Uncover a different side of Jurong in this video that long-time resident Kai Yi and her classmates at Republic Polytechnic have produced.
Having lived in Jurong all her life, 21-year-old Tham Kai Yi knows there is a lot that her beloved town has to offer. This is especially so after Jurong went through exciting town-wide rejuvenation under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme.
Previously an industrial town, Jurong is now a modern and bustling town with a vibrant community, and home to a wide variety of facilities and recreational spaces.
To showcase a side of Jurong that many may not know, Kai Yi and her classmates at Republic Polytechnic produced a video about the town and some must-see places there.
My Jurong, My Home
Through making the video, Kai Yi found deeper appreciation for how well-connected and well-equipped her town is. “I didn’t really give much thought to such things previously. I probably took all these facilities and amenities for granted,” she says. “I also have so many food options and shops near home, so I don’t have to go far to get my daily necessities.”
Under the ROH programme, towns undergo a nip and tuck to make the town even better. Extensive greenery was introduced, and there are now more spaces for the community to come together.
As someone who loves nature and the outdoors, Kai Yi appreciates how there are now many beautiful green spaces around her home, like the neighbourhood park right next to her block. Or the revamped Jurong Lake Gardens, which has new and improved spaces such as nature-inspired play areas and grassland trails for the community to enjoy nature as well as take in scenic views of Jurong Lake.
Kai Yi shares, “I can easily go downstairs to take a walk and clear my mind, or go on a short walk to the nearby Jurong Lake Gardens.”
HDB blocks surrounding the beautiful Jurong Lake Gardens
Beautiful green spaces are just a walk away from Kai Yi’s home
Kai Yi has grown to appreciate her town where she grew up and lives in
Growing Up in Jurong
Kai Yi recalls how there was a strong community/ gotong royong spirit in Jurong in her growing up years. “There was a big space in the neighbourhood where kids would play soccer, and anyone could just join in the game,” she reminisces. “I remember it was always so fun and welcoming.”
Lush greenery and recreational spaces for residents
The playground in Kai Yi’s neighbourhood has been rejuvenated for a new generation of children
Kai Yi’s closest neighbours are a Malay family, who used to take care of Kai Yi after school when her parents were at work. “I would play with the daughter, who is my age and was from the same school. Till today, our families are still close, and we would give each other goodies or red packets during special occasions like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.”
Kai Yi also gave special mention to one of her favourite food stall owners. “There’s a Western food stall at the coffee shop near my house, which sells dishes that are affordable and taste just like home-cooked food,” she shares.
“The owners there recognise me by now. Whenever they see me, they will simply ask me, ‘Same thing?’ Because they have memorised my favourite dish – grilled fish with rice!”
“Jurong has always been a vibrant town and the underrated gem of the West. I’m proud to be a Jurong resident,” Kai Yi smiles.
Facilities such as convenience stores are conveniently located right at Kai Yi’s doorstep, where she can also find friendly and familiar faces
Watch another video by Kai Yi and her classmates to learn more about Toa Payoh Town and its heritage.
#HOTH: Veteran NDP Performer on What Makes Heartland Celebrations Unique
For Belle, the performing experience is especially meaningful when the floats journey through neighborhoods near home.
Singer, dancer, stagehand—Belle Pereira has done them all, having been involved in countless National Day Parade (NDP) performances since 1998.
36-year-old Belle is a veteran NDP performer
“I love performing for National Day,” Belle smiles. “It’s a day when Singaporeans from all walks of life gather to celebrate our home. The celebrations are always an emotional experience and the sense of togetherness and belonging is indescribable.”
From stagehand (left) to dancer (right), Belle has been part of many National Day Parade performances Photos: Belle
Marching On as One
This year’s performance will be a unique one for Belle, as the long-time NDP performer will be participating in a role that she has never done before—as part of the marching contingent.
Photo: Belle
To prepare, Belle has been undergoing training conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces, including basic military drills. “This year’s training is definitely tough, especially since we have to train alongside the soldiers and endure all elements of the weather.” Belle laughs. “That said, I’m very honored to have been selected and I’m really looking forward to the parade!”
