Designing the Home That Gave Them a Pinch of Personality
There’s always that one element of a home design that plain plans miss—something that just feels like you. And that’s exactly what Sha and Jim of @homespace were after in their brand‑new four‑room BTO in Punggol.
From “Almost—No” to “Absolutely!”
When the keys hit their door, Sha was already chanting “blessed.” They had almost slipped into an oversubscribed project in Buangkok—an option they could almost brag about. It turns out Punggol had a better queue number waiting for them, and the couple didn’t even need to go to the phone line to decide.
- “We received a letter that we’d got a queue number for this Punggol project,” Sha recalls.
- “Honestly, we love Punggol; the queue for selection was a much better one.”
Why Punggol Isn’t Just a Community
Even now, the excitement is still buzzing. Jim can’t stop talking about the future developments: a public library, a food centre, a sports complex—all looming in the neighbourhood. The couple sees Punggol as more than just a place to move into; it’s a whole ecosystem that’s still breathing life.
Living the Plant Dream
With “hundred pots of plants” as their unofficial mascot, Sha and Jim have turned the house into a living, breathing canvas. Their home isn’t just a space; it’s a sanctuary that’s effortlessly vibrant and filled with mushroom‑spotted life.
Ready to discover how they transformed a blank slate into a family‑friendly masterpiece? Keep reading to see the fascinating journey that made this Punggol home unforgettable.
How the renovation journey turned out
Sha & Jim: From Tiny Budgets to a Big Dream Home
Getting the Keys to Their Own Place
Sha and Jim were fresh out of college, dreams in hand, and then hitched a knot a few years later. By the time they finally unlocked the front door of their own house—about three years after the wedding—they were ready to show the world what “budget” really looked like.
The Startup Budget: $20,000 vs. Reality
- Original plan – Take the hit with a modest $20k that covers the essentials.
- Final spend – Reality check: they ended up shelling out about $40k in total.
- Included extras – Think furniture, appliances, and the payable dream‑land.
What Stepped Up the Price Tag
Jim’s side‑kick analysis: “The renovation and air conditioners alone took around $29,000 of the budget.” That’s a chunk of the pie! Sha chipped in: “We added a bit more because we decided to tear down a wall in the first common room for MORE space.”
Daring Reinventions
Quick recap: combo of $29k on utilities and an epic wall makeover turned their home into a wide‑open lounge for relaxation. And to top it off, they gave their living room floor a industrial epoxy coating—because why not add that extra “wow” factor?
Takeaway
Sha and Jim prove that replacement into reality is all about smart compromises, extra payments, and turning the usual into something extra cool.
Renovating with a Twist: Industrial Meets Playful
When the couple first stepped into the house, they were hit by the promise of free screeding from the HDB—a deal so good it would have saved them a fortune on what today’s renovations could cost. That’s the inevitable starting point for every savvy homeowner looking to get ahead.
The Vision
We asked the duo what sparked their design decisions. Both agreed they were starting from a clean canvas and meant to “paint it with life, love, and all those little comforts that keep the heart happy.”
But, as Jim noted, the street‑style that was all the rage during their makeover seeped into the project. Think exposed conduits, grey walls, and raw screed flooring – the very essence of industrial chic. It was an accidental influence that turned out to be a win.
No One‑Style Rule
Sha is not one for sticking to a single look. She prefers a bit of everything—a little bit of industrial, a dash of playful, a splash of vintage—and the house now reflects that blend. The result: a charming mishmash that feels homely rather than posh.
Highlights in the House
- Blank Slate. The project started with a clean, neutral base.
- Industrial Edge. Exposed tubes and concrete floors add cool contrast.
- Cozy Comfort. Soft textiles, warm lighting, and personal décor bring life.
- Cost‑Effective. Free screeding dramatically cut expenses.
When you walk through the finished space, you instantly sense how the home has grown from a bland structure into a lively, heartfelt sanctuary. The blend of modern and nostalgic touches means the house is no longer just a dwelling; it’s a place where memories are made and cherished.
From Industrial Chic to Vintage Vibes: The Renovation Story
What started out as a strictly minimal industrial makeover—think crisp whites, raw wood, and a splash of yellow & turquoise—has turned into a playful mix of old‑and‑new. Sha’s knack for spotting a bargain and giving it a second life made the shift feel like a natural evolution.
Key Elements of the New Look
- Mid‑century modern furniture opens the door, but it’s the mix of vintage, second‑hand, new, and custom pieces that truly defines the space.
- “Not every item has only one use,” Sha laughs, turning a cheap Daiso dustbin into a stylish plant stand.
