There’s one big question that every homeowner will face after buying a resale HDB flat – how many structural changes do you want to do to the property?
Hack down a wall to have a bigger living? Sure, it’s always nice to have more communal living space.
But what if you have kids in the future?
What would be the sensible move to make?
Shermain and Zhi Hao (@our.commonwealthdreams) faced this exact scenario when it came to renovating their 44-year-old HDB home in Commonwealth Ave West.
The couple made their purchase in October 2020 but only received their keys in April the following year due to delays on the seller’s end. They tried the SBF scheme in the area a number of times, but however, they did not get the desired queue number, so they decided to look for a resale instead.
“Location and convenience were keys for us as we were getting married,” Shermain said. “We were certain to move out of our parents’ place, and we didn’t want to compromise on space.” And thus, they were open to purchasing an older unit.
Currently, only the two of them are residing in their home, but the place is large enough to accommodate any future kids as well.
Let’s tour how they built their minimalist home.
How the renovation journey turned out
Renovation on a Budget: The Shermain & Zhi Hao Story
Shermain and Zhi Hao are the epitome of practical style‑goers. Their approach to the renovation was both well‑planned and very real.
Budget Blueprint
- $80,000 was earmarked for all reno work.
- They wrapped a safety net of contingency funds into this figure.
- “We knew there were surprises, so we built in some wiggle room,” Shermain said with a smile.
Design Philosophy: Clean, Cozy, and Unfashioned
When it comes to interior vibes, trends fade quickly in their minds. Instead, they stay true to what feels comfy and timeless.
- Love for clean lines that keep the space uncluttered.
- Open layouts that let light flood in, making each room feel airy.
- Subtle pops of color sprinkled throughout, just enough to keep things lively.
- Natural textures—think wood and stone—add warmth without shouting for attention.
Inspired by German Simplicity (But not Copy-Pasting)
They admired the German knack for functional aesthetics, yet steered clear of trend‑driven fads.
- No brass accents or ornate metal pieces—even if those look chic.
- Instead, everything from fixtures to furnishings had a purpose, not just a buzz.
From Blueprint to Reality
Below you’ll see how their original floor plan stacks up against the fresh draft they’ve created. It’s a journey from a raw layout to a dream home, all wrapped in practicality and a touch of modern flair.
New Look, New Vibes: The Shermain Home Make‑over
Picture this: the Shermain couple just snagged the first draft of their revamped kitchen design, and the secret sauce? Moving their built‑in carpentry and table ledge away from the balconies. Why? Because those spots were turning into the Melt‑the-Heart‑Hotspot of the house. When the morning sun kisses the balcony, it’s like a sizzling microwave for everything inside.
The Open‑Concept Dream
- Living, Dining & Kitchen in One Flow: They love a semi‑open layout, so the living room, dining area, and kitchen all share the same airy space.
- Still Some Privacy: No, it’s not a full open‑air. A permanent partition keeps sleep‑zones and still‑spaces looking cozy and separate.
- Party‑Ready: “When we get friends over, it’s like we’ve opened a show‑room. No awkward awkwardness—we’re practically setting the stage.”
Why the Swap Made Sense
Imagine waking up and seeing a huge beam of sun hitting the table you’re sipping coffee on. Not a fun picture. By relocating the built‑in pieces, the Shermains turned a potential glare zone into a sun‑kissed oasis. It’s all about making space feel breezy, not blazing.
Take a Virtual Walk
Ready to peek inside the newly polished living space? Grab a seat, pretend you’re in a bustling café, and wander through the updated rooms. The subtle shift from cramped to “great feels like an open office” comes alive in every corner.
Living room
Welcome to the Bright & Minimalist Jungle
Step inside and instantly feel the airy vibe of the living space—think sunshine on a lazy Sunday. The design keeps it simple, but color pops from every quirky decor piece all around, just like Shermain and Zhi Hao dreamed.
Space? Oh, Plenty!
- Large room feels like a breathing room.
- Every inch invites a smile.
- Room size makes your sneakers feel at home.
Shaking Up the Living Space
Think about the old plan that had two balconies, one tucked inside the living room. To give the area a real boost, the architects decided to slide the living room right onto that balcony‑spot. Now, you can find the TV happily set up where it used to be, with a funky wall‑mounted lamp anchoring the whole vibe.
What’s Changed?
- Room Expansion: The living room now takes over the balcony zone, creating a bigger, breezier space.
- Entertainment Upgrade: Your TV claims its new home, surrounded by the fresh, airy feel.
