Welcome to the Kuehsalat Home — A Fresh Look at an HDB Gem
Imagine stepping into a cozy four‑room HDB flat in Sin Ming, where the walls glow in a subtle off‑white and green palette that gives the place a breezy, almost culinary vibe.
Why “Reverse Kueh Salat”?
The couple dubbed their Instagram handle @kuehsalat.home because the color scheme feels like a flip‑side of the classic dessert “kueh salat.”
Mixing the vintage vibe of older estates with fresh, modern décor turns out to be a surprisingly winning combo.
Choosing the Right Flat
Instead of dreaming about a brand‑new build, Shannon and Shawn leaned into a resale HDB flat.
Both cherish the open, functional layouts that older HDB blocks conveniently offer.
Their new spot in Sin Ming gives them quick access to the great outdoors: Bishan Park and MacRitchie Reservoir are just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
The Whole Family Adventure
Join Shannon, Shawn, and their energetic pup Luna as they walk us through their renovation journey. From color choices to classic fixtures, they’ve turned their new home into a cozy, functional haven—complete with jokes, heart‑warming photos, and plenty of “you gotta try this” moments that will inspire your own next project.
Balancing comfort and style in this old HDB flat
How a Fleet‑Footed Budget Turned a Home into a Mid‑Century Modern Fiesta
Shannon and her partner set out with a $60,000 sweet‑heart budget, but the price tag rollercoaster that interior designers handed them was nothing short of a thrilling ride.
Pinning Down the Dollar Dream
“We told the designers we only had about $50,000 to play with,” Shannon recaps. “That way we kept a nice little cushion for the surprise costs that inevitably pop up during a renovation.”
By keeping the quote range tight, the couple avoided the common pitfall of blowing the budget while still making room for those fun unexpected additions—think a third‑hand modern coffee cart or an extra-hip lamp!
The Power of Early Decisions
Before the first nail was hammered, Shannon had already chosen a theme that screamed “mid‑century modern meets earthy earthy.”
- Mid‑century modern furniture
- Earthy colour palette
- Half wall aesthetic spread throughout the space
This early clarity helped them dodge the dreaded “on‑the‑fly changes” that often lead to extra costs and timetable delays.
Dropping the Mid‑Renovation “Eureka” Moments
Because they didn’t swing their minds two–way during the makeover, they avoided the pricey pitfalls that can turn a project from a joy‑ride into a penny‑pitstop.
Structural Wizardry: Two Big Tweaks
To make their design dreams fit snugly, Shannon and her partner had to re‑work the house’s layout. Here’s what they shuffled:
- Master Bedroom Shake‑Up – They relocated the original master bedroom wall to create more space for the kitchen.
- Kitchen Expansion – With a love for cooking and baking, they built a larger kitchen that could comfortably host two chefs at once, complete with a full‑size island for prepping.
Shannon’s words capture the moment: “We wanted a kitchen that was bigger than a food truck, because we love cooking and baking together. A prep space plus a full‑size island was the only way to keep the culinary chaos happening side‑by‑side.”
With structural adjustments in place, the new layout not only looked great but also offered better flow and convenience than the original floor plan—turning their home into a living, breathing mid‑century modern masterpiece.
Renovation Highlights: Master Bedroom Gets a Makeover
What went down: The master bedroom ripped open its walls, turning a cozy two‑room split into a single, sprawling space. Someone even knocked down a wall for good measure – talk about number crunching!
The Big Change
- Wall‑blasting – the old wall between the master and the side bedroom was demolished. That created a massive airy feel.
- Wardrobe vs. Light – the previous owner had a closet tucked in front of the windows to create a den‑style snooze spot, but our couple craved sun and breezes.
- Wardrobe removed – we swapped the closet for an open floor plan that lets the sunshine flow freely.
- Hard vinyl panels – the entire space (rooms, living, dining) got a seamless vinyl makeover for a modern, clean look.
What It Feels Like Now
The master bedroom feels like a spacious loft, with daylight streaming in and the soft vinyl flooring giving it a cozy, polished vibe. With the wardrobe gone, the room’s layout is airy, bright, and ready to lend you that “open‑space fresh‑air kitted‑down” feeling.
Final Thoughts
By mixing bold structural changes with a breezy layout, the renovation turned a once‑tight duo into a light‑filled, breath‑able sanctuary. The result? More light, more natural airflow, and a space that feels fresh and effortlessly modern.
Living room
Why the Shoe Cabinet Is the Unsung Hero of Your Entryway
Picture this: you knock on the front door, and instead of a chaotic pile of sneakers and boots, you’re greeted by a tidy, centralized storage solution that keeps all your footgear in check. That’s the magic of a thoughtfully designed shoe cabinet.
Why a cabinet beats a random collection
- Size matters – The cabinet was built to comfortably hold every pair of shoes the family owns.
