Telok Blangah: A Slice of Serenity Near Singapore’s Bustle
If you’re hunting for a charming spot that blends peaceful vibes with easy access to the city, Telok Blangah is calling your name.
Picture this: you wake up to the soothing scent of fresh leaves, sun kissing the coastline, and a view that marries lush greenery with the endless sea. And, guess what? The neighborhood isn’t just pretty—it’s a living museum, steeped in stories that date back generations.
Why Terry & Rachel (aka CookingPotBay, but keep it hush‑hush) Picked Telok Blangah Towers
- Three Blocks, Major Privacy – With just a handful of apartment blocks, the towers feel like a close‑knitted community, yet still offer the privacy you’d expect from a tucked‑away hideaway.
- Central but Chill – They’re close enough to plug into Singapore’s urban life, but not so close that you’re in the thick of traffic and hustle.
- Vibes That Speak Louder Than Words – The mix of history, nature, and sea views provides a backdrop that feels like a constant Instagram filter, minus the filters.
- Friendly Neighbors – Bet you’d find a few blurbs about friendly fire‑fighters and local artists who swirl around, keeping the community lively yet relaxed.
All in all, Telok Blangah is that sweet spot where tranquility meets convenience, and it seems Terry & Rachel have found their perfect spot in the middle of it all.
Telok Blangah Towers: Where Space Meets Minimalism
Ever wondered how a Singaporean HDB can feel like a boutique getaway? Meet Terry and Rachel, who turned their flat into a minimalist paradise—complete with the kind of windows you’d expect in a luxury loft.
The Window Wonderland
These pockets of sheer glass aren’t just pretty; they’re practically the whole width of the room. Think of it as a never-ending backyard that lets sunrise, sunset, and passerby selfies breezily over your living space.
- Full‑length windows: The kind that can’t be found in most HDBs today. A rare treat that turns every day into a daylight joy.
- Solar‑powered aesthetic: You can literally see the sun’s compliments from your own floor.
- Natural ventilation: Because heating up a flat without opening a window is so 2020.
Minimalist Magic
After scoring the big windows, Terry and Rachel decided to keep the rest of the house bone‑patient—and surprisingly stylish.
- Clean lines: Furniture with pointy corners recedes into clean air, making the floor seem more spacious.
- Strategic storage: Think everywhere that’s out of sight but still handy—fold‑away beds, hidden cabinets, and the occasional “magical” storage box that pulls out with a sigh.
- Neutral palette: Beige, white, and light grey dominate, letting the windows do the spotlight act.
- Stubborn plant love: Even in minimal spaces, a touch of green can soften the vibe—so they tucked a few potted palms into the corners.
Why This Works
With winding windows and minimal clutter, the house feels like a less crowded version of an open‑air café. Every corner is a photo‑op, and every pebble on the floor is an opportunity to brag on Instagram.
Achieving a timeless and minimalist home design
Renovation Reality: Budget Surprises & Minimalist Dreams
Budget Breakdown
- Planned for: $60,000 – to feel like a financial breeze.
- Actual spend (no furniture, no appliances): $70,000 – a tidy +10k splash.
- Reason? The temptation of high‑end tiles, vinyl flooring, and fancy switches made the budget decide to lift a bit.
Why the Numbers Took a Detour
- Power‑up of expensive stone and vinyl that turned simple walls into a luxury lawn.
- Switches that look like they belong on a spaceship.
- Unexpected measurement tweaks that cost a few extra crumbs.
- Fixing walls after the wallpaper surrender – those wall‑repair bonuses can sneak in.
Theme Talk: The Great “Minimalist” Mystery
Terry and his partner never set a super‑specific style; they just wanted something that feels timeless and clean. They asked their interior designer to keep it simple, no flashy trends, just a place that feels quiet, classy, and ready for any future flair.
Giving a Home a Fresh Breath
A Vision of Simplicity
They wanted a house that feels warm but never starts to feel stale.
No fussy, over‑decorated rooms – just a clean, airy vibe that keeps the heart cozy.
“We really felt our place was turning into a mini‑Korean loft: sleek, muted blocks, and all clean lines.” - The master
Cutting Down Walls for Bigger Story
To make their living space feel bigger, they knocked down the wall of one of the bedrooms.
The result?
