Turning Telok Blangah’s Vic‑Style House into a Flamboyant Fantasy
Meet Elyn and Shawn, two homeowners who are nothing if not picky when it comes to décor. They’ve got a history of checking out rooms that look like they were ripped straight from a gallery, and all of those inspirations share one common thread: The Scientist has been the brains behind them.
Why The Scientist?
- They’ve done three dream projects for us in the past.
- The team knows how to balance opulence with comfort.
- They’re not shy about mixing brass, marble, leather, and wood.
In this latest feat, The Scientist tackled a 4‑bedroom HDB on Telok Blangah that was feeling all Victorian and not a bit contemporary.
Palette that Pops
“We wanted something that would feel like a secret club, not a bank vault,” says Shawn. The result: a bold black & pink colour scheme that screams “look, I’m a VIP” while keeping the space utterly functional.
Key Design Elements
- Wood paneling on the cabinetry gives a warm, earthy feel.
- The floor is a black‑and‑white checkered pattern, adding a subtle pop that energises the whole room.
- High‑end fabrics—leather, velour, and brushed marble—add texture and depth.
- Strategically placed brass fixtures light up the corners without overwhelming the senses.
All of these touches work together to turn a stodgy Victorian space into a dreamy, modern masterpiece that Elyn and Shawn will proudly brag about to anyone who walks in.
Shawn’s Bold Leap Into Pink
Picture this: Shawn, a guy who’d usually order black coffee and something that looks like it belongs in a museum, stumbles upon a suggestion from The Scientist to splash some pink into his living space. At first, the idea sent him spiralling into a quick mental crisis alert—“pink? Girly? No way.” But the siren call of a daring color makeover had other plans.
Why He Thought Pink Was a Risk
- He’d always preferred floors that felt more “solid rock” than “soft pink carpet.”
- The idea of “girly” vibes just didn’t sit with his macho aesthetic.
- He imagined a room that looked like a dinner party for a glamorous crowd instead of his usual three‑piece suit.
His Rock‑Solid Decision
Instead of sticking with the typical living‑room layout (printable coffee table, couch, and maybe a single piece of art), Shawn reimagined the entryway. The foyer didn’t just open onto a list of furniture—it unfolded into an extended dining set that stretched along the hallway. The space re‑saw his home or “house” as a sprawling, bonded dining experience.
What Changed?
The walls did a vivid pink sweep, turning the hallway into a welcoming “come‑on‑look” zone. The long dining set replaced a fallen, cluttered 3‑inch sofa, making it feel as open and fresh as a backyard brunch. Finally, Shawn realized that he could tell a story with his design—no longer a generic, “got nothing special here” vibe.
Final Verdict
Shawn didn’t just survive—he thrived. The pink palette was the new classic in his home, and the dining corridor was his new meeting spot for family, friends, and a touch of positivity even on the gloomiest rainy days.
Turn Your Living Room Into an Ivy‑Luxe Oasis
Imagine stepping into a space that feels like a secret jungle with a touch of champagne‑aged glamour. The star of the show is a
plush emerald green sofa that hugs you like a big, leafy hug—perfect for binge‑watching or just lazing around. Next to it, the blush pink velvet dining chairs bring something soft and dreamy; they’re so comfortable you’ll forget you’re supposed to be eating dinner.
The room’s accents are a splash of golden brass—think tiny golden sunbursts—adding that subtle “you’re not kidding, this is fancy” vibe. And to keep the mood from turning into an umber swamp, a white marble‑look table steps in to brighten everything, keeping the darker shades from feeling too somber.
What Makes This Combo Work:
- Color Scheme – Emerald, blush, brass, and marble white. A fun contrast that keeps eyes wandering.
- Texture Play – From velvety chairs to the plush sofa, the mix feels like a cozy spa‑day.
- Lighting Boost – The white marble table reflects light, turning the space from a muted forest to a vibrant, sunny nook.
- Statement Pieces – Brass accents tie everything together; they’re subtle but eye‑catching.
Bottom line: this combination is “no nonsense chic” with a hint of playful jungle chic—perfect for anyone who wants to lounge in style without losing their vibes.
Home Décor That Beats a Kaleidoscopic Dream
The cozy 1,001‑sqft nest blends the quirks of a bustling city with the calm of a hidden sanctuary. Thanks to a treasure trove of Taobao finds, every corner whispers its own unique story.
Kitchen & Bathroom Highlights
- Brass & Copper Faucets: These shiny fixtures not only punctuate the space with a touch of Old‑World glamour but also carry the promise of long‑lasting sparkle.
- Functional Design: Water meets brass in a schedule mixed routine – practical yet pretty.
Foyer’s Finesse
- Brass Winecart: Think of it as a tiny museum of sips, holding everything from grape juice to gin.
- Attention‑Grabber: The first thing that catches the eye, you’ll feel like you’ve just walked into a chic chapter of your own narrative.
Every curated piece from Taobao brings energy, character, and a sprinkle of “wow,” turning what could be a plain pad into a living work of art. And best of all, the lingo isn’t too heavy – it’s all about authenticity, a dash of humor, and a lot of “yes, this is my vibe.”
Kitchen Revamp Stays Classically Chic
Within the Home & Decor section, the kitchen boasts a more understated colour palette. Yet, the marble‑look finishes and wainscoted cabinetry keep that Victorian‑style flair alive.
- Subtle hues for a clean, calm vibe.
- Marble‑mimicked countertops add luxe texture.
- Wainscoting gives those old‑world, mid‑century bones.
Why It Works
Even though the colour palette steps back, the architectural details do the heavy lifting—transforming the space into a boutique‑style Victorian hallway without the loudness.
