Home Tour: A couple’s 5-room HDB in Bishan gets a renovation after 10 years

As the evening light filters through strategically placed blinds, homeowners James and Mei Lin Wong settle into their newly transformed living space, the black ceiling above them creating a cocoon of intimacy in their refreshed Bishan HDB flat. After a decade of living in their 1,300 sq ft home, the couple found themselves craving a space that better reflected their evolving lifestyle—one that honored their need for both connection and solitude.

“We realized our home needed to grow with us,” Mei Lin reflects, running her fingers along the sleek edge of their new coffee table. “After ten years, we weren’t the same people who first moved in. Our HDB renovation needed to acknowledge who we’ve become.”

5-Room HDB Renovation

Like many Singaporeans reaching their mid-40s, the Wongs found themselves in a season of life where “me time” had become increasingly precious. Their children now spent weekends with friends, leaving the couple to rediscover their individual passions and shared interests. This 5-room HDB transformation became their opportunity to create spaces that catered to these evolving needs.

They approached interior designer Raymond Seow of Free Space Intent with a vision for their Bishan HDB renovation that went beyond mere aesthetic updates. “We didn’t just want new tiles and paint,” James explains. “We needed Raymond to help us reimagine how we actually live in this space.” The designer responded with a comprehensive plan that would not only streamline the layout but fundamentally shift how space functioned throughout their home.

Who Lives Here: A couple and their children
Home: 5-Room HDB in Bishan
Interior Designer: Raymond Seow of Free Space Intent

Black HDB Ceiling

The transformation begins in the living room, where perhaps the most striking design decision captivates visitors immediately. The ceiling, painted in a dramatic matte black, creates an unexpected moment of depth that anchors the otherwise light-filled space.

“People always look up when they enter,” homeowner James notes with satisfaction. This ceiling treatment, increasingly popular in HDB renovation projects, demonstrates how a bold choice can transform even the most standard HDB architecture into something extraordinary.

What was once a separate room adjoining the living area has been reinvented as a glass-enclosed study—a transparent sanctuary that maintains connection while providing the acoustic privacy needed for focused work or quiet reading. This clever adaptation demonstrates the increasing importance of flexible, multipurpose spaces in modern HDB living, where rooms must serve multiple functions without feeling cramped or compromised.

Kitchen and Dining Room

The Wongs’ renovation journey revealed a fundamental truth about contemporary living in Singapore’s HDB flats: the walls that once defined formal dining rooms have become increasingly unnecessary barriers to the natural flow of daily life. By creating a seamless transition between dining area and kitchen, interior designer Raymond transformed what was once a utilitarian cooking space into a social hub where guests naturally gather around Mei Lin as she prepares her legendary weekend brunches.

“The kitchen was always my domain,” she shares, “but it felt isolated from the rest of our home. Now when friends visit, I’m part of the conversation even while preparing food.” This integration of cooking and social spaces reflects a growing trend in HDB renovation design that recognizes the kitchen as the true heart of Singaporean homes, where food preparation and hospitality merge inseparably.

Hacked Bedroom Walls

Perhaps the most dramatic aspect of this 5-room HDB transformation lies in the master bedroom, where interior designer Raymond made the bold decision to remove a wall entirely, combining two bedrooms into a single expansive sanctuary. For empty nesters or couples without children, this increasingly popular renovation approach in HDB flats reclaims space for personal comfort rather than guest accommodation.

“We spent ten years prioritizing everyone else’s needs,” James reflects. “This bedroom is our acknowledgment that it’s okay to create something just for us.” The resulting space feels almost revolutionary in its generosity—defying the conventional wisdom that HDB living necessarily means compromising on personal space.

Small Carpentry Bedside Table

Throughout the home, thoughtful storage solutions demonstrate Raymond’s understanding that successful HDB renovation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating systems that support daily life. A custom shelf installed next to the bed provides a handsome perch for accessories without consuming valuable floor space. This attention to functional detail ensures that the home’s clean lines remain uncluttered by the inevitable accumulation of daily life.

Carpentry Dressing Table

For homeowner Mei Lin, the renovation’s crown jewel is undoubtedly her vanity area—a dedicated space that transforms the routine act of preparation into a moment of daily luxury. With floor-to-ceiling mirrored sliding doors that conceal ample storage and an island counter specifically designed for her jewelry collection, this space represents the renovation’s commitment to elevating everyday moments.

Black and White Bathroom

The bathroom continues the home’s sophisticated new aesthetic with elongated proportions and a masculine palette of dark tones. The space feels simultaneously intimate and spacious—a difficult balance to achieve in typical HDB bathroom renovations, which must work within the constraints of existing plumbing and structural elements.

As twilight settles over their Bishan neighborhood, the Wongs move through their transformed home with a renewed appreciation for how physical space shapes daily experience. Their five-room HDB flat, once simply a place to sleep and store belongings, has evolved into a thoughtfully curated environment that supports both their individual pursuits and their life together.

“A decade ago, we were focused on creating spaces for doing,” James reflects. “Now we understand the importance of spaces for being.” This shift in perspective defines not just the Wongs’ renovation journey, but perhaps an evolution in how Singaporeans approach HDB living—seeing these spaces not as standardized housing units but as deeply personal expressions of lifestyle and aspiration.