With its sleek, textured velvet couch and a golden-accented coffee table on a luxurious rug, we wondered if we had accidentally stepped into the home of Jay Gatsby. Did we also mention the sparkling crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling?
From left: Farhan, Fayona, and Yati
Yati and Farhan, owners of the 4-room flat in Tampines, explained that they were going for a modern luxe look with shades of white, black, and gold as the predominant colours. The dining table for instance, is made of pure marble, while the kitchen features a marble-mosaic backsplash and rose gold accents.
The kitchen, featuring a marble-mosaic backsplash
Adding to the glamorous vibe of the flat is the golden-accented bathtub in the master bedroom toilet. “It’s very good for relaxing in,” Yati laughs. “I really look forward to a nice soak – especially after a long day.”
The master bedroom toilet features a luxurious bathtub
Pops of gold that lend glamour
Yati meticulously picked out every piece of furniture and accessory, her keen eye for detail honed by her extensive experience in the fashion industry.
“We bought most of our furniture and accessories online,” Yati laughs. “I was determined to keep the theme consistent and would scour the Internet for the perfect piece.” Farhan agrees and says, “It took us a lot of effort, but it’s important to not settle.”
The modern luxe theme extends into Farhan and Yati’s rooms too. The master bedroom is plush and cosy, with an upholstered headboard and decorative wall panelling that would not feel out of place in an upscale hotel.
The master bedroom in shades of black, white and gold
The couple combined the master bedroom with the adjoining common bedroom, converting the latter into a walk-in wardrobe. This sun-drenched space features floor-to-ceiling white, gold-trimmed cupboards and drawers, complete with a textured seat that matches the sofa outside.
“The walk-in wardrobe offers us more space. It helps to keep our clothes organised and makes it easier to pick out our outfits,” Yati shares. “It’s something we’ve always wanted.”
The couple’s walk-in wardrobe
Daughter Fayona having her mid-day snack in the walk-in wardrobe
“Our interior designer was PSD Studio. It’s important to engage interior designers that can work independently – for instance, our designers oversaw most of the renovation process and there were no major issues,” Farhan says.
The couple’s renovation took a little over 2 months before they moved in on 11 August 2019. “We remember the exact date as we had combined the Hari Raya Haji celebration with our housewarming party,” the couple smiles. “It was definitely a day to remember.”
It was love at first sight for Yasmine when she chanced upon a banana leaf-inspired wallpaper. “The jungle vibe of the banana leaves called out to me,” the journalist smiles and continues, “In fact, the colours in the rest of the house are inspired by the wallpaper.”
Homeowner Yasmine
The colour green now takes centrestage in Yasmine’s home, which she bought after deciding to move to Toa Payoh to be close to her workplace. “I bought a resale flat here because I love the location – the MRT station is only a few minutes’ walk away and there is a lot of good food in the area. Plus, I can shop for most of my necessities and groceries within the neighbourhood! ”
“It is also convenient for my parents, who occasionally stay over to look after my son,” Yasmine adds.
The colours of Yasmine’s home are inspired by the living room’s feature wall
Green takes centrestage in the common bathroom
The seashell-inspired backsplash adds a pop of colour and texture
To optimise the space of her flat, Yasmine installed a sliding door for her master bedroom, and customised a sliding dining table. “Initially, I was sceptical about the concept of a sliding table in case some guests might find it uncomfortable. But it turned out fine and I really appreciate being able to shift the placement of the table to suit my needs!”
The living area, featuring the custom-made sliding dining table
Yasmine spending some quality time with her son
While her home now resembles a tropical forest filled with lush greenery, Yasmine admits she has not always been an avid plant lover. “My passion for plants began only after I received a potted plant as a housewarming gift. Since then, I’ve grown the collection of plants in my home, buying them from the nurseries located around the area.”
Some of the potted plants in Yasmine’s home
Recounting her renovation process, Yasmine emphasised the importance of close communication with the interior designers. “I discussed at length with my interior designer, Three-D Conceptwerke what I wanted for the house– bright colurs, wooden accents and storage space. Once we agreed on the overall theme and design, the team got to work!”
