From Austria to Singapore: Keh & Dorothy’s Missionary Journey
A New Home, A New Mission
After six years of globe‑trotting across Austria, the Chews were ready to bring their mission to a new front. They kicked out of bumpy Alpine terrains and into the sun‑soaked streets of Singapore, where they’ve set up shop for more than just coffee.
Etched in simple, practical design, their Singaporean abode is a hub where ministry meets everyday life. Picture this: a living room that doubles as a counseling lounge, a kitchen that hosts a homeschooling session for their 12‑year‑old son, and a conference room that could host a book launch.
While Dorothy balances books and life by consulting for the publishing world – turning stories into beta stars on the page – Keh has launched a branding company that will help local businesses craft stories of their own.
What Makes Their Home Stand Out?
- Purpose‑Driven Design: Every corner of the house reflects their mission — Be open, Be kind, Be helpful.
- “Home‑School” Setup: The child’s classroom twins with a ministry corner, so learning and service go hand in hand.
- Multi‑Use Spaces: From one afternoon tending spiritual needs to another, aiding authors, the space adapts on the fly.
- Minimalist Yet Warm: Forget mansions; this is a tiny oasis that invites conversation, reflection, and a conga line for community outreach.
In a nutshell, the Chews blended mission, family, and business into a perfectly balanced, down‑to‑earth lifestyle. Here’s to turning dreams into a realistic, community‑fuelled reality – one chuckle, one sermon and one well‑planned branding strategy at a time!
Triple‑Task Home: When a Couple Takes on the World
The HDB Dream: A Multifunctional Haven
Picture a cozy three‑bedroom apartment that’s more like a Swiss Army knife than a static living space. The couple, juggling careers, side projects, and daily chaos, needed a place that supports every role they play.
Designing for Real‑Life Chaos
They turned to the multidisciplinary design firm Waff, telling them their non-negotiable: every nook must be functional. Space‑saving built‑ins, smart layout tweaks, and a dash of creativity turned the plain into extraordinary.
Investment in Innovation
All of this wizardry cost $80,000 to renovate, but the payoff is a home that feels like a personal office, a workout zone, and a chill zone all rolled into one.
Key Takeaways
- Think of your home as a dynamic stage, not a static backdrop.
- Investing in smart design pays off for every facet of your busy life.
- With the right team, a 3‑bedroom flat can become a tasteful, multifunctional masterpiece.
Redesigning Home for Family Fun
Why the Change?
Back in the day, “the three of us” lived in a roomy five‑room flat—but reality hit harder than a textbook. Because of our work and study streaks, we were practically glued to a single study room all day. After a while, that lone corner felt a bit too lonely.
Our Solution: An Open‑Concept Home
“We wanted something that lets us lock heads into a shared space instead of, you know, the same dusty study room. That’s why we’re dreaming of an open‑concept layout that brings us together, like it used to be,” says Ke.
Key Features We’re After
- Bright, airy living area that invites family time.
- Seamless flow between kitchen, lounge, and bedrooms.
- More natural light—because who wants to sleep in a dim study?
- Spaces that encourage spontaneous family moments, from grocery runs to game nights.
With this layout, the shuffled kid’s summer hobby, the mom’s curious experiments, and the dad’s occasional marathon sessions will all share a common stage, and that’s the goal—to make every day feel a little less isolated and a lot more together.
Giving the Nest a New Look—Because Mom–Zilla Won’t Stand for It
Keh took on the challenge of turning what once felt like a typical “home‑school” space into a blend of privacy, productivity and safety.
The Big Idea
“I had to strike a balance between privacy and openness,” Keh chuckles. “When Mom‑zilla frees herself from the digital world during home‑school, I need a tunnel‑like room to actually work. And when we do counselling, that same room must feel like a sanctuary.”
How the Transformation Happened
- Removed the solid wall of one bedroom and installed sliding glass doors, creating a flexible, airy room.
- Upgraded the living room with a compact study corner that’s perfect for focused work.
- Ensured the new study feels cozy enough for therapy or calm moments.
Thanks to these smart changes, the home now feels like a dynamic ecosystem that keeps the kids busy, the parents productive, and everyone grounded in a calm, welcoming space.
Picture the Living Space
Imagine stepping into a home that feels like a breath of fresh air—thanks to those wide‑open sliding doors that let light flood in and create an instant sense of openness.
Why the Unfinished Plywood?
- Natural Aging: The builders and owners chose to keep the plywood unstained. “It’s all about the story wood tells over time,” they say.
- Authenticity: The raw look keeps the room grounded, adding character without the fuss of paint or fancy finishes.
The Multipurpose Study
Think of a cozy study that’s ready to host at least four people—perfect for the couple’s regular counseling sessions, or simply for a lively study group. Engineers, writers, or even a weekend trivia night could find a home here.
What Makes It Special?
- Versatility: From quiet study time to spirited discussions, the space adapts effortlessly.
- Comfort Meets Function: The wide door openings help the room breathe, while the natural wood shades create a calm, inviting environment.
So, whether you’re looking for a creative corner or a serene spot for guided conversations, this home’s design offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and a touch of rustic charm.
Picture the Crafts
Photo Spotlight: Home & Decor
Meet Dorothy & Keh – The Green Wood Gurus
- They’re all about natural vibes and have a knack for turning discarded timber into pure magic.
- While Dorothy happily whittles wood into intricate carvings, Keh is busy building structures that would make any architect blush.
