast against formwork, such as a woodgrain panel, causing the concrete to take on a woodgrain texture.

This architectural technique brings subtle variation and depth to what could otherwise be a flat, lifeless surface. Throughout the day, changing light conditions reveal different aspects of this textured landscape, creating an ever-evolving visual experience that becomes a form of domestic entertainment in itself—nature’s own artwork playing across carefully crafted surfaces.

Whimsical home decor

A cardboard trophy head adds a touch of humor to the otherwise serene environment, demonstrating that minimalist bachelor pad design needn’t be sterile or lacking personality.

This whimsical element serves as both conversation starter and reminder not to take design too seriously—even in the most considered spaces, there should be room for playfulness and unexpected moments that reflect the homeowner’s character rather than just design principles. Positioned strategically against the concrete wall, the trophy creates an intentional dialogue between rough and smooth, serious and playful.

Home furniture bought during travel

As an ex-air steward, the owner did plenty of shopping overseas during his career traversing the world’s most design-forward cities. This nest of tables was bought in the US during one such adventure—not as a souvenir but as a thoughtfully considered addition to his eventual home.

Each piece in the apartment carries similar significance, having been selected during global wanderings with this specific space in mind. Unlike impulsive travel purchases that often end up as clutter, these items were chosen with deliberate intention to eventually coalesce into a cohesive whole.

Wood veneer

Using one wood veneer throughout unifies the different spaces, creating a visual rhythm that guides the eye smoothly through the open-concept HDB layout. This material consistency establishes a warm counterpoint to the concrete surfaces while maintaining the apartment’s disciplined palette.

The veneer’s natural variations add organic texture without introducing competing colors or patterns, preserving the tranquil atmosphere that was central to the design brief. The strategic application of this singular material demonstrates how thoughtful restraint can create more impactful results than decorative abundance—a key principle in small HDB renovations.

Small, flexible study area

The study area, which sits to the left of the bed, occupies a mere 90cm deep space and can be closed off with sliding hinged panels when not in use—a smart solution for small HDB apartments where multifunctional spaces are essential.

This thoughtful integration of work and rest areas acknowledges contemporary living patterns while maintaining clear boundaries between different modes of domestic life. The sliding mechanism allows the homeowner to physically close off his work environment, creating psychological separation that supports work-life balance despite the apartment’s limited square footage.

HDB master bedroom with double door

Double pocket doors slide open to the bedroom, giving the homeowner his own “resort hotel suite” within the modest confines of a standard three-room HDB flat.

This architectural feature creates a dramatic reveal that elevates the daily ritual of entering the sleeping space—a moment of transition that recalls the luxury hotel experiences that inspired the overall design concept. When closed, these doors maintain the clean lines of the main living space; when open, they frame the bedroom as a distinct environment while preserving visual continuity through matching materials and consistent detailing.

Boxed up HDB toilet pipes

The piping clutter was boxed up, resulting in a WC cubicle and storage niches that transform technical necessities into architectural features. This approach to bathroom renovation—finding design opportunities within HDB constraints rather than merely concealing them—elevates the compact space beyond typical Singapore bathroom renovations.

The resulting niches provide display areas for carefully selected toiletries and small objects of interest, bringing the apartment’s curatorial approach into even the most utilitarian spaces.

Colourful bathroom artwork

This artwork brings in life and colour, providing a carefully considered moment of visual intensity within the apartment’s otherwise restrained palette. The piece was selected not merely for decoration but as an essential counterpoint to the minimalist environment—a controlled explosion of energy that prevents the space from feeling too austere or impersonal. Positioned strategically where it can be appreciated from multiple vantage points throughout the open-concept layout, the artwork serves as both visual anchor and emotional touchstone within the bachelor pad.

Jonathan worked closely with a contractor friend from Craftsmen Design and Construction, who oversaw the 4-month-long project with the attention to detail that only comes from personal investment in the outcome. This collaborative approach—architect, homeowner, and contractor connected by friendship as well as professional relationships—created an environment where design ideas could be explored more deeply and executed more precisely than typical client-vendor dynamics might allow.

The resulting home bears witness to this unusual level of care and communication, with details that reflect countless conversations and shared moments of inspiration.