Room‑by‑Room Breakdown
| Room | What it became | Feel | Fun Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | A spacious lounge that can host anything from Netflix marathons to candle‑lit dating | Open & inviting | Built‑in bookshelf that bends like a real tree |
| Kitchen | A prep‑zone turned functional gallery | Modern & handy | Counter top double‑spending for “two chefs” style |
| Study/Office | Cozy corner with a large desk; a space that never feels like “work” | Productive & relaxed | Hidden door to a tiny zen garden |
| Master Bedroom | A bigger, airy room that smells like fresh linen | Comfortable & dreamy | En‑suite bathroom with a 15‑minute sauna session |
Final Thoughts
They’ve managed to keep the domestic charm while sipping on the trend of minimalist design.
The result? A living space that feels like home – not a gallery, but an easy living area that never sacrifices comfort for coolness.
If you’re looking to spice up your home without going full ‘Instagram’, this renovation journey is a blueprint you can scroll through and maybe even try.
Living room
Living Room Refresh
First light in step—the first thing that greets you is the clean white palette blending with the soft lightwood floors to create a modern, spotlessly fresh vibe.
It doesn’t stop there; natural light pours in from the windows like a gentle applause, making the space feel alive and extra breezy.
- Pure colour palette that screams minimalism.
- Crisp, light wood floors adding a touch of warmth.
- An overwhelming flood of daylight drama.
Adding a Curvy Surprise to the Living Space
Terry laughed, “We had this niche wall idea in the back of our minds long before we even started looking for designers.” The sudden, sleek curve is the new twist that brings the whole room a fresh look.
- Elegant, curved niche wall that anchors the living room.
- Instantly transformed the space into a stylish showcase.
- Everyone can’t stop admiring it—yes, we’re all a little giddy.
Kitchen
How They Turned a Wall‑Hugging Kitchen Into a Breakfast Sanctuary
Picture this: a stubborn wall standing between the front door and the gleaming kitchen. The couple decided it was time for a change – they went full demolition on that wall and made way for a new, extended countertop.
The Big Move
Dropping that wall was no small feat – it required steel, a clear plan, and a whole lot of courage. Once the wall was out of the way, the space opened up like a fresh canvas.
Why It Matters
- Seamless flow: walk from living room straight into the kitchen without bumping into a wall
- Spacious breakfast counter: a dedicated area for cereal, toast, and morning coffee rituals
- More light: natural daylight spills in, making the space feel brighter and more inviting
The Breakfast Counter
Fast forward to today. The extended countertop has evolved into the couple’s personal breakfast bar. Whether it’s grabbing a quick snack or preparing a full breakfast spread, this new space keeps their mornings smooth and stylish.
All in all, the wall’s removal was the catalyst for a kitchen that feels open, cheerful, and ready to handle all the coffee‑mornings and pancake‑flappers that come with living together.
The Kitchen’s Sleek Chic
In the heart of the house, the kitchen keeps it classy—think “less is more” vibes. Instead of heavy cabinets, they went full open shelving to spread the vibes and literally let daylight stream in from both the yard and the kitchen window.
Why It Works
- Open shelves give the space a juicy roomy feel.
- Natural light shows off every dish with instant glow.
- Less clutter means more place for cooking and dancing!
All in all, the kitchen is a breath of fresh air—no clutter, just good vibes and light that screams “summer vibes, anyone?”
Master bedroom
Why Lighthouse Loves a Platform Bed
Terry kept saying, “We decided to put a platform under our bed not just for the extra storage space (yes, that’s a perk) but because we’re just plain obsessed with platform beds.”
“We knew from the get‑go that a platform was the way to go,” Terry explained. The whole idea was to create that cozy, snug vibe that feels like a soft, heavyweight blanket for the entire room.
- No Mid‑Jetty Roots – A clean, flat surface keeps the bed sleek and super easy to slide in.
- Instant Comfort – Platform beds give that instant hug‑of‑home feeling, perfect for winding down after a long day.
- Cheerful Charm – Adds a touch of style without a fuss, a perfect match for their minimalist aesthetic.
In short, it’s all about blending comfort and practicality—because a good night’s sleep is best served with a sturdy, stylish base that feels like the bed’s own personal hug.
A Room That Rocks—and Quacks
The Bed Is the Beat
Wardrobe Wizardry
A Touch of Japanese Flair
“The resulting effect looks pretty Japanese,” Terry whispered, eyes gleaming like freshly cooled matcha.So, the place doesn’t just look good—it practically feeds your style. The platform bed isn’t just a sleeping spot; it’s a living, breathing fashion statement.
