Joel’s 29‑Year‑Old “Tiny” Adventure: Turning a 904‑sq‑ft HDB Flat into a Global Chic Studio
From a chance café walk to a cozy, worldwide‑inspired loft, Joel Ang proves that a big personality can thrive in a small space.*
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1⃣ The Spot He’d Call Home
Location: Everton Park – a mellow, 80‑s “vintage village” now buzzing with cafés and eateries.
Type: Three‑room HDB resale.
Size: 904 sq ft (≈84 m²).
Got it in: At age 35, a spur‑of‑the‑moment visit to a local coffee shop led to a quick online search, a chat with a friendly agent, and a two‑week purchase.
“I just wanted a place in town, and then I stumbled upon this old‑school estate. It was like finding a hidden gem on a rainy day.”
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2⃣ The Design Mindset
Why Joel?*
Frequent travels (London, Copenhagen, Tokyo, etc.) feed his imagination.
Obsessed with furniture – “The furniture comes first; the space adapts.”
Influenced by the wabi‑sabi philosophy: celebrating imperfection and minimalism.
Inspiration Stations
London’s Tate Modern wing – sleek, modern forms.
Copenhagen’s quality of life – “every corner feels like a quiet garden.”
Noma in Copenhagen – a blend of Scandinavian pragmatism and subtle grace.
Tokyo’s hustle + Zen pockets – what you need: city buzz with hidden green oases.
Result:* A fusion of “city energy + serene escape,” all inside a quiet suburban cluster of just four units.
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3⃣ The DIY Spin
“I’m a creative soul who loves letting folks do their best, so I wanted to direct my own canvas.”
Designers suggested open‑concept layouts, but Joel preferred segmented, intimate rooms in the Japanese spirit.
Beautiful surfaces: raw concrete panels paired with matte finishes for an understated, sophisticated vibe.
Traveled to gather unique décor pieces – each token tells a story.
Key Challenges
| Challenge |
Why it mattered |
Joel’s ship‑shape solution |
| No design background |
Decision overload |
Rapid mental sketches, showroom visits, and an “instant costing” mindset |
| Material sourcing |
Italian tiles were thin and rare |
Sharp knives for custom shapes, minimal spares |
| Size constraints |
Every square foot counts |
Layered vertical storage, double‑purpose furniture |
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4⃣ Highlights of Joel’s Sanctuary
Even if he says “no favorite space,” each part has its own personality:
Japanese tea corner: The go‑to for a quiet brew or a sumo‑friendly “sake session.”
Kitchen hub: A “home‑grown culinary wonderland” where potlucks feel like block parties.
Living room: Equipped with a sound system that turns movies into marathon nights with friends.
“My friends love chilling here; it feels like a playground for both mind and taste buds.”
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5⃣ Takeaway for Your Own Micro‑Nest
Keep it simple – less is more.
Be intentional with furniture – let it steer the room’s mood.
Unit your design to your story – combine travel memories with local warmth.
DIY can be empowering (but …be prepared) – patience, quick research, and a knack for the finer details are key.
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Joel’s story reminds us that even a modest 904‑sq‑ft space can house the world’s chicness, a laugh, and a cup of tea.
