Local host and actress Quan Yi Fong recently refurbished her two-storey, three-bedroom apartment in Siglap. The 44-year-old single mother shares the space with her daughter, 19-year-old Eleanor Lee, who’s an actress, singer and model based in China.
In an interview with Lianhe Wanbao at her renovated home where she’s stayed for six years, Yi Fong said renovation works began in July, a month before her daughter flew back home from Beijing for her holidays. Eleanor has been working in China for the past two years, appearing in commercials and TV dramas, and is currently enrolled in the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, alma mater to Chinese stars like Zhao Wei and Huang Xiaoming.
The Taiwan-born host had sought her daughter’s opinion on how she wanted the home done up, but she simply requested for the place to still feel like home.
She requested for her interior designer Zoe (pictured) from Zoe8Design to make her home appear more spacious.
Living room: Before
The living room used to be a dark, cluttered space, especially where the piano was located.
Living room: After
What a change! Simply swapping out the old curtains for lighter-coloured ones instantly brightened up the space, along with a neutral-grey couch in fabric. Cove lighting also adds warmth and a welcoming ambience.
A decluttered piano top with vibrant pieces of art add a pop of personality to the space. Another changed we noticed is the addition of a ceiling fan, which is a great space-saving idea.
Eleanor's room: Before
While the colour scheme and theme would have appealed to Eleanor when she was younger, the look may no long work for her now. Click on to see the revamped space.
Eleanor's room: After
A muted palette of grey and brown gives the space an elegant vibe, and is complemented by an ornate table mirror and decorative items that reflect Eleanor's fun-loving character and taste.
Eleanor's room: After
One of the biggest changes to her room is the bed, which still holds a single mattress but has been reconstructed to hold a Queen or King-sized mattress if the need arises
In her discussions with the interior design firm on renovation ideas, they had boldly suggested that Yi Fong should prepare for the day that Lee would have a boyfriend and eventually get married. But, they added, if she prepares a room that can fit both of them, Eleanor may not have to move out.
While she was initially taken aback by the suggestion, she soon warmed to the idea.
Upon seeing her refurbished room, Eleanor told her mom, "I can finally bring someone home for a sleepover!"
Yi Fong clarified that it was always a dream of her daughter's to have sleepovers at home with her girlfriends.
Eleanor's room: After
Dark, textured wood is used throughout the room, including her cabinets, table and closet doors, which help ground the look.
Balcony area: Before
The other big transformation in the home is her balcony. Yi Fong joked: "I hung bamboo blinds here to keep out the sun — I lived like a lonely old person!"
Balcony area: After
Now fitted with automatic drapes, the space feels more fresh and modern, allowing Yi Fong, who dislikes being cooped up in an air-conditioned space, to get some fresh air.
Balcony area: After
The entire balcony is also bordered by grass carpeting, giving the area a garden feel. Yi Fong also owns four dogs, so it's perfect for them to run and play on.
Yi Fong's bedroom: After
The most surprising thing about the home, is Yi Fong's bedroom, which is awashed in girlish hues like pink and lavender.
Yi Fong's bedroom: After
Now, the bed is clear of anything that shouldn't be there and looks cosy with a soothing colour palette and a unique chandelier ceiling light.
Yi Fong's bedroom: After
She says that the designer created this space where she can sit and read a book, but admitted she uses the lounge chair only when she's surfing the internet on her iPad.
Walk-in wardrobe: Before
Her closet seemed a little cramped, especially with traditional swing doors.
Walk-in wardrobe: After
The designer did away with the top shelf and swapped the swing doors for trendy and modern sliding doors, which help maximise space and make the closet feel bigger.
Bathroom: After
The tiles fitted in her bathroom initially gave Yi Fong a fright, as she thought they were too gawdy. However, she has developed a liking for these patterned tiles.
Staircase landing: After
Yi Fong cleverly made use of spaces like these, which could easily have gone forgotten, to display mementos and figurines.
Display
Remeber these trophies, which were previously on top of the piano? They now have a dedicated display space.
Eleanor's artwork
Eleanor's artwork, which she holds dear, was the only thing she told her mother to preserve.
All photos: Zaobao SG
Text by Candice Cai, Asiaone. Additional reporting by Elizabeth Liew, The Singapore Women's Weekly