- Lighting Charm: A quirky lamp adds character without overpowering the room.
In short, the makeover turns that cramped balcony into a relaxed, light‑filled lounge—perfect for movie nights and casual hangs.
Dining room
Mid-Century Dining Makeover
How They Brought the Space to Life
From the very first glance, the pair knew the dining area needed a serious upgrade. A cramped bedroom simply couldn’t host all that table‑talk, so they tossed the wall aside and opened up the space.
Now, the dining room is a shining testament to mid‑century style. Picture pendant lights hanging like vintage lanterns and a dining table that feels straight out of the 1950s.
- Wall Gone Wild – A bedroom wall turned into an instant dining extension.
- Retro Radiance – Pendant lights that light up the room with classic twist.
- The Table Talk – A centerpiece that tells a retro story every time you sit down.
All in all, the makeover turns a tiny bedroom into a cozy, nostalgic spot where meals feel as stylish as the lights glow. Who’d have thought a simple wall hack could light up a whole new vibe?
Turning a Flat into a Dream Dining Spot
Shermain’s vision for the kitchen was clear: no cramped hallway‑side meals.
When the previous owner set up a dining area along the hallway, it just didn’t fit Shermain’s idea of a cozy, functional space. They knew that right from the moment they stepped inside the flat.
Reimagining the Room
- Layout check: The floor plan left plenty of room.
- Room potential: They saw an easy way to carve out a dedicated dining area.
- Plan for change: The renovation could transform the space into a real table‑friendly nook.
What Did They Do?
Instead of letting the hallway become a makeshift dining zone, Shermain decided to
“Open up a room” for the table, giving everything a fresh, standout feel.
This move meant the flat wouldn’t just look better – it would feel home with a place that’s as practical as it is charming.
Kitchen
Why the Kitchen Became the Star of the Show
When the couple stumbled upon this unit, the first thing that caught their eye—or under‑eye, really—was that the kitchen didn’t sneak into the bedroom cluster like a sneaky cousin at a family dinner. Instead, it sat on its own, giving the space a subtle “no inter‑room drama” vibe that immediately won them over.
Positive Highlights
- Independent zone – no weird leaky ceilings to worry about.
- Easy social dynamics – you can host a dinner without disturbing a roommate’s night‑time Netflix marathon.
- Clear layout – chefs can move around without bumping into someone else’s balcony railing.
The Dark Side – A Gloomy Kitchen
Despite the layout win, the kitchen was presenting a serious shade‑off problem: it was dim as a librarian’s attic during the night. Not all joy, folks.
How They Brightened It Up
The power couple decided to unleash the kitchen. They opened up the walls— Metaphorically, of course—brimming the room with fresh, breezy light that turned the space from “Eeyore’s kitchen” to “Sun‑beam haven.”
Key Takeaway
When choosing a unit, look beyond the boring numbers. A secluded kitchen can be a bright beacon for lifestyle—just make sure you’re ready to say, “It’s time to let the light in!”
Neutral Hues & Cozy Touches
These soothing neutrals blend effortlessly throughout the house, creating a calm, cohesive vibe. The kitchen backsplash adds just that pinch of texture—think of it as a subtle flip of a smooth canvas, giving the room a little pop without pulling everyone’s attention away.
- Light, airy feels everywhere.
- Texture that whispers, not shouts.
- Designed to keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.
Bedrooms
The Ultimate Home Hack: Dining vs. Bedroom Bliss
Why They Did It
The couple wanted a clear line between their cozy living space and the hustle‑and‑bustle of daily meals. Think of it like a personal “no‑food zone” in the hallway—so when you’re in the bedroom, your stomach stay out of the way!
How They Set It Up
- Step 1: Drag a stylish partition right next to the dining area.
- Step 2: Place the hallway to the bedrooms just beyond the divider, so you can glide in without catching crumbs.
- Step 3: Add a splash of color or a small plant to keep the vibe relaxed.
The Result
Now you can feast without worry and float in peace to the bedroom lobby—no accidental forks in the hallway here. A simple tweak, but it’s a game changer for family flow!
Home Sweet Home
Picture this: a little balcony pops up at the far end of the hallway—like a secret club just waiting for a vibe check. That extra space? It’s turned into a cozy family nook that even the most ordinary living room can only dream about.
- Rare gem: not many folks get a bonus room in today’s real estate market.
- Shermain nailed it—she and her partner are literally hugging this spot.
- Feelings on point: “We both love this area.” – a simple line that says it all.
