House Tour: A $70k colonial-styled makeover for this HDB maisonette in Hougang

This article showcases a 2016 HDB BTO flat that has been transformed by designer Chong Su Min of M3 Studio into a living space inspired by colonial black and white houses and Peranakan design. The design approach begins with minimalism, utilizing concrete screed floors and white painted walls as a neutral backdrop to emphasize the furniture and decor. A key element of the transformation involves spatial reimagination through BTO room hacking, specifically removing one bedroom to expand the living and dining areas, creating a more open and fluid environment. A built-in storage daybed under the windows serves both functional and decorative purposes, aligning with the vintage aesthetic of the home. The entrance features colorful patterned mosaic tiles from An Huat Trading, seamlessly integrated into the concrete screed flooring, establishing an immediate visual impact. A wooden table from the International Furniture Fair Singapore is enhanced with a stone tabletop that includes a mother-of-pearl inlay, reflecting a careful selection of unique design elements. The living area is adorned with decorative platters and plates collected from Spain and Arab Street. A notable design innovation in this space is the use of ventilation blocks in a back-lit feature wall behind the TV, blending traditional and contemporary design elements. Vintage decor is carefully curated throughout the flat. A wooden cabinet with sliced agate handles serves as a focal point for displaying collected items, while framed Peranakan tiles, sourced from the Sungei Road flea market, add historical and cultural layers to the white walls. The kitchen maintains the vintage-inspired aesthetic with jade green subway tiles and terracotta-look floor tiles from Hafary, complemented by cabinet doors with paneling details and Ikea handles. Even small details, such as light switches sourced from Penang, Malaysia, contribute to the cohesive design narrative. Peranakan influences are evident in various parts of the home, including the master bedroom, which features a second-hand, dark-stained wooden bed frame with a woven cane headboard from Expat Auctions, blending vintage charm with contemporary sensibilities. In the bathrooms, new patterns and solid colors overlay existing tiles, and shower screens with black frames are incorporated to maintain clean lines and a refined aesthetic. Each design decision is intentional, aiming to create a cohesive and well-thought-out living space. The article concludes by highlighting how this HDB BTO flat serves as an example of thoughtful design, demonstrating that a compact living space can be transformed into a story-rich home that celebrates Singapore’s architectural and cultural heritage through creative curation and a deep understanding of design history. #HomeTour #ColonialDesign #PeranakanInspired #HDBBTO #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #SpatialReimagination #M3Studio #SingaporeanHeritage

This article details the renovation of a 925 sq ft, 4-room HDB resale flat at Balam Road for a homeowner who is a music and plant enthusiast and enjoys hosting guests. The interior design, executed by Threehaus Works and led by Thi Yi, focused on creating unique spaces that reflect the homeowner's passions, featuring angled walls and a raw, industrial aesthetic. The renovation cost approximately $85,000 and took about four-and-a-half months to complete, concluding in June 2024. One of the primary design objectives was to create an indoor balcony for entertaining. This was achieved by demolishing an existing wall between the living room and an adjacent bedroom and erecting a new diagonal wall, resulting in a trapezoidal balcony space. The entrance foyer features terracotta tiles in a triangulated section, mirroring the diagonal balcony wall, to signify the transition from outside to inside. This is further emphasized by the main floor being a step up from the foyer, and the contrast between the terracotta and the cement screed in the living and dining areas, eliminating the need for physical partitions. The living room is centered around a custom-built concrete television console designed to house the homeowner's turntable, speakers, and vinyl collection, also serving as a bench for guests. Its angled form complements the other diagonal elements in the home, ensuring cohesive design language and improving circulation towards the kitchen. The living room's raw finishes and grungy aesthetic align with the homeowner's personal style, and a "blank canvas" area above the console provides space to display travel souvenirs and concert posters. The balcony area is specifically designed for the homeowner's extensive plant collection, featuring ample shelving and provisions for hanging plants. A sliding door separates the balcony from the living room, maintaining air-conditioning efficiency, while glass blocks allow natural