Photo: Belle
Celebrations in the Heartland
This year’s NDP will return to The Float@Marina Bay, and there will also be celebrations and fireworks in the HDB heartland, similar to the last few years. Belle has had the opportunity to be part of these heartland celebrations, most memorably as a performer on a festive float.
“It’s heartening to be welcomed by the residents,” she says. “They would stand by the barricades and wave the national flag whilst singing national day songs.
The festive floats would journey through the heartland and remain on display for a few days before moving onto their next destination. This offers the audience the opportunity to interact with the performers, and they often share what they like about the performance and how they look forward to the celebrations.
Belle says that the experience is especially meaningful when the floats journey through neighborhoods near home, in her case West Coast, Clementi and Bukit Timah. “It’s always fun to spot familiar faces such as my neighbours amongst the crowd,” she laughs.
New Home, Same Sense of Belonging
Beyond the performances, Belle also enjoys soaking up the celebratory National Day atmosphere by visiting the heartland carnivals with her family and neighbours. “It’s a great way for us to bond! The celebration is like a gathering and nothing quite beats the experience of having everyone come together as one.”
Belle will soon have new neighbours to befriend, as she and her family will be moving from West Coast, into their new seafront BTO flat in Punggol. “I love being outdoors and Punggol is the perfect fit because there are places like Punggol Point Jetty and Coney Island where I can hang out,” she explains. “I also love that we are only a short walk away from Northshore Plaza and the LRT station,” she shares.
Belle’s new seafront-facing home at Punggol Photo: Belle
“In my West Coast flat, I’m always surrounded by nature, with the sea just close by. It will be the same in Punggol as well, so perhaps that is why I already feel a sense of affinity with my new home.”
West Coast Park, one of Belle’s favourite heartland hangouts, is nearby her current home
#HOTH: Heartland Baristas Share What Makes the HDB Coffee Experience Special
Beyond adding variety to the usual spots, many heartland cafés have become favourite haunts for the community to gather.
No longer something found exclusively in the city, artisanal brews have been making their way into our neighbourhoods in the form of heartland cafés.
Beyond adding variety to the usual heartland spots, many of these coffee spots have become favourite haunts for the community to gather and catch up with each other. We spoke to the people behind 3 coffee places within HDB estates to find out why the HDB coffee experience is so special.
Continuing the Heartland Coffee Legacy
Tucked away in the corner of Stirling Road is Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, which has occupied that very spot for more than 20 years. The heartland café started off as a coffee bean roastery and wholesaler, focusing on traditional brews before branching out into specialty coffee. “Tiong Hoe is about brewing quality coffee, and friendships,” surmises Jacob Tan, who now helms the family-run business.
Tiong Hoe initially started off as a space for tasting traditional brews and selling coffee beans before it expanded into a full-fledged heartland café
Despite being located within the mature estate of Queenstown, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, like many other heartland cafés, usually sees a younger crowd. “Our regulars are mostly in their mid-20s to 30s. With work from home becoming the new norm, the café also sometimes doubles up as a co-working space,” Jacob laughs.
The cosy ambience of this heartland café makes it welcoming to all
For Jacob, it was an easy decision to expand Tiong Hoe’s presence in the heartland. “Over the years, we have built such good rapport with our regulars, as well as the residents here. When we first started, the area was relatively quiet. But as more people started visiting the café and with more shops springing up, the neighbourhood has become much livelier.”
“The current café used to be my dad’s office for a long time. I guess you can say that Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee is literally built on his business,” Jacob chuckles.
Coffee beans roasted the traditional way are still sold, and can be purchased in the shop next to the café.
From Kopi O to Latte Gao
“The older generation usually prefers traditional coffee, while the younger crowd tends to visit heartland cafés for specialty brews. We offer both types,” say Kenneth Lim and Zender Wong, the founders of Generation Coffee, a beverage stall located in Tekka Market Centre.
Generation Coffee offers both traditional and specialty coffee
“We believe a hawker stall is where we can best realise our coffee philosophy of bridging the gap between the two groups of coffee drinkers,” they explain. “Plus, it’s always interesting to meet and befriend residents from all walks of life.”