- DIY meets thrifting: find a gem, repaint or upcycle, and watch the magic happen.
Layout: Simple Tweaks, Big Impact
They kept the original floor plan mostly intact. The only major change was tearing down the wall that separated the first common room from the living area. The result? A wider, more open living space that’s perfect for both cozy nights and lively gatherings.
Take a Closer Look
From the bold pops of color that hint at fireplace warmth to the quirky plant stands sprouting from thrift finds, every corner feels thoughtfully curated. The blend of old and new—along with a touch of personal touch—makes this home a true reflection of intent, personality, and a bit of adventurous spirit.
Living room
Turning the First Common Room into a Plant‑Powered Home Office
First off, the team tore down the walls of the original common room. Why? To stretch out their living quarters and create a spot where they can actually get some work done from home.
Space, Space, Space
- The new layout opens up a whole big area for lounging and chilling.
- Now there’s a dedicated nook for the home office—no more suiting up in a cramped kitchen.
- And did we mention the plants? Going from a single pot to an entire indoor jungle.
Plant Parenting 101
Keeping that lush green spread thriving is no walk in the park, but the benefits are worth the effort.
- Fresh outdoors vibes right inside your home.
- A natural mood booster—because who doesn’t love the feel of chlorophyll on a rainy day?
- It creates a chill, cheerful aesthetic that makes even Monday mornings feel like Sunday brunch.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any cooler, Sha decided to give each plant a name. It’s like a tiny, verdant family reunion, each leaf having its own personality. Feel free to check out the Instagram post for a more detailed splash of plant‑ready inspiration.
Redraw the Room, Redraw the Mood
What Happened?
Gone are the walls that once split the common bedroom from the living area. By taking them down, the room now stretches into a spacious, open-plan sanctuary.
Why It Matters
- Increased square footage means more light and better flow.
- The new open layout feels like a home office on chill mode.
- It’s the perfect spot to mix work and relaxation without the usual office buzz.
Cool Features
With the walls gone, you can:
- Set up a comfy desk by the window for natural daylight.
- Invite a cozy couch for those mid‑project breaks.
- Keep your coffee machine within arm’s reach but out of sight.
Dining room
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The Dining Room: A Mid‑Century Modern Hide‑And‑Seek
They kept the layout pretty ordinary—no dramatic shape‑shifts or dramatic balloon chairs—but they nailed the vibe by picking furniture that feels like a smooth jazz solo in the middle of a playlist. The walls, lamps, and chairs all share the same mid‑century modern swagger the couple wanted.
Key Elements
- Wall Hangings – Modern art that whispers “retro chic.”
- Lamps – Clean lines that light up like a sunrise over a deck of cards.
- Dining Chairs – Sleek, cool seats that even your grandma would applaud.
Plants? Hard to Find.
The dinner nook stays almost plant‑free, creating a fun contrast with the lush‑green jungle of the living area. It’s like comparing a minimalist skate park to a botanical conservatory; both cool in their own right.
Picture‑Perfect Seats
Picture this: you’re perched in a spot that’s just sweet enough to let the panorama unfold before your eyes. Whether you’re on the front row or a comfy corner, the city’s skyline will treat you to its full glory. Every angle, every skyline curve feels like a front‑row ticket to wonder.
Top‑Tier Seat Picks
- Front‑Row Finesse – where every skyscraper is a close‑up.
- Stand‑Out Mid‑Level – the sweet spot for a balanced view.
- Snug Side Seats – your personal, panoramic window.
Why It Matters
It’s not just about the view; it’s about the feel—the rush of wind, the buzz of neon, the sheer awe that makes you want to shout, or just quietly say, “Wow.”
Kitchen
Kitchen Floor Makeover: From Industrial Chic to Tiling Magic
While the living room and dining area boast an industrial‑style screed that feels raw and edgy, the couple decided to soften the vibe in the kitchen by switching to classic tiled flooring.
Why the Tile?
- Bright & Breezy: Tiles keep the space feeling open and airy.
- Easy to Clean: A kitchen that needs quick wipes after a midnight snack?
- Style Vibes: Goes hand in hand with the rest of the kitchen’s polished look.
Cabinet Choices
They opted for closed cabinetry, a neat twist that eliminates the fuss of open shelves while still keeping things stylish.
Color Play
The cabinets’ color is not just a statement; it’s a strategic move to keep the kitchen bright and lively – the perfect backdrop for every breakfast scramble or midnight dip into the pantry.
