When Joey Khu, director of Joey Khu Interior Design, purchased this 900sqf four-room HDB flat in Bedok, he had two challenges: it was in a rundown condition, and he needed to “accommodate all the spaces that I wanted for various activities, as well as fit in the furniture, lamps and other pieces in my collection.”
Photo: Home & Decor
To achieve the space he needed, he hacked away the walls of a room adjacent to the kitchen, thereby creating a bigger space that could be reconfigured to suit his needs. That became the dining area and dry kitchen. A structural beam and column posed a challenge but Joey ingeniously turned the latter into a space divider.
Rising the Floor to Sky: Joey’s Lofty Living Room Makeover
When you step into a living room that feels cramped because the ceiling is playing hide‑and‑seek, you need a trick that feels like a hug from above. Joey did just that—using vertical elm wood panels that stretch from floor to ceiling, giving the space a fresh lift.
Why Elm? & The Color Play
- Elm’s natural grain: gives a touch of art‑gallery oomph without the gallery price tag.
- Darker shade: adds drama that lets the outside greenish vibes pop brighter inside.
- Energy‑saving: darker tones absorb more light, making sure the room feels warm and inviting.
Here’s Joey’s One‑Stop Cheat Sheet:
- Measure the room’s height—don’t forget the “air” above the top of the panel.
- Choose a darker wood finish that compliments the living room’s color palette.
- Install the panels so they start from the floor—this trick tricks the eye into seeing more ceiling space.
- Add a tiny plant or two on the floor to keep that natural feel alive.
Bottom line: Joey turned a low‑ceiling prison into a soaring loft with just a splash of wood and a pinch of color. It’s like giving your living space a new pair of boots—one that lets it tiptoe into the sky.
Joey’s Bathroom Makeover: From Kitchen to Sanctuary
Picture this: a humble kitchen space gets a dramatic twist. That kitchen area? It’s gone, replaced by a bathroom that feels like a spa on a budget.
Why the Switch?
- The Space Dilemma – The original kitchen was doing a little dance, but it couldn’t keep up with Joey’s dream of a roomy bathroom.
- Vanity Vibes – A full‑size vanity surface now lets Joey tackle his morning routine without feeling cramped.
- Shower Segments – The new compartment offers a dedicated splash zone, so no more bing‑bonging across the whole floor.
Design Philosophy in a Nutshell
Design isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all; it’s built on your priorities. If you’d rather have a generous shower and a polished vanity, that’s the route. If you’re more into sleek corners and minimalist aesthetics, the focus changes. Joey’s the protagonist of this story—he got the bathroom he truly wanted, because only he knows which aspects of a space matter most.
Takeaway
When you remodel, think of your personal checklist: space, style, functionality. Then let the design follow that checklist to make your space truly yours.
Photo: Home & Decor
“I designed a zig-zag wall that separates the wet kitchen from the bathroom. On the side facing the bathroom, I fitted in the vanity counter nicely, while on the other side, I installed a kitchen counter,” he elaborates. This creates additional space to place cooking appliances.
Photo: Home & Decor
Two of the existing bedrooms were combined to make up one large master suite. Instead of walls, Joey used floor finishes to demarcate the sleeping area, walk-in wardrobe and balcony within the suite. In the same vein, colours were used to distinguish this private realm from the living room. For instance, the colour scheme in the master suite is stronger and darker to create a relaxing and cosy ambience.
Welcome to Joey’s New Home—A Furniture Fiesta
Picture this: A freshly painted living room with a touch of sparkle—all set to host Joey’s giant stash of furniture, lamps, and quirky knick‑knacks. It’s like a pop‑up gallery, except every piece has a story, and the stories are as diverse as his collection.
What’s on the Menu?
- Vintage chaise lounges that will make you feel like you’re lounging on a cloud from another era.
- Neon lamps that let you bask in a warm glow—perfect for setting the mood during movie marathons.
- Collectible mugs that are ready for that daily coffee ritual, brought to life by their friendly faces.
- Oddball décor pieces—each one a conversation starter waiting to happen.
Why Joey’s Home Is the Ideal Stage
The new digs have open spaces, high ceilings, and a “show off” vibe that’s hard to beat. Think of it as an indoor carnival—each corner a new surprise, each object a potential headline. Joey’s joy? Seeing bits and bobs dance around that new backdrop, turning a simple living room into a personal museum.
Get Your Laughter On (and Your Eyes Wide Open!)
The vibe inside is “fun with a touch of nostalgia.” Picture a room where the old meets the new—a place where you’re encouraged to make jokes, take selfies with the lamps, and invent stories about the odd collectibles. The result? A space that feels warm, lively, and comfortingly familiar—like a cozy café, without the coffee rush.
So, whether you’re a fan of retro chaise lounges, a lover of quirky décor, or simply looking for a place to hang out, Joey’s new cabin of furniture and knick‑knacks is sure to leave a lasting impression. Dive in, enjoy the magical mix, and let your imagination roam free.
Designing My Own Dream Home: A Crash Course in Creativity & Chaos
Picture this: you’re juggling paint palettes, mood boards, and an ever‑increasing stack of IKEA boxes. That’s the reality of Joey, a seasoned designer who’s spent years turning clients’ visions into living spaces. Now, he’s flipped the script and taken the reins for his very own loft.
Why It’s Both “Exciting” & “Difficult”
- Excitement: It’s a chance to mix, match, and merge — no client’s constraints to tether him. He says, “It’s wild freedom, like a kid in a candy store.”
- Difficult: He’s battling his own tastes, memories of past disasters, and the fact that his budget isn’t as flexible as a corporate client’s.
Lessons Learned from a Lifetime of Projects
Joey’s “sample‑dive” into design is less about grand trends and more about simplicity. He recaps:
“Every project taught me a ‘what not to do’ rule. Swapping foot‑traffic layout for a glam chandelier? Lesson learned. Lighting can be ‘baby talk’ – if you whisper too softly.
Key Takeaways for Your Own Project
- Stay True to Your Style: He distills those features he loves. “I liked the aesthetic I created for a long‑term client, so I’m keeping that vibe.”
- Use Existing Assets: He’s repurposed beloved items — like a vintage sofa from a previous assignment— to keep the budget in check.
- Test, Tune, Repeat: “When you’re the client and designer, you experiment. That’s the only way to know what truly works.”
Joey’s journey illustrates that designing your own space is a powerful introspection exercise: you finally get to choose the colors you’ll wear every morning, the patterns that will echo across your living room, and the furniture that will have you falling asleep in style.
Wrap‑up
So if you’re considering stepping into the world of home design, take a page from Joey’s book: embrace the fun, brace for the missteps, and above all, let your personal voice guide the process. Your future self will thank you for not over‑complicating the simple pleasures of your own sanctuary.