By establishing a heartland presence, Zender (left) and Kenneth (right) hope to cater to a wider group of patrons and bridge the gap between the different types of coffee drinkers
While most seniors still prefer their kopi o, Zender shares how some elderly customers, emboldened by the familiar setting of a hawker centre, have taken the step to try out ‘ang moh‘ coffee for the first time.
“Some prefer latte now,” Zender smiles. “However, as they are used to stronger coffee, I would make them latte gao – a latte with a stronger espresso shot.”
Kenneth preparing a latte, which has become popular amongst his older patrons
While the duo’s brews have added vibrancy to the estate, they share how they have, in return, been welcomed by the community that has made the neighbourhood feel like home.
“Regular customers aside, we have also befriended our fellow stallholders. We would take turns patronising one another’s stall. And if we were ever short of ingredients, all we need to do is to pop by the wet market behind us.”
Coffee By the HDB Window
If it’s a novel heartland coffee experience you’re after, look no further than Ground Floor Coffee. This coffee gem is known for brewing and serving coffee directly from an HDB flat that is of course, located on the ground floor.
Ground Floor Coffee serves its beverages from the window of an HDB flat
“It started off with making coffee for friends.” says Adhwa Hasif, a self-made barista. “Over time, they began to provide feedback which kickstarted my experimentation with flavoured coffee.”
A self-made barista, Hasif learnt and honed his craft from online videos
As he progressed on his coffee brewing hobby, Hasif also noticed how some residents would hang out in the common area, often with drinks in hand. “It’s common to see residents catching up with one another at the seats in the void deck; and what better drink to chit chat over, than coffee?”
Hasif prepares the beverages in a dedicated room, with its own coffee bean grinder and espresso machine. He would also personally hand the brew over through the window and chats to customers if the opportunity arises.
“I know many of them because they are our neighbours who come down for their morning coffee. Some of them happened to walk past our flat, and were drawn to the smell of coffee,” he says.
Since its operations, Ground Floor Coffee has seen the support of residents from within and beyond the neighbourhood
“Now we also see residents from different neighbourhoods—and even other towns—popping by,” Hasif smiles.
Short for ‘Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction’ (a mouthful, we know), PPVC flats are built using technology that will raise construction productivity and help you move into your Build-To-Order (BTO) flat more quickly.
PPVC — Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction
BTO flats built using PPVC come with floor and wall finishes, internal doors, window frames, sanitary fittings, and a basecoat of paint. With these items provided upfront, you can cut down on renovation works and move into your new home faster. What’s more, these finishes and fittings can be paid for with CPF monies, and/ or your housing loan.
However, if you prefer to choose your own finishes and fittings, you can opt for non-PPVC flats where the Optional Component Scheme (OCS) will still be offered.
Completed in 2020, Valley Spring @ Yishun is HDB’s first housing project that is completed with PPVC
Renovating Your PPVC Flat
There is no difference between the renovation works that can be done in a PPVC or non-PPVC unit. As such, there is no need to engage PPVC-certified interior designers and/ or contractors. However, be sure to engage only renovation contractors listed in HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors. Contractors must also comply by HDB’s renovation guidelines and requirements, PPVC flat or not. At the same time, make sure you have the renovation permits required before renovating your home!
Some useful renovation guidelines to note:
Walls – Regardless of whether your flat is a PPVC unit or not, you must obtain a renovation permit for your renovation works where required, including the demolition or alteration of all types of walls or structures. Do ensure your renovation contractor carries out any hacking works only after obtaining HDB’s approval!
Floor finishes – You are free to change the flooring in most areas of your PPVC flat, subject to guidelines and conditions, such as total thickness of floor finishes. For both PPVC and non-PPVC units, hacking the provided bathroom wall and floor finishes in the first 3 years is not allowed, to protect the waterproofing layer that is between your home and that of your neighbour living one floor below. Instead, new tiles can be laid on top of the original floor finishes.
Moved into your new home? Whether it’s a PPVC flat or not, regular checks and maintenance will help you keep your flat in tip-top condition. From windows, to wall and floor finishes, read our guide on how to care for your HDB flat!