Bedrooms
Bedroom Makeover Magic
When the homeowners were deciding how to set up the master bedroom, they went with a built‑in wardrobe—no closet clutter, just sleek storage. They also built a raised platform so they could lie on their mattress without a duvet‑heavy bed frame. It’s like having a bed that’s just a fancy trampoline—stay in style, drop the hassle.
Creative Storage Secrets
One of the coolest hacks? A stack of Aykasa crates, piled up and topped with a locally‑crafted wooden lid. The lid doubles as a side table, and it’s a handy spot to hide all those tangled cables and the multit‑plug extension. When you need to jump between your phone and your laptop, everything is right there—no more searching for that ancient power strip.
Entryway Echoes of Japan
In the shared bedroom, the entry curtain screams “Japanese serenity” with its simple, clean line design. It’s a subtle but effective hint that this space is all about calm‑ness and a smooth start to an even more cozy day.
Inside the “Extra” Living Spot
Imagine a second living room that’s basically a chill‑zone with a sofa, a giant beanbag, and a rainbow‑full of decorative pillows and wall art—a perfect mix of comfort and personality.
But just like the rest of the house, this space is likely to get more spice in the near future. Stay tuned for some fun upgrades!
- New funky furniture pieces
- Bold color pops
- More quirky decor twists
Bathrooms
Bathroom Biographies
Master & Commons: The Tale of Two Bathrooms
Master Bathroom: The “Glass Door & Panel” Drama
- Only the glass door and a sleek panel threw a mini party here.
- All other parts of the master bathroom stayed as charmingly unchanged as a grandma’s handwritten recipe—no dramatic make‑ups!
Common Bathroom: The “Built‑In Cabinet Saga”
- A single, cozy wall cabinet was added, because “Why not?”—perfect for storing toiletries or secretly hoarding those extra keys.
- Design is all about that uniform glow: white tiles everywhere, soft light‑grey floor vibes that feel like a hammock on the ground.
Heart of the Home: Keeping It Simple
- The living area gets the spotlight—think of it as the house’s social butterfly.
- All bathroom changes were made to support the living room’s glow, keeping the rest of the house humming at a relaxed pace.
In short: the bathrooms got a gentle makeover, while the living space steals the show.*
Bringing the vision to reality
Home Makeover: From Vision to Reality
Jim & Sha both agreed that the final outcome was almost exactly what they had pictured before the renovation even began.
“We didn’t want a jungle of built‑ins,” Jim laughed. “Sha’s fingers are always itching to move things around, and she loves having the freedom to shift decor whenever she feels like it.”
Keeping the walls and floors in neutral, blank colors was the trick that made everything work nicely for them. It kept the home flexible, letting them swap in new pieces whenever the mood struck.
Key Takeaways
- Minimal built‑ins for maximum flexibility
- Neutral walls & floors for easy updates
- Happy couple, happy home
How a Couple Transformed Their Kitchen Into a Culinary Playground
Sha told us, “We knew we wanted a built‑in kitchen that makes cooking a breeze because Jim’s a home‑cook foodie.” That was the first spark for makeover greatness.
Dream vs. Reality: Size Matters
They dreamed of a sprawling island with tons of counter space. Although the extra area would have been a win, they’re happy with the current layout. “Maybe in the future, we’ll go for something bigger,” Sha joked with a grin.
The DIY Decision
Sha and Jim broke the usual pattern. Instead of hiring a design‑builder duo, they went straight to a contractor. Their chosen pro, Vincent from Golden Bricks, came highly recommended by Sha’s uncle, who praised his previous work on a family home.
They still met with one interior designer (ID) before deciding to keep it simple and collaborate only with Vincent. “We handled the whole renovation through a single contractor without an ID involved,” Jim recapped.
The Contractor’s Open Mind
Jim recalled, “Our ideas were fresh and unusual for him, but he stayed open to experimenting. He also took time to explain the materials available.”
Sha added, “If we had one more wish for our contractor, it would have to be someone who truly embraces our design ideas and can bring them to life.”
Key Takeaways
- Built‑in kitchens resonate with culinary enthusiasts.
- Big dreams don’t always need big budgets; work with what you have.
- Choosing a single, well‑recommended contractor can streamline the process.
- Open-minded collaboration fuels creative solutions.
How Sha & Jim Curated Their Dream Home – A Furniture Story
Starting the Hunt
Sha kicked off the search by diving into vintage shops – think Second Charm, Lorgan’s, and Noden. “We peered through these aisles looking for pieces that carried a story,” she says, adding a little sparkle in every corner.