“The renovation process was really smooth and this really made me realise the importance of engaging interior designers whom you can communicate and work with.”
Home Tours: An Industrial Home With A Splash Of Chic
Step inside this charming eclectic space that reflects its homeowners’ personalities!
Inspired by Kenny’s preference for industrial interiors and Ruby’s love for pastels and greenery, the couple’s home is a charmingly eclectic space that reflects their personalities.
“I’ve always liked the monochromatic shades, as well as the raw aesthetics of the industrial style,” 38-year-old Kenny says. “Hence, we incorporated elements such as white-washed wooden tiles and black track lights.”
At the same time, one can’t help but notice pops of colours that extend throughout the home, including houseplants and pastel-coloured furnishings.
Despite their different aesthetic preferences, Kenny and Ruby managed to combine them to form a charming industrial-eclectic style that carries throughout the 5-room flat – a considerable feat, given how the couple had done most of the design work.
“We were also quite particular about the concept – so even though we engaged an interior designer, we played a bigger role in the designing process,” Ruby says. “For instance, Kenny planned the flat layout while we worked on the aesthetics together.”
To maximise the space in their living room, the couple incorporated an extended platform that serves as the TV corner, a small balcony and a lounge area.
“Our living room layout is relatively uncommon, and I wanted to make the best of the space – especially the corners of the room,” Kenny explains. “Instead of a permanent dining area, we opted for a kitchen island on wheels that allows us more flexible use of the space.”
To create the illusion of a bigger space, the couple hacked away the walls of the home office and replaced them with black-framed glass panels. “Not only does the common living area feel bigger, the glass panels also allow more natural light into the home office,” the couple says.
The homeowners’ spatial preference is also reflected in their bedroom. “We opted for the top floor unit as we wanted a higher ceiling,” Ruby says.
This is further accentuated by the couple’s house-shaped canopy bedframe, which also lends the illusion of an attic roof.
DIY Elements
From dabbling in pottery to painting portraits, Ruby shares how her passion for crafts has translated into home projects. “I’ve always wanted to be an art teacher but that didn’t happen,” she laughs. “I like to keep my hands busy, so I would embark on mini DIY projects around the house. For instance, now that I’m spending more time working from home, I decided to spruce up the home office and painted an arc on the wall. I also constructed drawer handles from leather strips, so that it’s easier for us to access them.”
It has been 5 years since they moved in; the couple decided to refresh the flat and recently renovated the bathrooms.
“After choosing and buying the materials, all we had to do was to engage contractors to install the fittings for us,” Ruby shares. “We really enjoyed the process – for instance, we couldn’t decide between powder pink and sage for the bathroom vanity cabinet, so we took to Instagram polls and went with the majority.”
“Renovation never really ends – homeowners will always be on the lookout to improve on or beautify their home!”
Starting your home renovation journey? Read on for some tips for works in the bathroom!
Before embarking on your HDB flat renovation journey, it’s best to first think about the look of the bathroom, space utilisation and potential additions to the space.
Some new HDB flats built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method come with full floor finishes and built-in sanitary fittings (wash basins, shower sets), while some flats will only provide these under the Optional Component Scheme (OCS).
Familiarise Yourself With the Renovation Guidelines
Have a major makeover in mind? Do familiarise yourself with the HDB renovation guidelines to prevent potential hiccups. For instance, did you know that homeowners of new HDB flats aren’t allowed to remove the wall and floor finishes in bathroom for a period of three years? Instead of hacking away the original tiles, you can overlay them with tiles of your choice.
List Down the Essentials
The next step is to determine the kind of works you need done – whether  you choose to DIY  or are getting professional help. Some contractors offer bathroom packages, which may reap savings if the works are extensive.
1. Water Heater
First up, determine the type of water heater you want for a comfortable shower (and in some cases, a safe bath temperature for the little ones. There are many different appliances available on the market, ranging from instant heaters to those with a built-in tank that can be chosen to fit your budget, size of the household and shower habits. There’re also smart, energy-efficient water heaters that are remotely operated and notify you when the heated water is ready.