- Space‑saving design – No more stacking hats on the side table or holding boots on the countertop.
- Instant organization – Each shoe finds its own spot, so you’re never scrambling for the right pair during a rush‑in.
Shannon’s candid look at the hunt
“We couldn’t find a suitable standalone option that fit all our shoes,” Shannon says, laughing at the memory of trying to cobble together mismatched shelves.
Finding a single, reliable piece was the key to a welcoming entryway that feels intentional rather than chaotic.
Modern Sofa Saga: A 2.5‑Seater Marvel
The Design
Picture a mid‑century aesthetic that feels like a hug from the past. This softer‑lined sofa blends retro chic with everyday comfort, giving the room that perfect “classy yet cozy” vibe.
The Features
What makes it truly unique? Read on:
- Deep Seat: Perfect for kneeling on the floor or simply reclining with your legs tucked in—no more cramped feet!
- Adjustable Armrests: Flip them wherever you like and voilà—instant pillow for those extra snuggle moments.
- 2.5‑Seater: The “half” extra spot means more comfy seating for your amigos or that extra guest who likes to pretend they’re in a 3‑seat configuration.
Why It Matters
When you’re looking to feel like a stylish couch‑connoisseur, this piece does double duty: it’s functional, gorgeous, and it respects the mid‑century vibe your space deserves. From Netflix binges to casual hangouts, this sofa keeps the mood right on point.
Half‑Wall Magic for Your Living Room
Picture this: Your living room wall gets the same cool half‑wall vibe that the rest of the house flaunts. The lower half—think deep, earthy olive green—almost sings with the darker wood tones you’ll find in classic mid‑century homes.
- Olive green for that fresh, natural pop.
- Matched with rich, dark wood for a timeless, cozy feel.
- Creates a subtle, perfectly balanced aesthetic that’s both retro and modern.
Dining room
Our First Piece of Furniture
It’s All About That Table
We didn’t splurge on a sparkling chandelier or a sleek sofa. The very first thing we rolled into our space was the dining table— the unsung hero that instantly anchors the whole room.
- Looks good: The table’s smooth lines give the room a warm, inviting vibe.
- Smart seating: Those gentle curves magically turn a six‑seat set‑up into a roomy ten‑seat affair— perfect for family game nights or Sunday brunch.
- Long‑lasting charm: Built to withstand years of laughter, dishes, and dessert crumbs.
Taking a Trip Back to the ‘60s with a Modern Twist
Picture this: a sleek, contemporary space that somehow feels like a classic vinyl record—welcome to the design renaissance where past meets present. The design team’s play‑of‑the‑past? The legendary Louis Poulsen PH5 Pendant Light, an icon of 1960s Danish lighting that now hangs in the heart of a clean, minimalistic setting creating a subtle rebellion against the monotony.
Why the PH5?
- Vintage Vibes, Modern Mood: The PH5’s round, tapered silhouette whispers history while providing crisp illumination.
- Complex meets Clarity: Its slightly intricate design breaks the straight‑line rigidity, adding a playful, almost cinematic layer to the room.
- “Straight‑Up” Cool: Even though the space screams “clean and chill,” this lamp injects a splash of personality without shouting.
The Secret Sidekick: LED‑Coated False Ceiling
Thought the look was all about the lamp? Think again. A hidden false ceiling glows softly with LED strips, giving the room just the right ambience. It’s the “behind-the-scenes” crew that keeps your eyes relaxed and your mouth slightly open with wonder.
Bottom line: combining a 1960‑s camp classic with a sleek, LED‑backed shade, the design choice keeps the space timeless—and honestly, makes you wonder if the room has come to life… and maybe has a fondness for retro gear!
Kitchen
Why the Kitchen Became Their Big Boss
When the couple dove into the home‑making adventure, the kitchen stole the spotlight. They spent more time there than on the living room or the backyard – if there’s a place to test every cooking hack, it’s the kitchen.
It’s Straight‑Up a Daily HQ
Fast‑forward to today, and the kitchen isn’t just a fancy design piece; it’s the real‑time command center for meals, mishaps and midnight snack raids. “You can’t beat the kitchen,” they say, and they’re right.
Optimizing for Daily Do-Do
Because this is where the action is, they made sure every inch is used smartly:
- Smart Storage – pull‑out drawers and tool‑shelves keep everything within arm’s reach.
- Workflow Zones – a prep area, a cooking zone, and a plating station to keep the chaos flowin’ smoothly.
- Space‑Saving Tech – fold‑away counters and modular appliances that pop up when you need ‘em.
Short‑and‑sweet—this kitchen isn’t just a room; it’s a life‑hack hub that turns everyday kitchen chores into something a little less daunting (and a lot more fun).
