How this $130K renovation turned this HDB into a quirky and colourful home

Ashley started designing by finding out more about the family’s lifestyle and how it would evolve in the future.

“A home is such a big investment that would last at least 30 years, so you can’t just be thinking about what works in six months or so,” he says.

The result is stylish, neat and highly practical spaces with ample storage that balances style, function and budget.

The 17-year-old original flat was kept neat and well-maintained.

Ashley advises Jessie and Julian to keep the original marble flooring and most of the walls.

“I try to reduce the amount of hacking because construction works affect the environment and inflate the budget,” he says.

Entering the home, one is received into a corridor decorated with the children’s artwork.

The flat’s original floor plan allows guests to have an unobstructed view of the interior.

Ashley devised a free-standing structure that serves as a storage and a privacy screen that shields the home’s social spaces from the entrance.

Next to this storage structure is a dining table crafted using an old marble tabletop, which was taken from the family’s previous home and paired with a new, more contemporary base. This area was intended as a formal dining space, but as today the family also use it as a home office.

Beyond this area are the home’s social spaces, comprising a seamless living and dining area with a dry kitchen.

The living area is free from TV, which was deliberately sequestered in another room. Instead of a TV console, the area in front of the sofa is lined with multipurpose carpentry that serves as a storage bench and a stage for the children to sing, dance and play.

This decision also maximises the view of the greenery.

A square, 1.9 x 1.9m island takes centre stage in the dining area.

A multifunctional breakfast counter and storage, it hosts most of the family’s mealtimes, stores a myriad of things, including tableware, cutlery and a printer, as well as serves as a hangout space.

“During gatherings, friends and family can break out into these spaces but still be able to communicate with each other,” says Ashley

The major architectural alterations were in the kitchen area. Ashley carved the helper’s bedroom out of the original kitchen and relocated a part of it outside as a dry kitchen next to the island.

The remaining kitchen area now serves as a wet kitchen for heavy cooking. Another alteration is the new arch doors, whose curves lend whimsy and visual comfort to the interior.

Perhaps, the home’s most major alteration was done to its MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems.

Ashley rerouted some of the plumbing from the master bathroom to serve the dry kitchen. The ceiling is brought down to provide space for the aircon units and cove lights.

“Our old home has many downlights and spotlights, which didn’t feel very comfortable. Here, we focus on ambient lighting,” shares Julian. The ambient cove lighting that runs along the room’s perimeter also clears out the 2.6m ceiling, allowing for an airier feel.

The furniture is a mix of old and new, comprising bespoke pieces by independent local designers, boutique brands and mass-produced brands like Ikea and Castlery.

“I always tell my clients to take their time furnishing their homes. Don’t shop in one place because you will force yourself to buy things you don’t love.

A good mix of brands will also add personality to the room,” Ashley Advises.