Home Tour: An engineer couple spent $35,000 on decoration for their rented terrace house

When May’s mother and mother-in-law needed to move in with the family, the family made an unconventional decision. At that time, they were living in a 4-room HDB flat, which meant there wasn’t enough room to accommodate the family of five, the two elders, and their helper.

They did some calculations and decided that renting a terrace house would be the ideal move for the family. The 4,853 sq ft home comprises six bedrooms and a study. “We rented because we needed a big space. Since it was not worth paying the interest in buying a new and larger home like this,” May explains, adding that they would not have to commit financially by renting. The couple, self-employed in the engineering industry, also rented out their 4-room HDB flat.

Who Lives Here: A family of 5, 2 elderly, and a helper
Home: Rented 6-bedroom & 1 study room terrace house
Interior stylist: Mike Tan, founder of Eggthree

Decorating a rented house

While renters typically prefer to spend on something other than fixing up the space, another unconventional decision they made was to invest in some light renovation and interior decoration work. “I believe it’s better to spend and enjoy the space while we are staying here.” May shares. “Improving the space makes life more comfortable. For example, we were unsure whether to have an awning for the backyard, where we did some cooking. But after installing it, we ended up having more space there. My helper was happy, and we were happy too.”

May engaged Mike Tan, the director of the home and lifestyle retail store Eggthree, known for his interior styling. She was drawn to his work and his ability to bring out the best in a space. After engaging him for a project before this, May had developed a friendship and a deep appreciation for Mike’s interior styling. “Whenever I go to his shop, I like everything,” she laughs. May’s taste leans towards rustic interiors with a modern and stylish touch. 

The children, who are in their early adulthood, oversaw the designs of their bedrooms, while May focused on the common areas and master bedroom.

Credit: Kristy Quah

Credit: Kristy Quah

Reusing old furniture

Mike worked with the family’s existing furniture collection and matched them with lights and decorative items to liven up the space. “Usually, it’s a headache for homeowners when they bring over their old furniture because it’s hard to match them with new additions,” he explains. They entrusted the project to him as their style resonated with Mike’s. For example, Mike paired the dining table with a rope pendant light.

In addition to styling and decoration, Mike also customised a wall design feature to hide the awkward household shelter door (pictured above). It also provides hanging space for everyday bags to be stored neatly out of sight.

The customised design solution also provides additional storage solutions to one side. Almost everything else was loose furniture and décor pieces. With loose furnishings, they could move things around from time to time to freshen up the space. May also enjoys decorating during festive holidays, and having loose furnishings gives her more flexibility.

Master Bedroom Design

To work with the proportions and scale in the master bedroom, Mike curated furnishings such as a chest of drawers, bedside lamps, and a clothes and hat stand, bringing personality to the space.

There is also room for a lounge area in the master bedroom, and a striped rug helps to zone the area. Pictured above, a console and a sofa deck area.

Study Room Design

A cosy nook with a television was also created in the study room. Here, May and anyone in the family can do their work and enjoy some downtime in solitude.

Daughters’ Bedrooms

Up on the third floor, where the daughters’ rooms are, there is a seating corner with a low table and bookshelves. Here, her daughters would spend time with their friends studying or relaxing.

The couple has since purchased a jumbo HDB flat, which they plan to use for their retirement when the kids eventually move out. For now, this home is a perfect fit for the family.