First Things First – Choosing the Right Wood
Because these two love the untamed feel of raw material, they went serious about sourcing unstained plywood. The mission? Keep laminates to the minimum—think less “factory finish” and more “earth’s original texture.”
Tiling the Bathroom to Match
Need a bathroom that doesn’t feel out of place? Dorothy and Keh chose beige tiles that effortlessly echo the warm hues of the plywood work spread throughout the house. The result? A room that feels like a honeycomb of harmony.
Cozy Meets Classic: A Sneak‑Peek into the Couple’s Home
Picture a living room where a Poltrona Frau couch—yes, the plush, designer piece—throws a wink at a trusty vintage chair and a snazzy trunk coffee table. It’s the ultimate mash‑up: sleek modern vibes meet classic charm.
Why Go Classic?
- Simple, not snazzy: “We wanted something plain but street‑style,” Keh laughs. No fussing over gold leaf or marble.
- Living‑in look: The furniture feels like it’s been through a few family gatherings, not a showroom.
- Family heritage: The bedroom chair and coffee table come with a story—a gift from the grandmother that adds that extra layer of warmth.
- Local love: “We’re big fans of local vintage pieces. They’re closer to our roots.”
Betting on Vintage
The trend is simple: mix contemporary comfort with a dash of history. The result? A home that feels both forward‑thinking and nostalgic—a place most guests will say, “Wow, this feels like home!”
When the Perfect Tub Vanishes — Designers Take a DIY Route
Picture this: the bathroom design team spent hours searching every store, but the elusive bathtub just wouldn’t fit the space. Instead of letting disappointment sink in, they rolled up their sleeves, unleashed their creativity, and came up with a solution that sounded straight out of a design show.
- Custom‑Made Charm: A sleek, chamfered edge was added to the tub, giving it a modern, eye‑catching silhouette.
- Tile Match‑Made: The new tub was lined with tiles that perfectly echoed the bath’s surrounding décor, tying the room together.
- Zero Logistics Nightmare: By casting the tub on the spot, the designers avoided the endless hunt for a pre‑made model.
A little bit of improvisation and a dash of bold design magic, and voilà—a bathroom that feels bespoke and totally exciting.
Inside a Sleek 2‑Bedroom Oasis
Built‑in Beds are the star of @ both rooms—no space wasted on extra furniture. The beds blend so cleanly with the walls that you might just feel the temptation to sleep right off the floor.
What Took the Big Chunk of the Budget?
- Custom Joinery – the master‑crafted walls, closets, and custom cabinetry that give the house its unique flavor
- One-of‑a‑Kind Bathtub – a soak‑in‑luxury tub that’s more art piece than plumbing fixture
“We hand‑picked Waff because their contemporary vibe and architectural know‑how keep every space sharp and purposeful,” says Keh. “The goal was to avoid clutter and carve a calm, functional haven.”
The Design Angle
Waff’s approach means each corner is strategically laid out, allowing you to move, breathe, and focus—no awkward corners or hidden storage mysteries. Just a pipeline of practical, eye‑pleasing detail.
So if you’re craving a home that’s both tasteful and streamlined, this two‑bedroom example proves that style can meet utility without breaking the bank—or the brain.
Sprucing Up Your HDB Home—Because Everyone Deserves a Little Home-Flair
Why HDB homes are the perfect canvas for creative décor
HDB flat owners often feel boxed by budget and space constraints. But with a pinch of ingenuity and a dash of style, even the coziest four-room can feel like a boutique loft.
Top Hacks for Smart Storage in Small Spaces
- Multifunctional furniture: Look for beds with built‑in drawers, coffee tables that double as credenzas, and ottomans that hide secrets.
- Vertical wall art: Hang shelves or floating brackets to keep the floor clear and showcase your favourite pieces.
- Over‑the‑door organizers: They’re perfect for kitchen tools or wardrobe essentials—just slap them on.
Play with Color & Light to Create Depth
- Reflective surfaces: Mirrors and metallic trims expand the room’s vibe while keeping it airy.
- Layered lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lights—a simple lamps that shine on your reading nook plus a dim floodboard will do wonders.
- Palette pop: A bold accent wall or a splash of trim can make a 80‑square‑meter flat feel grander.
Keep It Trendy Without Breaking the Bank
- Eco‑friendly materials: Bamboo flooring or recycled glass tiles look great and are sustainable.
- Second‑hand chic: Thrift shops or online marketplaces offer vintage gems that add character without the heft of a luxury price tag.
- Minimalist silhouettes: Clean lines reduce visual clutter and make the space feel larger.
DIY Touches: Add Your Personal Signature
- Paint your own wall murals or pastel stripes using peel‑and‑stick sheets.
- Create handcrafted macramé wall hangings to add texture.
- Swap out generic cushions for ones you’ve embroidered.
Photo: Home & Decor
Picture this: a bright, airy living room with a swoops of pastel, a mix of contemporary and hands‑crafted pieces. The corner shelf gurgles softly with a plant, a bold statement rug anchors the space, and the lights flicker like fireflies. That’s what you can aim for—just tweak what you’ve got!
Summing It Up: Your HDB Can Be a ‘Home-Ready’ Haven
Remember: It’s all about smart choices—using multifunctional pieces, playing with lighting, stacking color, and injecting personal flair. Mix a few of these ideas, and you’ll have a place that feels like your own!