It’s also recommended to have your water heater installed with any major renovation works, to ensure that it fits nicely within the bathroom.
2. Bidet
A bidet spray beside the water closet (WC) unit comes in especially handy for bathroom cleaning or when you’re looking to give doggo a shower. You may also wish to add an automated WC bidet, for a more luxe experience.
3. Shower Dividers
Depending on your bathroom layout, a shower divider can help keep some areas of the bathroom dry. You can choose from a simple rail to run a shower curtain, or a more sophisticated option such as glass screens.
Glass screens are a great way to segment your bathroom, keeping much of it “dry” and clean. Customised storage units, along with mirrors, can help hide the clutter.
4. Mirrors and Storage
While some homeowners prefer maximising the bathroom space, some prefer to not have mirrors and too much storage in bathrooms, keeping to a minimalist style. Â Consider having just a few simple racks to place your toiletries and hang a dry towel for your shower.
Home Tours: An Urban Sanctuary with a Vintage Twist
This cosy flat in Telok Blangah is decorated with lots of greenery!
Decorated in splashes of green, with lots of greenery around the home, Lingyi and Marvin’s cosy flat in Telok Blangah is the exact description of their Instagram handle – @ourseaofgreen. More than that, the couple’s 4-room resale flat also overlooks the verdant Telok Blangah Hill Park.
The bedroom overlooks Telok Blangah Hill, as does much of the house
“My previous home used to be in the vicinity of the MacRitchie Reservoir and as we both appreciate greenery, Marvin and I were drawn to the idea of living close to nature,” 32-year-old Lingyi explains. “We quickly fell in love with this current location. We enjoy strolling through Telok Blangah Hill Park and visiting the Gillman Barracks galleries over the weekends.”
Bringing Nature Indoors
Lingyi and Marvin’s plant collection
Being nature lovers, the couple wanted to include greenery in their home. “Our collection has grown over the past months and we’re loving how our home has become an urban sanctuary that we can relax in,” Lingyi says.
For aspiring plant-parents, the couple recommends picking plants according to the flat’s lighting condition. “As plants such as cacti and monstera don’t require much light, they’re perfect for homes with low-light. All plants will have to adjust to their new environment, so don’t be deterred if they aren’t doing too well when you first bring them home. When we brought our monstera home, it had just 3 leaves in the first two weeks. Now, it’s thriving with over 20 leaves!”
Waste Not, Want Not
As advocates of sustainable living, Lingyi and Marvin chose to retain as much as the original interiors of their resale flat as possible, including all wooden doors and the parquet flooring in the bedrooms. In the living room, the couple also opted for concrete screed, a more natural material, as opposed to vinyl flooring.
The study room, featuring wooden parquet flooring from the previous owner
Instead of buying their furniture first-hand, they also managed to source for several well-made and beautiful pre-loved furniture from Carousell, including their vintage-inspired TV console.
Rustic Vintage Vibes
When designing their home, Lingyi and Marvin regularly browsed sites such as Pinterest for vintage-inspired interiors and put their ideas on a shared board for discussion. They also presented a deck of visual references to potential interior designers.
“It’s important that they understand our needs. Portfolio aside, we were looking for an interior designer with whom we can communicate well. We’re really happy to have worked with Monocot Studios as they really brought our rustic vintage concept to life,” the couple says.
Bringing out the vintage vibes with mosaic tiles
“We’re really happy with our home,” the couple smiles. “All the hard work was definitely worth it.”
This flat in Bukit Batok is dressed in bold colours and a smorgasbord of patterns.
First-time home owners Kenneth and Xinrong talked to us about buying their BTO flat and the $48,000 housing grant they received. They let us in on their HomeStory and their gorgeous home.
Dressed in bold colours and a smorgasbord of patterns, Kenneth and Xin Rong’s HDB flat in Bukit Batok is exactly what they intended it to be – a cosy, artsy space filled with elements they love.
Playing with Colours and Textures
“We really like the colour blue, and have incorporated it where we can,” Xin Rong smiles. “We chose a deep hue as Kenneth prefers darker spaces. I lean towards brighter tones, so that comes through in the gold accents that carry throughout our home,” she adds, gesturing to a sunburst mirror which contrasts brilliantly against the dark blue wall of the dining area.