Bathroom
Bathroom Vibes That Match the Whole House
They kept the minimalist look all the way into the shower room.
Key Features at a Glance
- Clean, straight‑line fixtures that look like they’re from a tech brochure.
- Muted hues that keep the bathroom feeling like a calm breath of fresh air.
- Frosted lighting that doesn’t scream “glow‑up” but instead whispers, “Hey, let’s chill.”
Those frosted bulbs aren’t just decorative—they’re the room’s very own cozy blanket, casting a warm glow that’s just right for a quiet soak or a quick power shower. With this soft lighting, the bathroom feels less like a utilitarian space and more like a private getaway.
Study room
A Quick Glimpse at the Study Room Make‑over
TL;DR: They only tweaked the floor and walls to match the house, keeping everything else as a blank slate for future adventures.
What Changed?
- Vinyl flooring was upgraded to the same slick look that runs through the rest of the home.
- Walls got a fresh coat in colors that blend seamlessly with the surrounding rooms.
Why the Minimalist Approach?
Terry explained, “We want this space to flex like a gym‑nast—easy to transform down the line.” The idea? Keep the room versatile, so you could turn it into a home‑office, a yoga studio, or even a secret snack stash at any time.
Bringing the vision to reality
Terry & Rachel’s Renovation Dream Come True
After the fresh makeover, Terry and Rachel couldn’t be happier—the house looks exactly like it did in their mind. They share the feeling that the final result was spot-on.
The Master Plan
- Strictly followed the designer’s blueprint—no detours.
- Used the 3‑D rendering as a visual guide (yes, I coughed it out of the desk).
Broke the Mold (And the Budget) for Realism
- Spotted furniture and fixtures that looked just like the ones in the render.
- Turned a dream list into a shopping spree for authentic items.
- Result? Home that screams “inspired” without screaming “fancy.”
They say the whole experience was a walk through a time‑travel visualizer—the end of the day, everyone is having a good laugh over the results, and they’re ready to enjoy their new, stunning space.
What’s Inside the Couple’s Home‑Making Journey
The Playful Hunt for a Design Partner
Ever wonder why some couples turn to a brand they spot on social media rather than a random contractor?
We found a portfolio that put the wow factor to work.We hit up Authors Interior & Styling because it looked legit—no scripted pitch, just pure eye‑catch.When the living room plans were sketched, they had no designer in mind.
So, they played a little “personalized matchmaker” game and ended up with Jun.
Jun was the “perfect fit.”He wasn’t drafted—he was serendipitously shuffled into their collage.
From Jigsaw to Jodhpuri: Sourcing the Furniture
Terry had a knack for being dagger‑good at buying furniture, and he didn’t do it by clicking a blurry online ad.
He physically inspected every shop in Singapore.
Terry’s footsteps left a little trail of triumph:
They’re all “STYLE‑in‑color” because they loved the real vibe, not the website wallpaper.
Bottom Line – A Home That’s 99% Human (And 1% Funny)
If there’s one takeaway: the stakeholders were hands‑on, in‑the‑zone, and not just another sales pitch.
So, if you’re on a similar quest, look up somewhere that actually shows a portfolio.
And don’t be afraid to walk hundreds of stores—your “savvy collector” is out there.
Finding the Perfect Home Setup in Tan Boon Liat
As most home‑owners who roll their eyes at home décor, we let Google steer us in the direction of Tan Boon Liat. The place still feels like the go‑to spot for every new homeowner craving a mall‑style shopping spree.
What We Scouted
- Sofa hunt – A mildly tedious quest. After a few clicks, we finally found the right one.
- Dining table – A quick win! That table was snagged straight from Tan Boon Liat.
- Dining chairs & bar stools – For this, our ID gave us a handy list from Taobao. We browsed, liked, and ordered – all the way from the comfort of our couch!
Why Tan Boon Liat Rocks
Ever wonder why so many house‑hunters say it’s a “great first stop”? The truth is, the sheer diversity of shops means you’re never short of options. Plus, it’s one of those random “I found it on my way to the kitchen” moments that give a smile to your day.
And if you’re still on the fence, remember: great furniture starts with good searching, and Tan Boon Liat is the place to test-drive the VHS of your living room.
Revamped Living Room: The Ultimate Home Upgrade
After their HDB renovation, Terry and his partner couldn’t stop raving about one spot in their home: the living room. It’s the place that puts their heart at ease, and it’s still the pride of the house.