Financing Pitfalls to Avoid When Making Your First HDB Flat Purchase
Did you know that eligible first-timers can enjoy housing grants of up to $80,000 for a BTO flat and $160,000 for a resale flat? From working out a budget beforehand, to researching on the available housing grants, here are some tips from The Simple Sum for purchasing your HDB flat.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a flat or have just got the keys to your new home, visit My Nice Home Gallery to find out more about different flat types, their layouts and interior inspiration.
The Gallery has undergone an interior refresh, so keep an eye out for the latest fittings and finishes for the 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room flat types.
Read on to find out more about the showflats for each flat type:
If you’re a fan of the soft ‘blush’ interior look, this 2-room Flexi showflat at the My Nice Home Gallery is perfect for you.
The 2-room Flexi showflat is relaxing and chic
The main colour palette comprises a soft pink hue, as well as shades of white and greys. White is used to create a clean aesthetic while the darker grey tones help to create depth. Grey and pink tones are used strategically in the showflat – such as on the feature walls in the living room and bedroom. A variety of patterns and textures also tastefully jazz up the interior.
The whites in the kitchen brighten up the space
The showflat shows how to maximise space using multi-functional furniture. The extendable dining table is a perfect example – when not in use, it can be shortened to free up floor space, and doubles up as a work desk. Additionally, the bed frame has storage compartments to keep items that you rarely use.
Create a work nook in the living/ dining area
As the living room is adjacent to the bedroom that is separated by sliding partitions, consider incorporating a television which can be rotated 180°. That way, you can choose to watch your shows from either room!
Incorporate a rotating TV to maximise space
2-Room Flexi (46 sqm): Mid-Century Modern
The mid-century modern aesthetic is characterised by simplicity and functionality. What sets this style apart is its focus on sleek lines with geometric forms, and the use of contrasting materials.
View from the living area
The earthy colours and wooden furniture in this showflat make the entire space cosy and intimate. The most striking element is the geometric-patterned feature wall in the living room that complements the mid-century modern look.
Senior-friendly armchairs are provided in the living room to provide residents with better mobilityThe vanity area in the master bedroom can double up as a work space
This 2-room Flexi showflat features a layout that includes a space for caregivers, and an open kitchen which allows for greater mobility. It’s an ideal home for active seniors to live in comfortably and safely.
Flexible space for a caregiver, which can double up as a workspaceThe kitchen features pull-out drawers that double up as additional countertop space
3-Room: Retro Fun
Step into this showflat and be greeted by a refreshing mix of fun colours and prints that effortlessly serve up retro vibes and add visual interest. The 3-room showflat provides inspiration for fun-loving young families looking to liven up their space.
The living area is decked out in pops of colour that add vibrancy to the space
Colours such as turquoise, mustard and pink were iconic a few decades ago, when they found their way into everything from fashion to furniture.
Statement furniture such as the lounge chair can be used for visual interest
Beyond colours and prints, home owners who are space-conscious will also find some inspiration. In this living room, a play area demarcated by the playmat is set aside for the young ones. An extendable coffee table and TV console can be rearranged to provide more room for play, while the latter also doubles as storage space.
A notable feature of the showflat lies in the kitchen, which has been combined with the utility area to form an enlarged area that will please any cooking enthusiast. The kitchen adopts an open concept that flows seamlessly into the living room, giving a sense of spaciousness to the living area.
The open kitchen is seamlessly connected with the dining area. Versatile furnishings such as the extendable dining table and stackable dining chairs help to maximise space and can be neatly stowed away when not in use, to reduce visual clutter
The child’s bedroom features more storage solutions such as underbed boxes and wall niches. These wall niches also visually break up vertical spaces while adding a touch of modernity and vibrancy to the rooms.
Underbed boxes and wall niches are used to provide additional storage space in the child’s bedroom
4 Room: Nordic Silhouette
With their timeless yet contemporary aesthetic, it’s little wonder why Scandinavian homes are a popular source of inspiration. Love the idea of a Nordic-inspired nest for yourself? The 4-room showflat at the My Nice Home Gallery offers wallet-friendly design ideas for both young couples and families.
Decked out in the Nordic theme, the 4-room showflat features pinewood complemented with harmonious shades of green, white and grey.
The 4-room showflat adopts an open floor plan.