Mixing Vintage with Modern
Along the way, they spotted Castlery – the place that turns antique vibes into fresh furniture. “Right when we were couch‑hunting, Castlery surprised us with a lineup that was all about that vintage‑inspired feel,” Sha recalls.
Budget constraints were real, so they chose to splurge on a few key items that could anchor an entire room:
- Console
- Couch
- Dining set
The Ikea Twist
Never one to play it plain, Jim added a clever twist: IKEA pieces slipped into the mix, but only in a way that felt like a designer’s secret hide‑away, not an obvious showroom setup.
Color Play and Final Touches
Sha keeps the base palette neutral – think creams, greys, calm browns – then pops of color act like mood‑setting accessories. “You can swap or switch up a pop of color whenever you feel like it,” she smiles, hinting that the room stays fresh, never static.
Renovated Living Space Highlights
When it comes to their new home, the majority of furniture leans toward a sleek black or classic walnut palette, with just a touch of oak to add that warm pop.
Jim points out that cleanliness matters to them. “If you’re gonna wipe down every surface, the materials have to be easy to clean,” he says. “That’s why we’re gravitating toward plastic, PU, steel, and similar materials.”
Favorite Spot: The Living Area
The couple can’t get enough of the living room. “It’s literally where we spend most of our time,” Jim shares. “Even before the walls went up, we knew this would be the heart of our home.”
- Bright, modern aesthetics
- Easy‑to‑maintain surfaces
- Feels like a personal sanctuary
Lessons learned from a successful renovation journey
Renovation Adventure: From Drab to Fab (and a Little Mold)
They Said “No ID, No Problem”
When the actual work began, the couple found the process pretty breezy—no fancy interior designer needed. Jim swears they hit their goals without a single design professional on the payroll.
The Sticky Part: Design Dilemmas
Enter Sha, a self‑proclaimed “fussy” designer with a tight grip on her vision. While her friends might call her picky, she’s just picky. Their biggest hurdle? Making sure her bold ideas fit inside a realistic budget.
The solution? Treating constraints as a creative puzzle. “It was a challenge, but it turned into a fun brain‑teaser,” Jim mused. The result? A home that’s both unique and economically smart.
Top Take‑Away Lessons
- Big projects don’t need to be perfect on the first pass. Sha emphasizes that the big picture can evolve.
- Focus on essential foundations first, then keep up with maintenance for the long haul.
The Unforeseen Coastal Fallout
They overlooked a key detail: their new place is just a stone’s throw from the sea. The salty breeze and relentless humidity were a double‑whammy.
Half a year later, their shiny ceilings were hosting an uninvited mold party.
“We had to jump into mold inspections, find anti‑mold paint, and bring in a serious dehumidifier,” Sha recounted. They’re now on a mission to keep the damp out and the good vibes in.
Why Moisture‑Loving Homes Need a Good Mold Crash
Sha and Jim won’t lie—if your neighborhood has the humidity of a tropical rainforest, skip the cheap paint and go for Zinsser or a similar anti‑mould brand. “It’s a little extra on the bill, but you’ll sleep better knowing you’ve covered your walls for the next five years,” Jim says, proud of the warranty you get.
Flooring Fancies and Future‑Proof Plans
They’re not totally bonking on their screed choice, but they’re already eyeing other options. “If my wife had the say, we’d roll out classic terrazzo tiles or wooden planks,” Jim grumbles. “Now, there are hundreds more choices to pick from, thanks to the renovation boom.”
Do Your Shopping at the Right Time
They’ve learned the hard way that buying furniture before you actually get the keys or before the job is half‑finished can cost you. “Two refurbished Pak Awang chairs were saved in a bomb shelter during the renovation. When we finally opened them, the PU was sticky from the humidity!” Jim sighs. He added that cleaning and repairing those chairs was a painful lesson.
Power Points: Planning Ahead Is a Game‑Changer
They plan to plan their electrical outlets more thoughtfully next time. “Better placement means you won’t be that frustrated when you finally move in and realize you’re on a one‑socket per room edition.”
Take Your Time – A Home Is a Living Canvas
Sha advises, “Don’t rush into a perfect house right out of the gate. A home isn’t fixed; it grows with you.” She explains that separating current design trends from personal taste is vital. “Trends come and go, but the best house is the one that feels uniquely yours.”
For the couple, the house remains a fluid space that adapts to life’s twists and turns. “We keep it flexible, so if we ever move, that mindset travels with us,” Sha concludes.
Thanks for reading their thoughts—an honest eye on renovation reality—and move on to build your home that fits you, not just the latest Pinterest dream!
