How One HDB Home Became a Postmodern Playground
Picture a Singaporean flat that’s part pastel‑pink dream, part architectural experiment—kinda like a balloon that’s also a blender. That’s the 112 m² gem in Punggol, designed by Joanna Chia and Rachael See of Mr Shopper Studio. The result? A place that screams “unconventional, fun, and vibrant” all at once.
Why Postmodern? Why Pink?
- Postmodern flair – Joanna and Rachael dove into the curve, line, and shade playbooks that made 20th‑century designers like Ricardo Bofill cool again.
- Bright & airy function – the owners wanted a home that feels like a breath of fresh air, not just a box to sleep in.
- Unconventional vibe – no rulebook, just a wild creative push.
- Pastel pink – because why not make the walls a soft blush that keeps the space playful?
Design Inspirations
Rachael states, “We’re looking at the likes of John Pawson for minimalism and Luis Barragán for that colorful texture jam. It’s a mix of cool geometric lines and warm color pops.”
The Layout Magic
The owners love an open‑concept layout. Think of it as a single vast room that stitches the living area, dining zone, and kitchen together – no wall‑breaks, just one airy living space, just how they envisioned it.
Quick Stats
- Area: 112 m²
- Family: Four‑person squad
- Vibe: Retro meets retro‑future
Takeaway
When you mix a dash of pastel pink with postmodern edge and couple it with an open‑concept layout, you get a home that feels both original and welcoming. Joanna and Rachael have turned Punggol’s HDB into a living gallery that’s as functional as it is artistic—ready to host family gatherings, sofa marathons, and maybe even a dance party.
Dining Delight
Welcome to the Corner
When you step into this quirky home, the dining area is the first thing that grabs your attention. With a layout that’s a bit of a puzzle, we snuck in a cozy corner and turned it into a functional feast zone.
- Plush velvet cushions make the settee feel like a comfy throne.
- Below the seats, hidden storage keeps all your spill‑proof secrets.
So grab a fork, kick back, and enjoy your meal in a space that’s as practical as it is pretty—think of it as the secret lair for crumbs and laughter alike.
DIY‑Style Feature Wall: A Pink‑Came‑From‑Roof Edition
At the heart of our room makeover, the feature wall leaps off the wall thanks to a mix of wood panels and a splash of pink that hides all the pesky seams.
Why Wood?
- Texture Town: Wood’s natural grain adds depth, turning a plain wall into a layered art piece.
- Less Flat, More Fantabulous: The pattern gives a subtle 3D feel—think of it as a polite “hello” to every passer‑by.
Seam‑Smoothing Tricks
- Paint Magic: We covered every cut‑out and seam in a bright pink hue. Mystery is beautiful when you’re a little blushing.
- Masterful Mismatching: No idea that drawers or seams are even there unless you look closer. 100% undercover.
Architectural Homage & Modern Twist
Inspired by Ricardo Bofill’s iconic archways, we used an electroplated steel frame to carve that coveted silhouette. Then we added a grey cushion backdrop made from Aquaclean fabric, because who says functional design can’t look suave? It’s easy to clean, so your wall stays spotless—or at least almost.
Final Flourish
- Pink meets steel, wood meets glam. All together, it’s a play‑on‑walls masterpiece.
- Result? A wall that’s bold, mysterious, and ready for the next screenshot‑worthy moment.
J: Turning the Kitchen Into a Party Paradise
Homeowners Love a Good Gather‑up – They’re the kind of people who light up the whole neighborhood every time they throw a dinner.
So we thought, why not give them an extra‑ordinarily space for cooking and sipping? Less walls, more wow.
The Big Move
- We peeled back the walls that were cramping up the culinary corner.
- That’s what allowed us to install a massive island – handy on both sides for everything from napkin storage to that secret jar of glitterful rice.
- And don’t forget the invisible downdraft hood, tucked away so it’s as discreet as a ninja chef.
In short: make room for spaghetti battles, cocktail teases, and the occasional dance-off. The new layout is now the ultimate stage for fun, food, and a few surprising snacks!”
Study & Master Bedroom Glow‑Up
Study Space
We tore down half of the front wall to let in a window that’s basically a portal into the living room. Because we’re talking about family secret‑sharing, we made sure the colour scheme didn’t feel out of sync.
- Window frame: light blue – keeps it fresh and doesn’t clash with the outside scenery.
- Walls: A crisp, neutral backdrop that lets the window steal the spotlight.
Master Bedroom Retreat
Since this is a rest zone, we went for a slightly darker palette, layering in plenty of blues to create that “untangle your mind” vibe.
- Primary shades: Deep blues, complemented by muted greys.
- Cove lighting: Soft glow that wraps the room in a cozy blanket.
Welcome to the Curvy Dreamscape
Picture a room where curves are the VIP guests—every corner and surface bends with grace, keeping the vibe in rhythm with the rest of the swanky apartment. We started with the bed’s headboard cushions that swoon, added a round light box that’s practically a disco ball, and wrapped it up with pendant lamps and mirrors that feel like backstage passes to a glamorous backstage.
Design Challenges: The Plot Twist
Layout Lock‑In Trouble – The apartment’s floor plan was like a jigsaw puzzle with no picture on the box. We had to play “Where it fits best” until the space hit its maximum potential.
- Space Logistics – Every square inch counted; we had to decide if the sofa wars with the coffee table or if the bookshelf can sit proudly in the corner.
- Timeline Tightrope – The renovation sprint took trickle‑stream speed: 8 to 10 weeks, but the custom fixtures had to arrive just right—no early or late traffic jams.
Wrap‑Up: The Grand Finale
We had a blast on this project! It was a playground of creativity: the freedom to choose bold, not beige. Most homeowners love “safe neutrals and clean lines,” but we thought, why not bring an eye‑catching makeover that screams personality? This is the story we want everyone to remember.
Published originally on Qanvast. Live in style!
