Working From Home? Why Not?
Let’s be real—the office smell of burnt coffee is way worse than the scent of burnt toast on a Sunday morning. Working from home cuts out the commute, saves a ton of money, and best of all, lets you swing your legs on the desk or wear pajamas while you hit that deadline.
But the Big Question
How can you keep that sweet spot where the couch feels like a hug but your computer still demands your full attention?
Enter Lisa & Tom
Lisa and Tom (yes, not that couple from the ghost-town run-in, just two very real folks—kept their alter egos for privacy) moved into SkyResidences@Dawson because, being the loyal household of work-from-home, they needed a space that was more than a comfort zone—it had to be a productivity zone.
The Choosing Dance
During the first SBF exercise, they had their chance to vote for the perfect unit. Think of it as the real estate version of “pick your bubble bath.” The units were released to the public once the Sers folks had exercised their options.
- A sweet balcony with city lights for those midnight espresso breaks.
- Seamless Wi-Fi that could keep up with their multitasking (emails, Zoom, plus that endless cat video playlist).
- A quiet corner that feels like a private library to help them dive into those reports.
Current Layout
Right now, Lisa and Tom are the official owners of this matrimonial crib. If you ever need a story of how they turned the place into a neutral, calming sanctuary, tune in as Lisa walks you through the renovation journey. It’s a tale of paint colors, smart storage, and a dash of houseplants that have seen the battle of the office—it’s not just a home, it’s a home with Wi-Fi grounded in love.
How the renovation journey turned out
The Budget Breakdown: Two‑Pac Luxe Renovation
$50k for the Big Fix‑ups, $20k for the “Nice‑aka” Touches
Lisa spilled the beans on their finances: “We set aside $50,000 for the renovation itself and another $20,000 for furnishings.” That’s a tidy sum for a decent‑size apartment, and we’re happy to hear they felt it was reasonable.
Budget Squeeze or Snap‑Budget?“Honestly, we stopped crunching numbers after the last swing of a hammer. But if I had to ballpark it, we stayed within the sweet spot,” Lisa said, giving us the confidence that the money didn’t spiral into a black hole.
Designing a Zen‑zone: Neutral Meets Hushed Vibes
Lisa’s love‑note to the interior was simple: “We nailed down a neutral, calming, and open aesthetic.” With a lot of couch‑time on the horizon, this color scheme was non‑negotiable.
Making the First Impression Count
You’ve probably heard it, but first impressions win the game. To make sure the wow factor dropped from the moment you walked in, the couple went bold:
Original Blueprint SnapshotThe image below gives a sneak‑peek of their original layout before the wall‑jacking adventure.
Why We Dumped the Kitchen Island (Spoiler Alert)
Before the secrets were locked up, we had a slick shot of the proposed island design. It looked great—just waiting for the green light.
After a hands‑on site check, we came out of the assessment with a big “no” to that island. Trust us, there’s a good story behind it, and we’ll explain it right below.
How They Got a Master Bedroom Without the Big Budget Hit
Instead of tearing down extra walls to create a sprawling master suite, the homeowners took a clever shortcut: they simply moved the bedroom door out of the way. Guess what the first glance says about their place? It looks like a 3‑bedroom unit—no corridor, no awkward stairwell, just pure open living.
Why This Move Rocks
- ⏩ Saves a chunk of money you’d normally spend on wall demolition.
- Keeps the vibe modern, with an airy layout that feels less cramped.
- Pushes the door halfway through the hallway, giving you private access to one of the bathrooms.
The Sneak Peek: Take a Virtual Walkthrough
Curious to see how the change looks in real life? Follow the quick tour below and get a visual feel for the revamped space—they’ve turned a simple shift into a standout design upgrade.
Living room
Turning a Bedroom into a WFH Nook
The Scene Before the Switch
When you first step into the cozy living‑room, your eyes will probably catch a panelled glass partition tucked behind the sofa. That’s the secret doorway to what used to be known as bedroom #3.
A DIY Project that Turns Heads
The couple had a brilliant idea: ditch the “just a bedroom” title and give the space a brand new purpose. They grabbed a few power tools, rolled up their sleeves, and hacked the walls—turning the old bedroom into a personal study area.
Why It Matters
The Process (in a nutshell)
The Result?
A sleek, functional, and surprisingly chill study room—no more leaky spaces or half‑broken windows! The couple, now proud of their DIY win, can finally say “Good morning” to a room that truly welcomes the workday.
Lighting Up the Good Life
Picture this: your front door becomes a window to the world, and the living and dining rooms feel like a bright, airy hug.