The use of white and light-coloured carpentry and furnishings complement the neutral palette. With a spacious common area as the heart of the home, a family can gather comfortably on the plush sofa or around the dining table to spend quality time together.
In the combined living and dining space, green chairs and cushions add a pop of colour.
The green dining chairs help to add a pop of colour
A study nook in the living area is also a great spot for children to indulge in their creative hobbies, or for adults who need to get some work done at home.
A workspace carved out from a corner
While Scandinavian design might be minimalist in nature, the master bedroom shows how to achieve a cosy personal sanctuary. Details matter – add curves through a round mirror or rounded lampshade for a gentle touch, and put soft furnishings like luxe bedclothes on your shopping list!
A smart wall-hung speaker, with customisable panels can be changed to complement any décor
If you have always wanted a smart home, you will enjoy the master bedroom in the 4-room showflat. Be sure to check out how you can control smart appliances such as lights and blinds through a tablet, to create your ideal environment. You can also find a smart wall-hung speaker, with customisable panels that can be changed to complement any décor.
When designing your children’s bedrooms, it’s possible to achieve both style and function. For instance, a bunk bed instantly carves out space for a study right beneath, providing ample space for their favourite books and toys.
Bunk bed with a study nook
A bed with storage beneath is practical and will serve your child well throughout their growing years. Instead of built-ins, movable furniture can be replaced as and when needed to meet the child’s changing needs.
Maximise storage space with underbed pull-out drawers or boxes
Keep things simple but not plain, with unique design elements such as floral light fixtures and surface decals.
5-Room: Tropical Luxe
Decked out in a tropical theme, the 5-room showflat features a colour palette of turquoise and white, with splashes of greenery, as well as black and wood accents. At the same time, a hint of gold fittings as well as geometric lines and textures add to its luxurious vibes.
The living room is decorated with splashes of greenery, wood accents and gold fittings to bring out the interior theme
In creating a larger common area, the dining area is designed to be within the living room. Instead of conventional dining chairs, a long, built-in bench is used for seats. Not only does it add to the aesthetic, a bench offers more seating while doubling up as storage. Speaking of maximising space, the nested tables at the entryway, and side table with a pull-out stool beside the sofa are also handy multifunctional pieces.
The dining room is designed as an extension of the living areaThe built-in bench doubles up as a storage area
This showflat also features a small workspace near the kitchen. For more flexibility, the worktable is designed to be easily stowed away when not in use and can be converted into an exercise space or children’s play area.
The versatile worktable can be easily stowed away
To demarcate the spaces, a half-wall partition topped with a black-framed glass panel is used.
The half-wall and half-glass kitchen partition has become increasingly popular amongst home owners
For families who indulge in heavy cooking, this type of kitchen partition also come in handy as it helps with keeping the fumes within the kitchen while allowing a full view of the living area—useful for supervising the little ones!
Inspired by hotel suites, the master bedroom is designed to be luxurious yet cosy. Cove lights are used to create a welcoming atmosphere, while lines and textures on the wardrobe and feature wall create a subtle statement.
The design of the master bedroom is inspired by that of a hotel
More space-saving solutions can be found in the bedrooms. For instance, the common bedroom features a flip-up dresser that doubles up as a writing desk, while the kids room has a pull-out study table that can be easily stowed away to create a bigger play area.
The dressing table features a flip-up mirror that can be easily kept awayto double up as a writing deskSimilarly, the pull-out study table in the children’s room enables the area to be used more flexibly
The showflat also showcases the smart home features that can be incorporated into your new home to make it more comfortable and convenient. These include temperature and humidity sensors, as well as smart lighting, air conditioners and voice activated smart controls.
Features such as light and air conditioning can be remotely controlled via a smart systemOne example of smart lighting is the motion-sensor activated lights in the bathroom
Two designers bought an HDB flat, designed it themselves, and the outcome is a seriously stylish home.
Guofeng and Cai Yi hit the drawing board right from the time they selected their 5-room Yishun Greenwalk flat, and engaged contractors at the later stages to realise their vision. Three years and a whopping 13 design revisions later, they have a bright and roomy home to proudly call their own.