Master Bedroom Magic
In the master suite, the couple’s hybrid vibe still shines bright. Colors and furniture stay simple, but they click together like a well‑tuned playlist—fun, cozy, and effortlessly chic.
Bathrooms
Old‑House Bathroom Dilemma
Buying a vintage flat has its charm, but it also brings a classic hiccup—those bathrooms can feel like a cramped apartment for two. When you step into the master bathroom, you’re suddenly staring down a puzzle: make the space work for you or accept a mini‑size apology.
The Space Showdown
- Pull the sink out the way you’d pull a drawer from a pocket – you’ll get a bit more room, but it means a bit of plumbing wizardry and a re‑design of your layout.
- Stick with the tiny, pint‑sized pitstop sink – your bathroom stays cozy, but you’ll have to embrace the “personal space” vibe.
Either choice turns that small bathroom into a little drama corner, and it’s all part of the adventure of owning an older home.
Bathroom Style Sneak Peek
In most homes you might have checked out, the pipes get a slick black paint job—exactly matching the black shower fixtures. It’s the kind of consistent look that says, “We’re all about that sleek, tidy vibe,” and keeps the plumbing from looking out of place.
The Common Bathroom Gets A Little More Space
The shared bathroom is a tad larger, giving the designer some wiggle room to bring the sink out and let it breathe. With that extra room, there’s room to breathe, to relax, and to just not feel like you’re squeezing in a sink to the center of a bathroom. It’s the kind of layout that practically says “make yourself comfortable.”
Bringing the vision to reality
When the Dream Home Turns Out to Be Something Else
Ever wonder how most houses actually end up? For most homeowners, the result is exactly the blueprint they sketched in their head. But not for Shrms and ZH.
The Original Plan
- Mid‑modern Scandinavian style – think clean lines, neutral palettes, and an open floor plan.
- Urban vibes with a hint of Danish minimalism.
- Everything approved by their interior designer in a single meeting.
Unexpected Twist in the Journey
During the build, the couple hit a realization: they’re not big on “organized clutter.” Clutter? Not the kind they imagine – more like tidy and functional. That’s all they wanted.
What They Expected
A space that wins the starting-of-episodes vibe from a design show – sleek, efficient, no unnecessary showing of stuff.
What They Actually Got
Like a taste‑test that comes out better than you thought it could. A home that’s less about neatness and more about the real, relaxed life they want to live in.
Key Takeaway
Sometimes the best homes aren’t the ones you plotted on paper, but the ones that adapt to how you actually feel at home.
Reworking the Request
Picture this: we called up the carpenters, got a little dramatic, and told them we needed lab‑armor‑level storage solutions. “More shelves, more space,” we said, hoping to turn our cluttery apartment into a neat, compartmentalized treasure trove.
The Secret Divider: The Partition Door
We also begged them for a fancy partition door—not just any door, but a sleek, quiet cutoff that keeps the private room off the living‑room radar. Think of it as a “Do Not Disturb” sign that’s actually a door.
Why We Wanted It
- Privacy Matters: We loved our little sanctuary and didn’t want it to bleed into the chaos of the living area.
- Being Organized: A hidden workspace keeps all our stuff from spilling over.
- Home Vibes: We wanted a chill space that’s separate from the social hub.
An Insider Recap
In short, we’re hoping the carpenters can give us a bit more wood to play with and a door that says, “Hey, my room is a secret base!” We’re all about the privacy vibes, and we’re ready to keep our living room’s “party” and our bedroom’s “nap‑zone” strictly separated.
How We Chose Ascend Design—Why Their IDs Blew Our Minds
We’re still buzzing about how Ascend Design turned our chaotic dream list into a perfectly tidy blueprint. Their personas—Agnes and Jasper—were so relatable that we literally felt like a family going through the same design roller coaster.
What Made the IDs Stand Out
- Relatable vibes: When Shermain mentioned the IDs, we instantly saw ourselves in them. It’s like they’re leading the pack—“Hey, we totally get what you’re after.”
- Transparency champion: In any renovation, clear communication is a gold mine. These IDs kept it straight up and down, showing us what’s going on every step of the way.
- Flexibility power: Their willingness to tweak and adapt as we moved through design changes made all the difference. No rigid plans here, just a flexible, evolving journey.
First Home, Big Budget, Big Wins
Owning our first home means we’re training to be budget bosses—but we didn’t want to sacrifice quality. Luckily, Ascend’s workmanship hit the mark. Every detail was nailed, and the quality was absolute.