What Happened?
- Treated the entrance like a grand stage. The view now is \”eye‑catching and inviting.\”
- Removed the gloom. Natural light floods in, so no more rainy‑day mood swings.
- Opened the space. Both the walls and your imagination stretch wider—no more cramped vibes.
Bottom line
Because a home should feel like a sunny open‑air museum where you can roam freely, and you’re now the star of that beautiful, light‑filled show.
Why Lisa and Her Team Stuck With a No‑Fan Ceiling
Picture this: a bright, airy room with a false ceiling that already feels like a step up to the sky. Adding a fan? Not a good idea. Here’s the lowdown.
Clunkiness—Everyone’s Favorite Noise
- Fans can feel like a humming moth in small spaces—an annoying soundtrack that chases away focus.
- They’re heavy, scratchy, and somehow finish off the airy vibe.
Keeping the Faux Ceiling High
Ever tried over‑stressing the ceiling by adding a fan? It’s like trying to keep a balloon in the air while giving it a jetpack—the balloon drops faster. The same happens here: the false ceiling can appear lower once a fan adds visual heft.
Why Limewash Helps
Limewash lends a sleek, light‑penetrating sheen that keeps the space feeling open and flighty. The fan would throw a shadow that breaks that connection.
Bottom Line
Skip the fan, keep the ceiling light and airy, and let the limewash do the heavy lifting—no clunk, no drop, just pure, breezy vibes.
Dining room
Dining Area That Feels Like a Luxe Pantry
When they set out to craft a standout space, the outcome was a posh pantry‑style dining area that hits every mark.
- Table – a sleek centerpiece ready for any culinary adventure.
- Chairs – comfortable enough that you’ll barely notice you’re sitting.
- Pendant light – the spotlight that adds a dash of drama to every meal.
Together, these elements create a cozy, modern vibe that feels like a chic intentional retreat—perfect for a relaxed feast or a quick snack.
Dining Delight: A Window Into the Kitchen
Imagine stepping into the dining space and instantly spotting the compact kitchen that’s, dare we say, charming on a whole new level. It’s like having a secret playground for the chef right under your roof, making every meal feel like a backstage pass to culinary magic.
- Compact design: Sleek and functional, it fits snugly without cramping the vibe.
- Charming touch: Every corner bursts with personality, turning cooking into a visual treat.
- View from the dining area: A 360° snapshot that keeps the mood light and the conversation flowing.
Kitchen
When the Kitchen Became a “Live‑Dinner” Stage
Picture this: a couple goes a little rogue and knocks down half a wall just to transform their living space. The result? A perfectly candid kitchen entrance that floods the room with sunny vibes and lets guests jump right into the action while dinner is simmering.
Why It Works
- Light, Light, Light! The big slice of wall opens up the kitchen so bright sunshine can flood in—no more dim evenings when you’re trying to flip a pancake.
- Spice & Stories Guests can be right there in the kitchen, throwing in their own jokes and stories while you’re whisking up dishes.
- Easy Entertainment Never miss a beat: you’re cooking, they’re chatting, the whole house feels alive.
Behind the Scenes
The homeowners are pretty bold—half a wall, half a masterpiece. But the payoff? A fresh, airy kitchen scene that turns every meal into a mini‑party. If you’re dreaming of a chef‑stage vibe at home, maybe it’s time to take a little daring and give your walls a seasonal makeover.
Opening Up the Kitchen: From the Service Yard to the Living Room
They pushed the kitchen all the way up into the service yard, basically saying, “Let’s make this space work for us, not the other way around.” The result? A room you can actually move around in without feeling cramped.
Color Scheme: Creamy & White Galore
Every appliance, drawer, and cabinet keeps the same soft, neutral vibe. Think frost‑kissed countertops, off‑white appliances, and drawers that feel like a spa day for your items.
- Appliances – The fridge and stove glow in cool off‑white, keeping the look sleek yet warm.
- Drawers – These are hidden in a gentle cream tone that makes every opening feel like a tiny hug.
- Finishing Touches – A touch of subtle sheen across the whole space leaves a shiny, airy feeling.
With this consistent palette, the couple turned even a simple kitchen into a cozy, inviting space that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Bedrooms
Spaghetti‑Like Master Suite Upgrade
Picture this: no wall hacking, just a clever door shuffle.
- Two rooms, one vibe – the master and bedroom #2 become a single, breezy zone.
- Moving the entrance farther out cuts out the hallway completely.