light to diffuse into the living space. Terracotta floor tiles in the balcony further enhance the illusion of an outdoor area within the enclosed space. In the dining room, a custom-made window grille, reminiscent of classic HDB designs, acts as a nostalgic backdrop for the homeowner's memorabilia and board games. Deliberately mismatched dining chairs add an eclectic touch to the area. The kitchen initially had patterned tiles that the interior designer considered salvaging but were mostly lost during removal. A few pieces were rescued and repurposed as coasters, serving as a memento of the original flat. A bright orange pipe in the kitchen, along with a similar one in the common bathroom, was intentionally retained and highlighted with color rather than concealed. The master bedroom adopts a minimalist approach to foster a calm and restful environment, with no built-in carpentry and an open wardrobe system reinforcing this style. The master bathroom was expanded by repositioning a wall to incorporate a vanity area. A half-height parapet wall separates the shower and includes a niche for toiletries. Finally, a dedicated home office nook was created as a natural outcome of the diagonal wall in the living space, providing a focused area for work. The renovation involved extensive demolition and reconfiguring of internal walls, contributing to the total duration and cost, partly due to the flat's age requiring additional structural and infrastructure assessments. #HomeTour #HDBResale #FourRoomFlat #InteriorDesign #Renovation #ThreehausWorks #BalamRoad #MusicLoverHome #PlantLoverHome

This blog post details the renovation journey of Mareenah and her husband, who transformed their Pasir Ris resale HDB flat in Singapore into a modern coastal-themed retreat for approximately $60,000. The couple, inspired by their coastal holidays in Australia and the Maldives, sought to create a serene and fun atmosphere reminiscent of a beach holiday home. They specifically looked for a well-used property with an existing open-concept layout to minimize hacking costs, eventually finding a suitable unit near Mareenah's parents' home. Their initial renovation budget was $45,000, but it increased to nearly $60,000 due to unforeseen costs related to electrical wiring, mosaic tiling, and local carpentry during a period of limited manpower. This figure excluded appliance and furnishing expenses. The design philosophy centered on a balance between modern aesthetics and coastal elements, utilizing pure, clean tones to allow for easy color accents. Soft curves were incorporated throughout the design to soften the space and enhance safety for their young child. While they appreciated arches, they used them judiciously in areas with too many right angles. Rattan elements were also strategically included to evoke a tropical retreat ambiance. The couple prioritized preserving the home's original layout to save on renovation costs while still achieving an open-concept feel. Key areas of the home underwent thoughtful transformations. In the entryway, a half-wall with an arch shelving unit was constructed to ensure seamless flow between shared spaces and enhance breathability. The living room's TV was placed in an unconventional spot, camouflaged as art over a sideboard, to encourage conversation. The dining room retained some false ceiling, which was reshaped into a box design, and a ceiling fan replaced a pendant light for added functionality. Wooden flooring in a herringbone pattern complemented the rattan furnishings, reinforcing the coastal theme. A curved kitchen peninsula effectively divided the kitchen and dining areas while adding usability. The kitchen featured open shelving for the upper half and closed cabinets below for ample storage, with an extended area to accommodate a laundry space, all adorned with appropriately-themed backsplash tiles. The master bedroom was extended into the original living space to create room for an L-shaped wardrobe, and an irregularly shaped window added a unique touch. An arch partition was used to conceal an odd-shaped beam, providing space for a future baby cot. The son's bedroom featured vibrant colors but maintained the coastal theme with its half-wall design. The common bedroom was furnished with an Ikea Hemnes dresser and daybed, offering both simplicity and functionality as a convertible double bed for guests, along with a dedicated study area. Both bathrooms were re-tiled without altering the plumbing layout, one featuring warm-toned terrazzo tiles and the other cooler marble-look tiles. The renovation process, unexpectedly prolonged by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed Mareenah and her husband ample time for detailed planning and design, which they communicated effectively to their contractor, Majestic. They sourced additional vendors and furniture themselves to manage costs and find pieces that could adapt to future needs, including custom rattan furniture from Second Charm, timeless pieces from Castlery, decorative items from Island Living, and budget-friendly finds from Carousell, Marketplace, and Ikea. Despite a minor mishap with a false wall arch during window installation, the couple embraced these imperfections as part of their unique home. They emphasize that a home is a continuous project and advise thorough planning, especially for technical aspects like aircon and plumbing, to achieve both functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. #HDB #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CoastalDecor #OpenConcept #DIYDesign #BudgetRenovation #SingaporeHomes #ResaleFlat