Light tones lend to the bright and roomy feel
Space, Space, and More Space
The couple opted for an open layout, as they wanted their home to look as spacious as possible. This meant tearing down many of the internal walls, and realigning some of them to a better configuration. But before their HDB Registered Renovation Contractor got hacking, they made sure to secure approval from HDB to ensure that the works will not compromise the structural integrity of the building.
The result of all that hacking was an open concept kitchen, a bright and airy dining-cum-work space, and a separate living and entertainment area in the place where two bedrooms used to be. Further in, at the end of the hallway, is the master bedroom, a private retreat amidst the openness of the flat.
Guofeng and Cai Yi said that many of their guests marvel at how expansive their home looks. “When people come over, they usually exclaim “Wah, very big!”, and then they ask “Where will your future children sleep?”
View of the dining area from the open concept kitchen
Filling the Space
The couple kept a look out for suitable furniture while waiting for their flat to be built. They sourced items from all over, from re-purposed swivel stools in the kitchen to accessories bought online and shipped from overseas. They also assembled their own wall shelves and the standout 3-metre long dining table which they use for meals, work … and ping pong games!
Guofeng and Cai Yi named the table as one of their favourite furniture pieces; put together by supporting two table tops on metal trestles, which took them two months to hunt down. Best of all, when they got to the shop, they managed to grab the last few pieces in store – score!
Quiet details that reflect the couple’s love for simplicity and design
We love a creative home owner who uses innovative ways to furnish and utilise space. I was warmly welcomed to one such home – an HDB maisonette located in Jurong West, which is not only home to Syahril Salleh and his family of three, but also doubles up as a haven for his extensive shoe collection.
Syahril has been actively collecting shoes since he was a teenager. Today, his collection stands at a whopping 150 pairs (and still he claims is not much)! From casual sneakers to smart leather oxfords, some of them are displayed on shelves while the others are kept in boxes. To care and maintain for the shoes, it is a monthly ritual for Syahril to diligently bring each pair out to shampoo or polish. But there are no complaints, as he finds cleaning a therapeutic exercise.
A small portion of Syahril’s shoe collection
Syahril’s 5-year-old son, Afeeq, follows in his footsteps, showing similar passion for footwear. He has his own collection of adorable sneakers, amounting to about 50 pairs, most of which he has since outgrown. Syahril’s wife, Diana, playfully laments that she has the least pair of shoes in the household!
Little Afeeq has also started his own collection of caps, toy figurines and movie memorabilia, all displayed neatly in his bedroom, taking after his parent’s amazing trait of being organised and tidy.
The adorable Afeeq in front of his treasure trove of collectibles
Afeeq’s collection of toy figurines
Space-saving tips
As a collector, Syahril tries as much as possible to weed out clutter to maximise the space in their HDB flat. Despite having so many items displayed, they managed to keep the place clean and tidy – a pretty amazing feat I must say! Together with Diana, the couple shares with me several great tips:
1. Choose space-saving furniture
There are special built-in display cabinets for Afeeq’s shoe collection, and custom-made shelving for Syahril’s. By having the correct dimensions of shelves according to their needs, they have managed to save space and organise things more easily. The couple also invested in several foldable or stowaway furniture (like tables and chairs) to accommodate guests for festivities or gatherings.
Glass cabinets built into the wall help to save space
An innovative way to display Afeeq’s cap collection
2. Invest in good quality furniture
Having lived in the same HDB flat since 2004, Syahril and Diana revealed something shocking – they have not changed their furniture in the last 10 years! One of their tips is to invest in good quality products, as it will be more cost-effective in the long run. For example, their leather couch, although it cost quite a bit, has lasted them through the decade, and was more lasting compared to alternative materials such as PVC. They also believe that simplicity is more. Instead of following trends and fads, a timeless and classic design will last longer.
3. Make every purchase a conscious one
Syahril and Diana decided against putting up a chandelier in their balcony as it wasn’t practical – they would have difficulty cleaning it. They also replaced their curtains with blinds, as the latter is easier to maintain. Their kitchen cabinet doors didn’t have handles, precisely for ease of cleaning, and moreover, these were childproof as well! The couple advises home owners to always do sufficient research before investing in a furniture piece, and avoid making impulsive purchases.