Why the Living Room Steals the Spotlight
- Wide‑Open windows – The whole space is filled with natural light thanks to those rare, full‑length windows that let the sunshine flood in. Most units these days only get a sketchy three‑quarter pane.
- Roomy design – By tearing down the wall that separated the third bedroom from the kitchen, the two spaces merged into a glorious, airy living area. The result? A stunningly spacious environment.
- Extra glow – The big windows not only fill the living room but also spill bright light into the zone where the third bedroom used to be, giving the kitchen an unbeatable “sunshine bonus.”
The Great Transformation (and a Little Secret)
“We wanted a unit that truly felt open, not just a box with a few windows,” Terry chuckles. “Finding those giant, sun‑kissed windows felt like discovering a hidden treasure at the mall.”
They added, “The moment we demolished the third bedroom wall, it was like a breath of fresh air – literally! Everything looked bigger and brighter, and we felt like we’d just unlocked the secret of ‘living‑room super‑powers.’”
Takeaway
If you’re thinking about renovating, look for those full‑length windows and consider combining rooms. It’s an instant glow‑up that turns a good home into a great one!
Lessons learned from a successful renovation journey
Renovation Amid the COVID Storm
When Terry and Rachel embarked on their dream home makeover, they probably expected a smooth ride. Instead, the pandemic lurked behind the scenes and turned their timeline into a roller coaster of delays and surprises.
What Got in Their Way?
- Worker shortage. They had to push the tiling back by two weeks because contractors were scrambling to find available labor.
- Vinyl flooring chaos. The supplier hiccup was a real nail-biter: the vinyl didn’t arrive on time, throwing the entire schedule for fittings and appliance deliveries into a dressing‑room of confusion.
- Tactical misstep. Suddenly, the team decided to lay the vinyl flooring last—a choice they later regretted as it compounded the backlog.
And the Emotional Side‑Effects
“We threw a little tantrum in the kitchen,” Terry confesses, with Rachel nodding in agreement. The frustration fizzled into a mirror of patience running thin, but they kept the house— and the jokes—together.
Take‑Away Moments
- Plan for a buffer: when pandemic‑induced shortages happen, having a cushion for delays is key.
- Communication is your best friend; keep suppliers and crews in sync.
- Flexibility pays off; while they didn’t love streaking vinyl last, they learned to reorder priorities with fewer hiccups.
Final Thought
Terry and Rachel’s journey shows that even under the pandemic’s thumb, a homeowner’s determination can still shine. With a little humor, resilience, and a robust timeline, you can transform your nail‑flicks into a home‑building story worth bragging about.
Renovation Survival Guide from the Telok Blangah Couple
After nine years of living in their HDB flat, these homeowners took on a full makeover that nearly turned into a chaos story. But the real takeaway? Patience, a backup plan, and staying true to your own style.
1. Patience is the Secret Sauce
- Every change that popped up – from a sudden plumbing fix to a last‑minute color tweak – taught them that good things often wait for the right moment.
- Do not nail down your schedule too rigidly. Flexibility saves you from future headaches.
2. “Plan B” Should Be Your BFF
- They experienced multiple “off‑plan” moments, deviating from the original 3‑D render.
- Keep a spreadsheet of potential issues and a quick “what if” list.
- When a change comes, pause, evaluate, and then decide if you need to ride the wave or push back.
3. Listen to the Designer, But Speak Your Truth
- When they say, “Let’s get the draft right”, take it seriously – that’s the professional’s standpoint.
- But if you’ve got a bold idea, nail it to the conversation. “I want a panoramic balcony” is fair game.
- Remember, the house is not a design lab; it’s your future cozy spot.
4. End of the Day: Your Own Home
When the contractors hit the finish line, it’s you who’ll walk into a brand‑new apartment. So, keep communication open, stay calm, and above all, think of the day when you’ll settle in.
Pro Tips for New Homeowners
- Set a realistic budget – guesswork can lead to a “total shock” later.
- Keep an emergency stash of funds for surprise costs.
- Regularly update your design plan; it’s easier than redoing it mid‑project.
These insights came from the hard‑won experience of a couple who dared to transform their long‑time flat. If you’re planning a renovation, take a leaf out of their book: combine calm, preparation, and a dash of hustle, and your new home will shine—just like theirs did.