Ashley and Max, newlyweds, recently transformed their 1,068-square-foot 1920s bungalow in Madison, Wisconsin, into a cozy and personalized home. The couple moved from Boston, where homeownership was financially challenging, to Madison for Max's PhD studies at UW Madison. Inspired by Ashley's father, a civil engineer with a construction background, they sought an older home with character that they could renovate themselves. They purchased the bungalow, which, despite being livable, was in need of significant updates. The kitchen, in particular, was outdated and poorly designed, with an illogical layout that included the refrigerator obstructing a bedroom doorway. The outdoor space was also overgrown, and the interior walls featured bright orange and yellow paint. Their renovation journey began with gutting and revamping the kitchen. Max personally laid the new tile, while Ashley's father and uncle assisted with painting and assembling ready-to-assemble cabinets. This collaborative family effort resulted in the kitchen becoming one of their favorite rooms. Beyond the kitchen, they meticulously repainted all interior walls and the exterior siding and trim. Ashley also worked with a local nursery to select native plants for the yard and uncovered a hidden patio and fire pit, which they later used as the venue for their wedding in July 2022. This personal connection imbued the home with significant sentimental value, symbolizing their shared commitment and teamwork. The couple's personal interests are visibly integrated into the home's aesthetic. Ashley, with a background in art and poetry, and Max, a PhD student in U.S. history and education policy, appreciate older items, which aligns with the bungalow's 1920s architecture. Original features like scalloped arches, a large multi-panel dining room window, and 1920s bathroom tile were preserved and highlighted during the renovation. Ashley curated a gallery wall from her extensive collection of personal artwork, travel photographs, old maps, and souvenirs, creating a deeply personal and meaningful display. Their furniture selections reflect an eclectic approach, combining sentimental family heirlooms, such as a leather chair from Ashley's grandmother, with self-built pieces like a bookcase/TV stand, and budget-friendly finds from IKEA and Facebook Marketplace. This mix of textures, colors, and styles, featuring pops of orange and green against neutral tones, contributes to the home's warm and personal ambiance, with each item holding a unique story. The dining room, open to the living space, stands out as Ashley's favorite area. She envisioned it as a versatile space for work, reading, art, hosting, and games, appreciating the abundant natural light from the large window and the conversational appeal of the gallery wall. A bright yellow front door further adds to the home's charm. Their latest acquisition was an Art Deco mirror, a $20 Facebook Marketplace find, placed above an IKEA bar cart, highlighting their knack for discovering unique pieces affordably. Their advice for creating a beloved home centers on choosing items that bring joy, rather than strictly adhering to matching aesthetics, and experimenting with various colors, materials, textures, and furniture styles to achieve a cohesive and personal space. #HomeRenovation #Bungalow #DIYHome #EclecticDecor #HistoricArchitecture #CoupleGoals #PersonalizedHome #MadisonWisconsin #HouseTour

This blog post showcases the renovation of a 5-room HDB BTO unit in Northshore, Singapore, transformed into a French Colonial-style home for a semi-retired expat couple and their son. The homeowners, having a deep appreciation for French Colonial aesthetics from their travels, engaged Ovon Design to interpret and execute their vision. The renovation, costing $98,000, involved a complete overhaul of the 1,249 sq ft apartment, which includes three bedrooms (one converted into a study/guest room) and two bathrooms, along with a wet and dry kitchen and an open living and dining area. The design theme blends French Colonial with subtle touches of English countryside and Asian heritage, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A neutral color palette is consistently applied throughout the home, beautifully complemented by the couple's collection of solid wood furniture. Dark walnut-colored vinyl flooring is used across all rooms, reflecting warm light and providing a rich contrast to other textures and tiles. The property's waterfront location on the northeast side of Singapore enhances the serene, countryside-like ambiance, distancing it from typical city life. The living room features an open-plan layout with a neutral-toned sofa dividing the television area from a dark-wood, round dining table. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light and views of the ocean. Vintage art posters depicting China adorn wainscoting-paneled walls, alongside antique French-looking wall sconces. Mahogany tones in the furniture, beige accents in an ottoman, and brass finishings, such as pot plant holders, further reinforce the French Colonial aesthetic. A statement pendant lamp above the dining table creatively merges Asian and European design elements. In the Master Bedroom, high ceilings and light-colored walls highlight the French Colonial design. A queen-size sleigh bed with a mahogany headboard and raised finials creates a refined, royal feel. Sheer and printed curtains add layers of luxury and warmth, while wall sconces and vintage lamps contribute to the antique ambiance. The Master Ensuite, accessible through an arched-panel white door, features French Blue-print tiles on the upper walls and white marble tiles on the lower half, with gold brass fixtures, and a vanity combining rattan, solid wood, and brass. The son's bedroom, designed for his visits from abroad, follows a masculine navy and dark French blue color scheme, reminiscent of French military uniforms. It includes built-in cupboards, a desk, and wainscoting that doubles as a headboard, along with white-shutter windows and blue and white plant-printed curtains. The study room, functioning as a guest room and entertainment space, houses a vintage record player, books, and travel trunks. A black leather couch converts into a sleeper bed, and a professional work desk is positioned by a floor-to-ceiling window. The dry kitchen balances French Colonial style with modern finishes, featuring light-colored cupboards and appliances, dark accents, and rattan and wood barstools. A glass partition separates it from the wet kitchen, maintaining spaciousness and aesthetic coherence. The renovation was completed in three months, showcasing the interior designer's ability to translate the homeowners' specific vision with minimal changes. #HomeTour #FrenchColonialDesign #HDBRenovation #InteriorDesign #SingaporeHome #ExpatLiving #Northshore #OvonDesign #VintageDecor

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

HDB executive maisonettes in Singapore are highly sought after due to their scarcity and multi-storey, landed home-style living. These properties are considered appreciating assets, and investing in their renovation can significantly enhance their aesthetic and functional appeal. The article presents six distinct HDB maisonette staircase transformations, showcasing how these central architectural features can be reimagined beyond simple railing replacements to become impressive focal points within a home. The first transformation highlights a built-in slide with LED lights, designed for a family of five. This innovative design, created by Jesigns Interior Design, integrates fun and functionality directly into the staircase. The slide, featuring fluted panels and light wooden elements, seamlessly blends with the home's overall Scandinavian aesthetic, offering children a unique play area within their living space and eliminating the need for daily playground visits. The second example showcases an industrial-style staircase with raw cement finishing. Drawing inspiration from urban chic apartments and cafes, this design incorporates a cement screed staircase that contrasts beautifully with an all-white interior. Dark wooden planks on each step add a rugged yet balanced charm. The surrounding decor includes geometric fixtures, artwork, and contemporary furniture, creating a minimalist artist's abode. The third transformation features an all-white staircase with organic curves. This design incorporates arched features, a significant trend, into the maisonette staircase, resulting in an elegant and flowing composition. The Interior Lab ingeniously created a small room under the stairs, complete with an arched doorway, functioning as both storage and a children's playroom, reminiscent of Harry Potter's Cupboard Under The Stairs. The all-white design complements a modern Scandinavian decor theme. The fourth example presents a Parisian-style staircase with recessed lighting. This sleek, modern design, also by The Interior Lab, features an all-white facade and embedded LED lights that elegantly trace each step. A transparent glass balustrade adds a futuristic and contemporary flair, making the staircase appear as if it belongs in a minimalist boutique hotel and serving as a striking focal design