Getting the Most Bang for Your Kitchen Space
When it comes to freshening up an HDB kitchen, the “life or death” choice is whether to go full‑on cabinet mode or sprinkle in some open shelving. The genius behind this decision? A savvy designer who knows that too many closed fronts can turn even a sunny kitchen into a cramped shoebox.
Why Closed Cabinets Can Feel Like a Confined Closet
Think about it: every time you slide a cabinet door back, you’re revealing a neat, tidy compartment, but you’re also blocking a little of the ceiling height. In the low‑roofed world of many HDB apartments, those hidden panels make the room feel even smaller than it already is.
Open Shelving to the Rescue!
- See‑through Vision: Open shelves let light wander freely, making the space feel airy.
- Visual Height: When you place them next to the stove or hood, the open gaps trick your brain into thinking the ceiling is higher.
- Smart Storage: Stylish jars, pans, and cookware can be displayed and accessed instantly—no more whacking your head against cabinet corners.
In short, mixing open shelves with closed cabinets is like having your cake and eating it too—you get the orderliness of closed storage and the room‑making illusion of open design.
Here’s the Bottom Line
For a living space that looks and feels generous, skip the all‑excluded cabinet trap. Use open shelving where it counts, let the light flow, and trust that those subtle changes will add a little extra “room” to your day‑to‑day life.
Clever Kitchen Upgrade: The All‑Aluminium Door That Keeps Fragrance Out
What Makes It Special
The Secret to Smell‑Free Cooking
According to Shannon, this new door does more than just look good:
“Plus, it also keeps the smells away during heavy cooking,” she says.So, whether you’re frying onions till golden or baking a sauce that smells like it will take over the world, the powdered aluminium frame keeps your living room fresh and your guests from needing a boat to escape the aroma.
Master bedroom
Master Bedroom Make‑Up Magic
Why the Wall’s Lower Half Is a Bold Choice
Instead of the everyday olive green, the lower half of the master bedroom wall gets a burnt umber splash. It’s a color that feels almost like a cozy coffee‑shop vibe—warm, earthy, and a touch rebellious.
Pairing With the &Tradition Flowerpot Pendant
- Vivid Hue – The sunset‑tinted umber grabs the eye.
- Unique Yet Classy – The &Tradition Flowerpot lamp balances the bold wall with a gentle, floral echo.
- It’s a statement that avoids cliché.
Why You’ll Love It
Think of the room as a secret hideaway that whispers, “Hey, I’m different.” The burnt umber doesn’t just paint; it tells a story. And the pendant lamp? It’s like the finishing touch on a wintery coffee cup—warm, inviting, and unmistakably chic.
Turning the Master Bedroom Into a Cozy Square
Shannon and Shawn wanted their master bedroom to have that perfect, squarish feeling, so they went straight to the wardrobe shop and requested full‑height furnishings. By stretching those wardrobes from floor to ceiling, they turned every corner into a neatly organized, snuggly spot that feels just right.
Key Take‑Aways
- Full‑height wardrobes: They create a seamless, balanced look.
- Feels like a big, comfortable square—no awkward empty spaces!
Bedroom Make‑over: Sink Edition
They figured why keep that sink stuck in the master bath when it could be doing something way cooler—like joining forces with the vanity in their bedroom?
- New spot, new vibes: Moving the sink into the bedroom frees up space to create a fresh, dedicated area for the vanity.
- Matching vibes: The vanity’s quartz surface is the same sleek material they already rock in the kitchen, so everything feels cohesive.
This swap turns a typical bathroom into a personalized mini‑studio—quirky, functional, and absolutely stylish.
Bathroom
Bathroom Makeover Unveiled
No more sink inside the master bathroom? They paved the way for a sprawling wet space by simply moving the door a step further out. Now, the retreat feels bigger than a superhero’s cape.
Tile Talk
The dark grey tiles are like a midnight party, perfectly paired with the golden splash from the tap. Think of it as a stylishly understated dance between shadow and shine.
Overflowing Simplicity
- Less clutter, more room.
- Gold accents for that chic pop.
- Overall vibe: simple yet surprisingly polished.
Bringing the vision to reality
1⃣ Choosing the Right Contractor
The duo pinned their decision on three key points:
2⃣ The Heartbeat of Mid‑Century Modern
“We threw on a dark walnut ‘tone’ like a classic vintage car—sleek, timeless, and a perfect background for all our other choices.”“Consistency was king. No bright reds or neon oranges. Just that deep, warm wood.”
3⃣ The Sourcing Playbook
The Final Look
Fineline Design stitched together a home that feels like stepping back in time—but with all the Wi‑Fi we need today. The result? A cozy, consistent canopy of walnut and retro charm that tells a story of partnership and precision.