Tile‑Hunting: A Couple’s Quest for the Perfect Floor
A Quick Throwdown of the Adventure
Imagine strapping on a shopping‑bag‑filled backpack, hopping from one tile store to the next, and taking your time to pick the perfect patterns—because you’re the boss of the budget.
- First checkpoint: Hafary – where every tile looks like a tiny work‑of‑art.
- Second spot: Soon Bee Huat – a paradise for those who love a mix of modern and classic swirls.
They didn’t just swing by once; four full trips later, they had a solid feel for the price range and the look‑and‑feel of each design.
Why the Extra Work?
“It’s all about walking in the shoes of the final owner,” the couple says. By checking out the tiles up close before they dive into the paperwork, they can skip the ‘What’s the price again?’ headaches and actually bring the right ID to the next meeting. That means you’ll save time and spend less on curiosity.
The Bottom Line
Next time you’re planning a home makeover, think of tile hunting like a mini documentary: sample, compare, decide, and repeat until you’re thrilled. And hey—four trips? That’s just proof that their sense for design was on point.
Photo: Home & Decor
Living Room & Kitchen Shine Bright With Flair
Every corner of the living room and kitchen is bursting with eye‑catching details—think bold wallpapers, statement lighting, and playful accents.
Master Bedroom Swings Towards Simplicity
In contrast, the couple chose a pared‑down look for their master bedroom, focusing on clean lines, neutral tones, and a calm atmosphere.
Why Less is More
- Restful Ambiance: Fewer distractions help the mind unwind.
- Timeless Style: Simple aesthetics stay chic for years.
- Easy Maintenance: Less clutter means quicker clean‑ups.
Final Thoughts
The duo proves that balancing fun details in shared spaces with serene sanctuary vibes creates a harmonious home that feels both lively and restful.
Unlocking the Secret Behind The Scientist’s Master Bedroom Make‑over
Picture This
Picture a set of double doors that doesn’t just swing open—
- Modern design meets functional flair.
- They’re built by The Scientist, a name known for turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.
- Perfect for a master bedroom that deserves a grand entrance.
Why You’ll Love It
When you walk up to those doors, you’re not just stepping into a room—you’re stepping into a statement. With sleek lines and high‑grade materials, it’s the kind of door that makes the whole house feel more polished. And if you’re still not convinced, imagine your friends arriving for a visit and batting an impression of “wow” immediately as they see that thoughtful detail.
The Bottom Line
Double doors like these aren’t just a design element; they’re an upgrade to your daily routine. So next time you pass that alley of glass and brass, give it a nod. That’s The Scientist’s masterpiece, and it’s absolutely worth a thumbs‑up.
Inside the $70,000 Home‑Makeover Saga
Picture this: a couple fills out a wish‑list, kicks back in a cozy living room and decides that the only thing better than sipping coffee side‑by‑side is turning their house into a personal palace. The price tag? A cool $70,000. That’s about the same as buying three yachts, but give a splash of paint and a few fresh furnishings, and watch the house morph into something people will brag about at dinner parties.
The Three‑Stage Transformation
- Brutalist Beginnings – They tore down a wall, reorganised the plumbing, and replaced the worn-out flooring with something that’s actually pleasant to walk on.
- Design & Décor – Think: bold accent walls, a new array of lighting fixtures, and a color palette that screams “modern chic” while remaining cozy enough for movie nights. They didn’t mean to over‑stylise; the goal was a room that feels both welcoming and upscale.
- Final Touches – A few throw cushions, a statement rug, and a smart thermostat that knows when you wake up or head to work.
The After‑Renovation Reality Check
Once the paint dried, the couple realized they could instantly host a family barbecue, a karaoke night, and an informal “new housing laws” workshop for their friends. And when their neighbors peeked over the fence, jaws dropped (the expectation in many neighborhoods is “just a paint job” or “quick upgrade”). This home became the talk of the block.
The Real Takeaway
It’s not that being affluent is what sets a house apart—its personality does. By investing in the right mix of structural improvements and design details, this couple turned an ordinary house into something truly memorable, saving money for future endeavors while instantly boosting their everyday vibe.
Spice Up Your Space: Quick & Fun Interior Design Tips
Ever felt like your living room is just a blank canvas? Don’t worry—turning a plain room into a stylish sanctuary is easier than you think. Below are some light‑hearted, practical pointers that will have your home looking fabulous in a snap.
1. Pick a Signature Color
- Choose a hue that makes you cheer up—like a bold teal or a cozy mustard.
- Use it sparingly; throw in accent pillows, a throw blanket, or a statement wall.
- Remember: color heals—light blues calm, reds energize, oranges feel like sunshine.
2. Upgrade Your Lighting
- Swap out harsh fixtures for warm, layered lighting.
- Add a “wow” factor with a chandelier or a funky floor lamp.
- Good lighting = better mood, so everyone stays in good vibes.
3. Hello, Furniture!
- Pick pieces that fit the room’s scale—big sofa in a tiny studio? No, thanks.
- Merge vintage charm with modern minimalism—think thrifted armchairs paired with sleek side tables.
- Give every piece a story—like that sofa that survived the T‑shirt flood of 2017.
4. Throw in Some Greenery
- Houseplants bring life; dusty plants bring judgment.
- Position them where they get light but not too much—endif.
- They’re nature’s selfie sticks, giving your décor a fresh pop.
5. Personal Touches (Photos & Art)
- Display memories—family portraits, travel snaps, or quirky art.
- Rotate seasonal art; swap a beach collage for snowflakes during winter.
- Let your walls echo you—make them relatable.
Bottom line: Dressing up your home doesn’t require a massive budget or a design degree. With a dash of creativity and some playful choices, you’ll create a space that feels as warm as a burned toast pastry or as cool as a midnight espresso shot. Now go forth and transform that boring nook into your very own masterpiece!
