The Cozy Side of Farrer Road: A Green‑Lit, Cat‑Friendly Makeover
We’re talking about the dynamic duo
They’re Nigel & Jayne, a 30‑something pair who love their local cat on a budget. They took an 818‑square‑foot HDB flat and turned it into a storybook home.
What went into the design
- The centerpiece: a round oak dining table, hand‑crafted to match Nigel and Jayne’s taste, and a supply of Japanese‑made wood chairs from Atomi that give the room a sleek, natural vibe.
- Where the walls meet: A stunning portrait of Ladakh, photographed by a friend, hangs behind the kitchen, providing a quiet escape from the busy street.
- Material mantra: “No vinyl or laminate. All concrete, raw wood—nothing pretentious. Just what we could afford.” – Jayne
- Layout makeover: The master bedroom, living, and dining areas were moved away from the noisy front road; walls were hacked to create an open‑plan space perfect for fans and family gatherings.
The heart of the home – the kitchen
At its core sits a fully‑fledged kitchen that the couple dubbed their “recreation hub.” “We want a place where people can chill, eat, and laugh, and this spot delivers,” explains Jayne. The linear wooden trims give a whisper of modern subtlety, whilst the muted forest‑green mosaic tiles on the backsplash add a splash of cool, calm color.
JQ designed the cabinetry as modular units with open shelves, giving Nigel and Jayne the perfect showcase for their favorite dishes and gadgets.
Plants, books, and more
On windowsill corners, the duo lined up a neat library of scribbles and a curated garden of succulents. Their collection of artwork, rugs, travel photos, and chosen furniture pieces were swapped and splurged upon with a love for each other’s aesthetics.
Jayne reveals the most tactical savings were in the bedroom: “We grabbed a bed frame for $150 on Carousell. No wardrobes? No problem—Jayne and I built a wooden rod and rope rack that’s chic and functional.”
The final flourish
With a budget of $60,000, this flat has a fresh lease of life thanks to JQ Ong’s sharp space strategy and Nigel & Jayne’s eye–for‑style finesse. The result? A humble haven that keeps noise at bay, celebrates real materials, and feels like home from the very first step in.
Want to see the design magic? Dive into JQ Ong’s portfolio
Checkout JQ’s portfolio and the Association’s collections for inspiration. (No links—just the spirit behind every tiny detail.)