4. Rethink wall partitions
While a walk-in wardrobe is much coveted for many home owners, the couple sees it as a regrettable feature. When they created a wall partition in their bedroom, it took up almost a third of their precious room space, and also reduced air ventilation. Syahril is considering hacking down the wall and using an alternative, such as a shower curtain or glass panel instead.
Instead of building a wall partition, separate your walk-in wardrobe with other thinner materials
Her walls are covered with splashes of colour and each flash of brilliance is an inspiration that Iris Yee has captured on paper and canvas.
Iris’s 4-room flat in Choa Chu Kang is also her art studio where she paints to her heart’s content. Her subject matter covers a wide range as she paints as inspiration strikes.
“My inspiration comes from childhood memories, or things that capture my interest. Art is interesting because you get to produce something that tells a message. The artist takes a memory or a scene and adds his or her own perspective to tell a story – that is what makes art special,” she explains.
Iris surrounded by her paintings
My Home – A painting of the HDB skyline in Iris’s estate
Gossip Town
“The message behind ‘Gossip Town’ is to encourage people to be more compassionate, as gossip is harmful and bad for a community – especially among neighbours” she adds with a twinkle in her eye.
If you feel inspired by her passion and her decorating style, why not dress your walls with meaningful paintings. If you have the talent and the time, go pick up your paint brush again! Or if your talent is not in the art department, there are many works of local artists on sale that you can buy without busting your budget.
Iris also has some words of advice for home owners looking to decorate their homes with art: “Choose a piece that makes you happy when you look at it. It doesn’t matter who drew it or what it is worth. A perfect piece is one that reveals its layers and nuances the more you look at it, and one that makes you feel at peace”.
Iris with one of her art piece about travelling in Singapore
With a theme inspired by a mix of Scandinavian and industrial styles (or ‘Scandustrial’, as it is increasingly being known as), Joshua and Giselle’s 5-room BTO flat in Punggol Emerald feels so much like a café that I would gladly hang out in!
The recently-married couple generously shared their design journey with me, and some insightful tips too.
Different views of the ‘Scandustrial’ living room
Design with a Purpose
The couple had three guiding principles which helped to streamline their design choices:
1. Use natural materials whenever possible
2. Adopt an open concept
3. Create a unique yet practical living space
They designed the entire flat on their own, and engaged an interior designer to coordinate the renovation works, obtain the necessary renovation permits, and translate their ideas into the final design.
During the six months that Joshua and Giselle were drawing up the design plans, their inspiration stemmed from everywhere – furniture stores, magazines, online references, and especially eateries that had similar interiors to the couple’s chosen themes. Even Joshua’s mother chipped in with design ideas and practical suggestions!
Going Au Naturel
To recreate an outdoorsy dining experience, the couple got a dining table and bench which had been fashioned from the cross section of a tree trunk. An artificial grass carpet below the table helped to complete the alfresco setting.
They picked solid oak flooring over vinyl and laminate, which made a difference in creating the right aesthetics. The couple also creatively embraced the use of wood by creating shelves out of planks, and exposing plywood edges in the carpentry.
The wooden textures throughout the house add to the clean, Scandinavian look
Attention to Detail
Although the home is fitted out with energy-saving LED light bulbs, Joshua installed some incandescent lamps for decorative purposes. Gorgeous hand-painted tiles line the passageway to the bedrooms, evoking a slightly vintage vibe.
Delicious details around the home that add up to the big picture
Food for Thought
Joshua revealed that choosing the furniture was probably the hardest part of the design journey. Factors like the material, size, and colour of each piece had to be carefully considered before making a purchase. As he considered the couch to be the centrepiece of his home, it took the couple several trips to various furniture shops before they settled on the current one.
The couple also learnt some things the hard way. For example, some furniture pieces were delivered before the renovation was finished, and the workers had to keep moving them around the house in order not to damage them. So, here’s a note of advice – complete the bulk of your renovations before bringing in your furniture!
Home Sweet Home
Meet Giselle and Joshua, the awesome couple behind this ‘Scandustrial’ home
I’m truly inspired by Joshua and Giselle’s hands-on approach in designing their own home, cleverly combining the use of space, materials, and details to transform their HDB flat into such a beautiful home, and creating a unique space they can truly call their own.