- Thanks to that extra space, a handsome dresser sits right in the mix!
Bathrooms
From Two Rooms to One Divine Bath
They did more than just fix the sagging door—by shifting it they effortlessly glued the two cramped rooms into one open, airy space. And, bam! They stumbled upon a hidden bedroom that’s been rebranded as their very own master bathroom.
- Door shift = room merge
- Secret bedroom = cozy bath sanctuary
After the makeover, the former bedroom has become a personal retreat where they can splash around in full peace.
Bathroom Overlays: The Great Save
What went on? They went full‑tilt on the master bathroom—overlaid the whole thing, no sparing. But when it came to the common bathroom, they kept it lighter, covering only half of the space, and that splashed a neat bundle of cash.
Key points to remember:
- Full coverage on the master + Savings on the shared
- Money‑wise, the two‑half strategy tips the scales
- Result: A stylish look and a friendly budget boost
Bringing the vision to reality
The Couple’s Dream Home Journey: From Render to Reality
We all know that old kitchen dream that rises like a culinary volcano—this couple’s home saga was no different, but they dared to unleash the power of imagination to turn their vision into stone.
Reality Check with Realistic Renders
“The renders were so spot‑on,” Lisa laughed, “I could almost feel the smell of fresh paint on my wallpaper.” That’s the thing about a high‑quality render: it puts a concrete skeleton behind the fluff, giving you a clear map of the room’s future.
Even When You Know the Blueprint
Even though the duo already had a mental map of their dream home, they didn’t skip the idea of hiring an ID. Why? Think of the ID as a “design whisperer” who can spin fresh concepts and, most importantly, manage the chaos of a project.
Meet Sufen: The Design Gladiator
“After nodding through 16 IDs and having coffee with eight of them,” Lisa admitted, “I found Sufen from Third Paragraph Interior.” This choice wasn’t just about the stylistic edge; it was a strategic partnership—Sufen’s sharp eye helped the couple avoid common design pitfalls that can turn a dream into a nightmare.
Why Sufen Stood Out?
- Creative Sparks: Sufen brought in untapped ideas that made the couple’s initial concepts feel fresh.
- Project Management Maestro: With a calendar that covers every nail, she ensured deadlines stayed on track.
- Client‑First Ethos: She listened, listened, listened, and delivered.
In essence, Lisa’s final verdict was simple: the render proved concepts are solid, and hiring an ID, especially someone as dynamic as Sufen, turned ideals into a structured, stress‑free reality.
Choosing the Perfect ID: A Couple’s Tale
Two Golden Rules
A BFF-Level Collaboration
Lisa and Sufen jumped straight into a “perfect partnership.”
Sufen’s secret sauce?
The result? A smooth start and a design that stays true to the couple’s budget.
Furniture Source: “We’re Straight Up a Taobao Showcase!”
Lisa’s quick quip summed it: “We’re straight up a Taobao furniture showcase!”
A playful nod to their modern, budget‑savvy shopping spree that kept the project on track and the wallet happy.
How a Couple Turned Taobao Into Their Dream Living Room
Who’d have thought that Taobao fling would taste as good as the rest of your home? Most folks think the site’s quality is a bit… puzzling. But this dynamic duo set their sights on style over scrappiness, and bought into the risk.
Furniture or Fancy? They Picked the Fancy
For them, a fresh kitchen or a shiny appliances spread the real love. They decided that “renovation + appliances” mattered more than fancy furniture. So, they rolled the dice with Taobao.
- They ultimately chose console, table, and built‑ins that looked like hand‑crafted wood.
- “People can’t believe our console, table, and other built‑ins were from Taobao because they look so real,” they bragged.
- They used product photos to slay a mood board, picturing everything in place.
Living Room: The Heart of Their Home
Both agree that the living room is the holy ground of their domestic sphere. Lisa swears it’s the chillest spot you’ll find, especially when the sunset bleeds out:
“I love our lounge. It’s cozy and lush—great for storytelling on a moonlit evening.”
The Craftsmanship of the Space
- Floor‑to‑ceiling limewash gives the room a modern, airy vibe.
- They lit the area with soft, warm lights that turn a simple room into a mystery zone.
- It’s an easy, comfortable place to keep friends, family, and pets.
Bottom line: they proved that even a site famed for “budget” can deliver a space that feels hand‑made. The result? A living room that feels like a spa, a cinema and a rock‑star’s bedroom—all with a buddy‑friendly budget, thanks to Taobao.