The dining area is also where the couple displays collectibles from their trips. “These souvenirs remind us of the good times we shared and at the same time, add character to our home,” they explain.
Creating a Bright, Spacious Home
In designing their home, the couple shared that they knocked down a wall between the living and dining areas to open up the space. Additionally, since many of the family’s activities— such as eating, hosting, and working— take place at the dining table, they decided to place it in the designated living room which is more spacious.
What was meant to be the dining area was then redesigned as a cosy lounge space, where the family often spends quality time together.
“We prefer talking to each other over watching television, so we did away with the TV altogether,” Xin Rong laughs.
Although much of Kenneth and Xin Rong’s home features its deep signature blue, their flat does not feel gloomy. To maximise the amount of sunlight that filters in, the home owners chose curtains for their home, with the sheer day curtains lending a light, airy feel. Curtains also offer an unblocked view of the estate. In the kitchen, an arc was built into a wall to let even more light in.
Flexibility First
With the exception of the kitchen cabinets and master bedroom wardrobes, the home is furnished with loose items. “We like the versatility that comes with non-built-ins. This way, we can refresh the look whenever we wish!” the couple says.
Having such flexibility also means the house can evolve with their family. In the bright and lively nursery, accessories such as a leather armchair, wooden cot and soft toys decorate the room. “Without built-ins, we’re able to rearrange the furnishings so that the room can be transformed into a play area when Kaia Rose grows older,” they say with a smile.
Vinyl, tiles or cement screed? Read on to find out which best suits your home!
Did you know that buyers of BTO flats can choose to have floor finishes installed by HDB under the Optional Component Scheme. New BTO projects launched from February 2019 also come with glazed porcelain floor tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.
However, if you intend to get your own flooring done, the number of flooring options in the market may just overwhelm you. To help you in this process, we have shortlisted 3 popular flooring materials for your consideration. Before embarking on any major works at your new home though, get familiar with HDB’s guidelines on laying and replacing floor finishes here.
1. Vinyl
Made from PVC, this hardy flooring option is affordable and very adaptive. With its thin and modular construction as interlocking sheets, vinyl flooring can be applied to rooms and spaces very quickly. You can also lay it above existing tiles, as long as it complies with HDB’s guidelines!
Vinyl flooring can simulate other materials that may be usually difficult to maintain, such as natural wood
2. Cement Screed
While it may seem a little bare, this option is perfect for home owners seeking a raw, minimalist style or an industrial-themed home. Cement screed floors may even appear powdery or patchy depending on how the surface is sealed, and it is much more susceptible to cracks and scratches.
The cement screed effect can be applied to walls too.
Cement screed doesn’t come with a polished finish – but that is the beauty of it. Over time, the surface will develop a patina, filled with wear marks, stains and fractures blending in with its original imperfections. Embrace the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
3. Tiles
This is the most common flooring option, and practically essential in some areas of your home, such as in bathrooms and kitchens, due to its hardiness and resistance to stains. Most tiles are generally hardy, and damaged pieces can be replaced without having to redo the whole floor.
Large, polished tiles in light tones are popular choices for living rooms, as they make spaces look much bigger and inviting
While most homeowners get their design inspiration online via apps and sites like MyNiceHome, selecting tiles is much easier if you head down to a store or showroom, and take a look at the selections available.
At showrooms, you’ll learn that the industry has made great strides and there is myriad variety beyond the typical marble, porcelain tiles and hardwood flooring. There are products mimicking materials and textures too. Decorative tile designs such as vintage Peranakan and antique Art Nouveau, have also returned as mass-market reproductions. With a wide variety of materials and sizes, you can say this option is very versatile – a floor for every budget and need.
Get familiar with the permits required before renovating your HDB flat.
Collected your keys and excited to renovate your HDB flat? Make sure you learn about the permits required and renovation guidelines before starting on your renovation works!
Permits? What Permits?
As the home owner, you are responsible for ensuring that all permits required for your flat’s renovations are obtained from HDB before the works begin.