In short, their reliable craftsmanship and impressive attention to budget constraints gave us the peace of mind we needed. That’s why the IDs from Agnes and Jasper were the top pick for us.
Taking the Time to Design Their Dream Home
When it came to picking out each piece of furniture, the Shermain team played a deliberate game of “wait before you buy.” “Honestly, we haven’t even finished furnishing every room yet,” Shermain confesses. “We decided to move in first, test the spaces, and figure out exactly how we’d like to use them.”
Dining Space: A Four‑Month Quest
It wasn’t until about four months after moving in that they brought the dining table to life. They did the hard work themselves: sourcing a beautiful stone slab and hiring a craftsman to carve custom legs that fit the kitchen’s vibe.
Choosing the Sofa: A Bit of Sherlock Work
- Goal: clean, firm, modular comfort with impeccable piping.
- Almost a custom build: they investigated several options to nail the exact look they wanted.
- Pivot: after seeing the current online catalog, they switched directions and found a ready‑made seat that hit all the marks.
In the end, the Shermain’s home is a work‑in‑progress masterpiece—fresh pieces springing into place as they discover how to make every corner feel just right.
New Home Upgrade: The Sofa Saga
Why the Sofa Won the Battle
They chose a modular set that was bought piece by piece. “It was the most wallet‑friendly option,” honeysed the homeowner so that the sofa didn’t break the bank.
Tiles That Took Your Breath Away
- Big, bold tiles turned the floor into a spacious playground.
- “It made the room feel bigger,” they confided, eyes shining with pride.
Light – the Star of the Show
The kitchen now pours in bright, welcoming light that has walked away from the days of dim, shadowy corners. A visual glow‑up that lets everyone see the dishes without a flashlight.
Lessons learned from a successful reno journey
What the Couple Really Faced in Their Kitchen Quest
When you’re flipping a house, it’s almost impossible to get every bump, glitch, and structural tweak straight. Fate and construction just never sleep, and for the Smiths (let’s call them), that was the pain point that kept their noggins turning.
Getting the Structure to Stick
- They wanted a clean, regret-free build. Every two‑inch cut had to be future‑proof.
- That meant checking the load-bearing guts over and over until it felt right… or until the ceiling crack popped up.
- The couple banged it out in table‑talk and a lot of caffeinated “what‑if” scenarios.
Dream Kitchen vs. Practical Reality
Unsurprisingly, the kitchen island that was baked into the plans found itself in an elusive “no‑go” list. The final layout insisted on:
- More storage – because who doesn’t love a pantry that’s tight enough to hold a house in a closet?
- A custom carpenter touch – make the wood do the talking.
- Compensation by a larger dining table, so the family can still dine in style while the “island” dreams simmer in the background.
What Seemed Minor but Actually Cost Time
In hindsight, the “few hiccups” were shadows hiding a bigger truth:
- The curse of unplanned power points: an electrician heads back to the site yelling “I need more outlets” and the couple’s cheeks air‑in hot with frustration.
- Missing built‑in wardrobe space: cloth after a long day may feel a little out of place in a room that looks like an octopus nesting.
“We could’ve held our breath and given a minute more thought to the outlet placement and wardrobe seams,” said Shermain, the home’s learning buddy.
The Moral of the Story
When construction runs like a roller coaster, the trick to keeping your head on straight is talk, talk, talk with the crew. A chat now can slip a hiccup before it becomes a major hole in your budget‑or‑morale.
Renovation Roadmap: Darling Advice from Shermain
Quick‑Start Checklist
- Spot Problems Early: Think of a renovation as a game of hide‑and‑seek with bugs. The sooner you spot a hiccup, the less drama it creates.
- Keep Your Eyes Open: Even if your contractor says they’ve got it covered, popping in during installations (primers, cabinets, lighting) makes things smoother for everyone.
- Understand Their Juggling Act: Contractors often have several homes in the pipeline. Your presence can help them focus on your project.
Practice Self‑Check
Don’t just wait for the contractor’s update. Take a quick walk through the site, make a mental note (or a sticky‑note page), and raise any concerns right away.
Set a Realistic Goal
- Limit the Over‑Spend: Before you budget, think about how long you’ll actually live in this space.
- Match the Spend to Stay Time: If you’re only going to call this place home for a short while, dial back on the extra fancy touches.
With these golden nuggets, your renovation journey will feel less like a midnight slash and more like a smooth, enjoyable makeover. Good luck, and may your new space feel like home sooner than you think!
