From Tiny to Terrific: The 140‑M² Make‑Over Magic
Downsizing can feel like a recipe gone wrong – you keep all the ingredients, but the dish ends up nothing but a sad tangle.
But the right design trick turns that small space into a breezy, breath‑taking paradise.
Meet the Family of Four
- Old home: two‑storey landed property – a classic but cramped arena.
- New home: three‑bedroom condo – 140 m² on Balmeg Hill.
- Budget milestone: $200,000 for a single layout revamp.
Picture this: a large balcony that’s basically an outdoor lobby. The family was smitten because every bedroom had its own private patio, giving them a front‑row seat to bird‑watching and the freshest air.
Balmeg Hill: A Whitetree Paradise
Step onto that balcony, and you’re greeted by:
- Lush greenery that whispers “stay awhile.”
- Birdsong that soothes even the most frazzled mind.
- No concrete jungle trash – just pure, untouched nature.
The Design Vision
Yanika Gunawan – Design Director, Parenthesis – was given a simple brief: Bring the wild outdoors into a cozy, modern living room. She answered with a splash of green and a dash of botanical flair, turning the condo into an unexpected tropical oasis.
The result? A stunning fusion of sleek, contemporary décor and the calming touch of nature – all wrapped in a budget‑friendly package that left everyone breathing easier and smiling wider.
So next time you think downsizing might shrink your joy, remember: a clever layout and some tropical spice can bring the world back to your doorstep.
Picture-Perfect Pad
Who said you can’t have a splash of tropical flair in your everyday kitchen? Think of a punchy palette that pops, rather than just soothing the senses.
Venus of the Veggies
At the heart of the living‑area lies a moss‑green slice of Verde Giaba marble. It’s not just a slab—it’s an island statement that says, “I’m here to make breakfast and brunch look spectacular.”
- Veins of deep green weave through the surface, giving a bit of drama.
- White spots add a touch of surprise, like tiny confetti dots.
- It doubles as a baking workstation & a dinner sidekick.
Rustic Meets Modern
Contrast time! The shiny marble’s sleekness is balanced with good‑old‑fashioned rattan. Shaker‑style cabinets get a rattan finish that’s both charming and practical. In Singapore’s humid climate, the tempered glass doors keep that funky green from turning into a mould festival.
- Classic shaker shape meets tropical vibe.
- Glass tops guard the rattan finish.
- It’s the perfect mix—modern elegance meets kitchen comfort.
So if you’re looking to turn your kitchen into a tropical escape without needing to pack a passport, give these green-y ideas a try. Your taste buds and Instagram feed will thank you.
Upgrading the Parenthesis Kitchen: A Fresh Take on Space
Gone are the days of sprawling outdoor wet kitchens—now the Parenthesis space dares to make every inch count.
Less is More: The New Dining‑Kitchen Fusion
Instead of a sprawling, compartmentalized setup, the team married the dry kitchen with the dining area, turning it into a semi‑open hub. This move invites a breezy flow, letting family gatherings feel closer and food prep feel less like a chore.
Hidden Treasure: The Convinced Wet Corner
- Location: A snug corner, away from the eye of every eye.
- Design: Deep green cabinets that keep kitchen clutter out of sight.
- Functionality: A tidy “wet” space for all the gadgets and spills.
Mirror, Mirror: Adding Light & Lushness
The corner isn’t just functional—it’s an aesthetic goldmine. Tinted mirrors line the space, catching the outside greenery and bouncing light around, which adds a fresh and airy vibe.
All in all, the Parenthesis kitchen demonstrates that a smarter layout can save space, keep things tidy, and still feel like the heart of the home.
Picture‑Perfect Parenthesis
Imagine a cozy living room that literally spreads to the balcony—think glass panels that blanket the whole space, turning every corner into a front‑row seat for sunlight.
Seamless Flow, Thanks to a Smart Twist
- With a special MCST approval, the family swapped those dull sliding doors for slide‑and‑swing ones that fold all the way back. No more stuck hinges or limited view.
- Result? A breezy, natural‑light fiesta that lets the balcony feel like an extension of the living area, not a separate room.
Alfresco Eats, TV‑Style Finishes
It’s the perfect spot for a laid‑back dinner with friends and fam—sunny, open, and just the right amount of rough‑and‑ready charm. When the plates are cleared, the party can smoothly spill over into the TV zone, where a stylish pale‑wood and rattan vibe turns the space into a chic lounge.
Picture a Fresh Start with Parentheses
In the master bedroom, the décor is all crisp whites paired with a splash of dreamy blue‑velvet. It’s like a calm, stylish hug that keeps the space feeling spacious yet cozy.
The Splashy Make‑over in the Bathroom
- Removed the bulky bathtub that had been leaning by the door.
- Converted the area into a discreet, pocket‑size dressing space—perfect for the lady of the house.
Lights, Lair, Action
Thanks to the screened windows, plenty of gentle light streams in, illuminating the black vanity and its green accents. Now that’s a setup that’s as functional as it is stylish, and definitely less choppy than the old tub setup.
Parenthesis: A Bathroom Story with a Dash of Quirk
Master Bathroom Entrance
Earthy greens splash across the entrance wall, while weathered green subway tiles frame the white double doors that get a touch of white beading. It’s like a gentle “welcome” that whispers “grow, stay cool.”
Common Bathroom
Imagine a wild plant-print party: the family’s own botanical designs bloom over the tiles, while an wooden washbasin pops up, giving a rustic, camp‑fire vibe to a modern space.
Why this combo works
- Texture overload that feels cozy, yet chic.
- DIY prints bring personality straight from the family’s creative brains.
- A wooden basin that screams “nature meets interior design.”
Location & Extras
The condo sits on Balmeg Hill, Pasir Panjang, Singapore.
Want to explore more of Parenthesis’s ingenious projects? Dive into their design adventures.