HDB requires these permits to ensure that the renovations you plan on doing do not affect the structure of your flat. This helps to keep you and your neighbours safe!
Do note that the renovation contractor you are engaging must be listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors, which means they are aware of HDB’s requirements when they carry out renovations, and to protect the structural integrity of the building.
Floor Finishes
You will need a permit if you are thinking of removing existing floor finishes and replacing them with floor finishes of your choice. You also need a permit to raise the level of the floors in your kitchen, balcony, bathroom or toilet – doing these works incorrectly can add unnecessary stress on the floor slab of the flat and weaken the overall structure of the flat.
Walls
Before you hack down any walls in your flat, you need to obtain a permit from HDB to ensure that the demolition works do not compromise the structural integrity of the flat.
Similarly, any construction of arches or rounded corners to existing openings also requires HDB’s approval before it can be carried out.
Replacing internal wall finishes? You need a permit too to prevent any tampering of existing wall structures. Just putting wallpaper, or plastering your walls? No permit needed!
Doors
You need a permit to replace your main entrance door, if it is situated along a fire escape route i.e. facing a staircase or lift lobby. The replacement door and the frame of the door must be half hour fire-rated, and complete with a door closer.
Changing the location of doors within the flat also requires a permit from HDB, to ensure that the hacking works involved do not affect the structural integrity of the flat.
Bathrooms/ Toilets
You will have to wait 3 years before removing any wall or floor finishes in the toilets of your BTO flat. Otherwise, the waterproofing works in these wet areas might become damaged.
After 3 years, if you decide to change the flooring or wall finishes of your bathrooms and toilets, or extend your bathroom/ toilet, you will need to get a permit from HDB.
Air-Conditioner Installation Works
If you buy a BTO flat, and the compressor of the air-conditioner is going to be installed at the air-conditioner ledge, you do not have to apply for a permit from HDB before the installation.
You need to submit an air-conditioner installation report if you plan on installing your air-conditioner on building exterior, or if any part of the air-conditioner projects outwards from the building.
Window Works
Permits are needed if you want to install or change your flat’s windows or the grilles at your service yard or balcony. The design of the windows and grilles must also comply with the colour and design scheme approved by HDB, so that your flat does not look too different from your neighbours’ when viewed from the outside.
To prevent accidents from happening, only engage BCA-approved window contractor registered with HDB for the installation and replacement of your flat’s windows and ensure that all works comply with HDB’s safety requirements.
 Applying for an HDB Renovation Permit
You can authorise your renovation contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf. Removing or repositioning fittings, hacking down or constructing walls? Scans of the layout plans, elevations, sections or details of the proposed works must be submitted together with your application.
Once HDB receives the application, an SMS notification will be sent to you. You can view your renovation permit on My HDBPage once it has been granted.
Do HDB Renovation Permits Expire?
After you obtained the approval from HDB for your renovations, ensure that they are carried out as soon as possible, as these permits come with expiry dates. For new BTO flats, the approved renovations must be completed within 3 months. Resale flats have a shorter deadline – renovation works must be completed within a month, to minimise inconvenience to your existing neighbours.
The renovation contractor must comply with the stipulated timings for carrying out renovations. Remind your contractor to inform your neighbours and put up the Notice of Renovation indicating the start and end date of your renovations outside your flat early, so that your neighbours can make their own plans to avoid the noise and dust during this time, if necessary.
Bonus:Â Coping with Noisy Renovation Works
Do you have neighbours who are renovating their flat instead? We know it can get challenging at home with noisy renovation works going on around you, such as if you work from home.
You can maintain friendly relations with your neighbours by reaching out to them. Let them know if there are specific days or timeslots that might be of particular concern (e.g. important meetings or interview), so both parties can address it together.
If necessary, you may approach your grassroots leader or other neighbours to act as a mediator when communicating with your new neighbour.
This nifty infographic explains common light renovations that do not require HDB’s approval:
Getting ready to renovate your flat? Get familiar with the steps involved to enjoy a smooth renovation process.