If you’re planning a remodel, these are the must‑keep pieces
Before the hard hats came on, the couple nailed down the two big‑shots that would anchor the space: the dining table and the couch. They said the rest of the pieces were chosen like accessories in a fashion show—“just had to complement the stars.”
Why this combo works
- Heat & heart – The dining table brings family meals to life.
- Comfort first – A couch spoils everyone for a room they can’t leave.
Mixing the new with the thrifted
They’re not a “pure designer” shop. Instead, their furniture is a sweet mix of fresh finds and pre‑loved pieces sourced from Carousell. Think of it as a garage‑sale of art with a splash of luxe.
What steals the spotlight post‑makeover?
When the dust settled, the couple both pointed at the kitchen as the new centrepiece. Shannon gave a special shout‑out to the master bedroom vanity—“my little luxury corner” she says. It’s the kind of space where you can practically hear yourself say, “I’m fire‑flies and I’m here to stay.”
Lessons learned from a successful renovation journey
Choosing the Perfect Shade of Green: The Great Wall Color Dilemma
When it comes to turning a blank wall into part of a half-themed masterpiece, picking the right tone of green turned into a full‑on adventure.
Imagine standing in a shop surrounded by an endless rainbow of greens, and still feeling uncertain about which shade will make your wall sing.
The Green Quest Begins
- The Big Hurdle – The team found that picking just the right hue was the toughest part of the whole project.
- The Green Spectrum – They were obsessed with finding a green that didn’t feel too “yogurt” nor too “grass‑short.”
- Paint Sampling – To pin down the perfect color, they decided to go on a paint scavenger hunt by buying small cans—yes, they treated themselves to a DIY paint adventure.
A Word from Shannon
“We went to purchase small cans of paints at our own cost,” Shannon laughed, “to determine the most suitable colour.”
It wasn’t just a color choice; it was a bit of a budget‑friendly DIY experiment.
Why DIY Paint Testing Works
Testing small cans offers a hands‑on preview— you’ll see how the color reacts under different lights, on different walls, and even in morning or evening sunlight. It saves big‑budget paint shenanigans.
The Sweet Victory
After a thrilling (and slightly messy) trial run, the team finally locked in a green that felt just right—bold, bright, and strikingly on brand.
What We Learned From a Real‑Life Home‑Renovation Adventure
Shannon and Shawn gave us the straight‑up truth about one thing no guide ever mentioned: renovations are a marathon, not a sprint. Their story proves that no matter how smooth‑talking your designer is, delays are inevitable. If you want a kitchen ready in three months, your project plan needs to be honest about the extra time required.
Key Take‑Aways from the Couple
- Plan ahead for the unexpected – expecting delays can save you a lot of heart‑ache.
- Speak up early – let your interior designer know your timeline at the very start; they can’t magic it away.
- Take furniture seriously – it’s the part of the house you actually move around, so treat it like your regular budget hero.
Shannon & Shawn’s Budgeting Bits of Wisdom
“Allocate more of your budget to furniture.” Think of it as buying the best gear for a moving adventure. If you move, you’ll still own those comfy couches – no extra cost, just a smart contingency plan.
They also swore that it’s cool to treat new homeowners like a storyteller. They kept things light, cracking jokes about the weird “construction mysteries” that popped up, but their core message was simple: correction is a companion, not a foe.
Quick Checklist for Your Own Renovation
- Write down your desired completion date.
- Ask the designer what makes sense – realistic vs. ambitious.
- Allocate a cushion for furniture and final tweaks.
- Keep the humor alive; every delay is a corny story in the making.
Remember, renovations are unpredictable, but with a bit of planning and a good sense of humor, you’ll finish your dream home with a smile and maybe a few baguettes left in the kitchen fridge.
How to Get a Fair Quote Without Losing Your Wallet (Shannon’s Insider Tips)
What They Really Mean by “Per Square Foot”
When a contractor says “you’ll pay X per square foot,” don’t go thinking it’s a flat fee for the whole job. Imagine buying a loaf of bread—each slice is priced separately. The same principle applies to the work on the house.
Get All the “Make‑Good” Work in One Bundle
Shannon recommends asking the contractor to lump every repair or touch‑up into a single price line. It’s like ordering a full pizza instead of every topping separately. This way you can see the real cost before the final bill pops up.
Why “Optional” Items Matter
Opting for additional features before the contract is inked can save you a fortune later. “If we’re unsure about a task, we’ll include it in the quote,” Shannon says. Variation orders—those surprise changes—tend to be pricey with little wiggle room.
Ask Your Inner Circle for Help
Shannon urges you to share and discuss your quotes with friends and family. Think of it as a “shopping group” for construction: you’re more likely to spot a shoddy deal or a sweet one when you’re not alone.
Bottom Line: The construction world can be cloudy. But with these tips, you’ll have a clearer view of the costs ahead. Happy building!