Lessons learned from a successful reno journey
How a Couple Turned an 83‑Square‑Metre Nightmare Into a Cozy Café‑Like Flat
Why the space was a problem (and why it was a blessing)
When Lisa and her partner saw the listing, they knew they were staring at the smallest four‑room BTO in the whole neighbourhood. Eighty‑three square metres is tiny—imagine squeezing a whole island into a corner. But Lisa’s motto? “We’ll grab what we can!” So they went ahead and turned this cramped challenge into a design adventure.
Smart tricks for a larger feel (no major renovations needed)
- Kitchen open shelves – Keep clutter out and give the kitchen a breezy, airy vibe.
- Standing basin in the toilet—shorter, more stylish, and it takes up less space.
- Minimalist wall hacks – A few carefully chosen cuts can dramatically open up a room without blowing the budget.
They also let go of some big‑bang ideas that simply didn’t fit.
What didn’t make the cut
- Extendable dining island – After measuring the space, the kitchen’s tight opening made it a no‑go.
- Bomb shelter door – The actual door was a literal obstacle, not an aesthetic feature.
Instead, they elongated the kitchen slightly, giving it that “looks bigger” magic trick we all love.
Lisa’s fearless spirit (and a warning)
“We tried a brand‑new design element,” she confided, “and it felt like testing a prototype on my own living room.” The risk was real, but the reward was a curated space that feels effortlessly chic.
So next time you’re looking at a space that feels less “four‑room” and more “scrabble board,” remember Lisa’s mantra: “Take what you can, then make it work.” Who knows, you might end up with the most unique flat in the neighbourhood!
Dreaming Big, but Walls Disappointed
The Audacious 3‑Meter Shelf Plan
We were hoping to turn the study into a wood‑loving shrine. A 3‑metre-long natural‑timbre shelf was the grand idea—weighty, long, and basically a statement.
When the Wall Gets Real
We got the green light from HDB, checked with contractors, and even looked at the ID—everything seemed playoff‑ready.
But just when the big installation day arrived, the contractors pulled a classic “back‑out” move. They weren’t cool with the unreinforced walls.
Result?
The wall? Still empty and disappointed. A sturdy skeleton, but no shelf drama.
Learning From the Insta‑Wizards
She’s big on following a ton of home‑design IG accounts. It’s not just for visual inspiration—there’s a goldmine of practical hacks.
- “You can easily cram a shelf if you learn tricks from fellow owners.”
- “Sometimes your ID says ‘no’, but other homeowners prove otherwise.”
Bottom Line
Sometimes a project fails because of the walls, but the community still delivers the wisdom you need. So keep scrolling, keep learning, and maybe your walls will have a new purpose soon.
Lisa’s Low‑Cost Flat‑Flip Strategy
Ever dreamed of turning that cramped BTO flat into a gallery‑inspired sanctuary? Lisa’s here to show you how to keep your wallet happy while still looking like a design aficionado.
1. Let the Big Work Stay in HDB Hands
When it comes to major tasks—think structural tweaks, plumbing, and the heavy stuff—stick with your official subcontractor. Why? Because if you outsource too many pieces, you may end up as the “Project Manager” of your own renovation. No one likes turning their living room into a chaotic office.
2. Outsource Minor Touches (without the Drama)
- Doors: Grab a budget-friendly door that still slams in style.
- Paint jobs: Paint is cheap, and you can always swap colors later.
- Accessories: Small touches are where you can flex creativity without breaking the bank.
When you’re outsourcing, just pick the little things with a quick “yes” label and keep the rest in-house.
3. Colour Strategy That Plays with Flexibility
Lisa shares a simple rule of thumb: “Start with a neutral canvas. If you’re feeling bold, add pops of color with furniture or reversible installations.”
That means you can pop a bright chair in the lounge, then swap it out later if you’re feeling a different vibe. It’s like having your cake and eating it—just without the crumbs.
Why It Works
- Easy to Reverse: Paint or furniture changes are low‑commitment.
- Cost‑Effective: A neutral base keeps the bulk of the structure low‑cost; let the decor handle the personality.
- Future‑Proof: As trends shift, you can update without a fresh remodel.
4. Final Thought
It’s a standard piece of advice, but Lisa reminds us: “It’s always worth heeding.” A minimalist approach to carpentry—only in essential spots—provides the flexibility you need to keep the design fresh while still saving money.
So the next time you’re staring at your space, think of Lisa’s guide: outsource the insignificant, keep main works in trusted hands, and paint your canvas with feel‑good, reversible accents. Your future self (and your back) will thank you.