All ready to renovate your flat? Before you get started, familiarise yourself with these steps to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free process. Here are the top 8 things that you need to know!
1. Engage a Contractor listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors
When engaging a renovation contractor, it is important to engage only those listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors. This also applies to renovations which do not require HDB’s prior approval.
The Directory of Renovation Contractors lists contractors who are familiar with HDB’s renovation rules and requirements which are in place to protect the structural integrity of the building. You can view the Directory of Renovation Contractors on HDB InfoWEB, or via the Mobile@HDB app.
That said, HDB does not endorse or guarantee the quality of the renovations. The contractors will be fully responsible for the contractual responsibilities towards you, their client, including workmanship.
2. Submit a Renovation Application
You and your renovation contractor must obtain HDB’s prior approval before starting any demolishing and/ or hacking of walls, whether partially or fully. This mandatory requirement protects residents’ safety, as unauthorised demolishing and/ or hacking of walls may affect the structural integrity of the building.
For renovations works that require HDB’s prior approval, ensure that your renovation contractor submits an online renovation application to HDB together with the acknowledgement form signed by you, the flat owner, before commencing work.
You will receive a Short Message Service (SMS) notification upon the submission of the renovation application by your renovation contractor. To view the status of your renovation permit application, log in to My HDBPage (My Flat > Purchased Flat > Renovation) on HDB InfoWEB.
Learn more about HDB renovation permits here. You can also read up on guidelines and important information for works that can be done in your flat on the HDB InfoWEB.
3. Contact Other Agencies on Related Works
During the renovation process, you will most likely require other services such as air-conditioner installation.
If you plan to mount your air-conditioner on the exterior of your flat, or if any part of the air-conditioner will project from your flat, you must engage a BCA-trained air-conditioner installer. Once the air conditioning unit has been installed, you will also need to email the installation report to the HDB Branch managing your flat.
Check out the list of other works below to find out if a licensed worker/ contractor is required:
4. Keep Renovations to Permitted Hours
Noise from renovation works can be disruptive to your neighbours, especially those who have young children, or are working from home. We can maintain harmonious relations with our neighbours by adhering to the following:
Inform your neighbours staying within a radius of 2 units at least 3 days in advance before renovations begin. Do remind your contractor to put up the Notice of Renovation outside your flat early and throughout the renovation period.
Only carry out renovation work between the stipulated timings below.
Should you be carrying out DIY (Do-It-Yourself) works, do limit it between 7:00am and 10:30pm, and keep noise to a minimum with the tips below.
 When possible, close the main door of your flat while works are ongoing, to help reduce noise disturbance to your neighbours and do remember to inform them in advance of any works that may generate noise.
5. Manage Payment and Any Renovations Dispute
The renovation contract between flat owners and their contractors is a private one, and not regulated by any government agency. If there are disputes over the renovation such as pricing, costs, work schedule, type or quality of renovations, these should be resolved between both parties.
If you are facing challenges with settling the matter amicably, both parties may approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), Singapore Mediation Centre or the Small Claims Tribunals for assistance or seek legal redress.
6. Use the Lifts Properly
Renovating and moving into your new home is an exciting time for all home owners! However, it can also be hectic, dusty, and noisy. Movers and contractors carrying bulky items will be a common sight, and lifts may take a slightly longer time to arrive.
Do your part by telling your contractors or vendors not to jam the lift doors when moving materials and furniture as this can damage the lifts, causing inconvenience and delay to other lift users.
7. Keep your Neighbourhood Clean
Unwanted items such as packing materials and renovation debris discarded around your estate can potentially create safety and health hazards, and will mar the image of your estate.
Do remind your delivery persons, movers and contractors to dispose of renovation debris and unwanted items properly by carting them to disposal sites. They should not wash or flush debris into the sewage system or dispose of bulky items into the refuse chute, as this could cause damage and inconvenience you and your neighbours.
You may report instances of lift misuse and dumping of debris in the common areas via the OneService website or app.
8. Care for Your Home Regularly
Finally, it’s important to carry out regular checks on the fittings and fixtures in your home. This can help you spot areas that require attention before they become serious and save you money on major repairs.