element. The fifth transformation explores another take on the industrial theme, this time incorporating hidden cabinets and fluted panels. This design uses strong industrial elements like a wire mesh railing, bold electrical conduits, and vintage factory wall sconces, creating a distinct style that complements an oriental theme running through the home. A particularly clever aspect is the inclusion of under-stair pull-out cabinets, which convert dead space into highly functional storage for miscellaneous household items. The final transformation embraces a Wabi-sabi aesthetic with Bali resort vibes. This 2023 trend combines different interior styles to create awe-inspiring homes. In this maisonette, a textured microcement finish covers the ceiling, walls, and even the staircase railing, imparting a sense of depth and tranquility. This simple yet impactful transformation creates an immersive experience, transporting residents to a serene, resort-like environment. These diverse staircase transformations demonstrate the potential for HDB maisonettes to be elevated into unique and personalized living spaces. By focusing on design innovation and thoughtful execution, homeowners can turn their staircases into impressive focal points that reflect various styles, from playful and modern to industrial and tranquil. The article emphasizes that a well-designed staircase can significantly contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of these coveted HDB flats, making them truly exceptional homes. #HDBMaisonette #StaircaseTransformation #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SingaporeHomes #ScandinavianDesign #IndustrialDesign #WabiSabi

Interior designer Sara Hillery, after a successful career start in Houston, returned to Richmond in 2014 with her young family, seeking a home that could integrate her growing business and personal life. Her priority was a home that could serve as both an office space for Sara Hillery Interior Design and a display for her design philosophy to clients, in addition to being a functional family residence. They settled on a Dutch Colonial home, which initially featured a series of boxy rooms. Hillery envisioned its potential for transformation into a versatile space that would accommodate both work and leisure. The initial renovation focused on creating an open-concept living space. Walls on the main floor were removed to enhance the sense of size and flow between rooms. The entire house was painted white, a technique Hillery often employs to establish a unified flow and provide a neutral backdrop for the family’s diverse collection of art, mirrors, and framed pieces. This open layout also significantly improved the home’s suitability for entertaining, a key consideration for the family. The Hillerys frequently host guests, including annual crawfish boils, celebrating Julian Hillery’s New Orleans heritage. The kitchen, considered the heart of the home, received significant attention during the renovation. It was designed with an island and bar stools to encourage gathering, snacking, and conversation. A light-filled breakfast nook offers a bright space for morning meals and casual chats. The family room is another central gathering point, featuring a cooking fireplace inspired by a Williamsburg tavern. This unique element influenced the room’s simple color palette of warm browns, tans, and gold accents, complemented by two plush sofas for relaxation and socializing. Hillery’s design philosophy, “If you truly love a piece, you’ll find a place for it,” is evident throughout the home. This is particularly showcased in the dining room, where French antique mirrored windows, acquired from a Texas antiques fair, became a focal point after custom column niches were built to accommodate them. The second floor was also meticulously designed. The master bedroom was conceived as a calm, neutral sanctuary, accented with yellow and gold to add warmth and personality. For her three young children, Hillery aimed to create bedrooms that reflected their evolving personalities while maintaining the home’s classic style. The nursery features a neutral color scheme suitable for either gender, incorporating a rustic changing table, a gold mirror, and soft colors to create a chic, rather than overly childish, aesthetic. Her blue-loving son’s room boasts natural light, rich wood paneling, and a durable wood floor, with a trunk for storage and his guitar readily accessible. Her eldest daughter’s room is adorned with pink, purple, and blue, and she actively participated in its decoration. Antiques are thoughtfully integrated throughout the home, mixed with new and upcycled items. Hillery notes that antiques, with their inherent imperfections, add character and subtly expose her children to beauty and history. Practical, kid-friendly elements include durable seagrass rugs and playful framed art. The lower level of the home houses a playroom and the Sara Hillery Interior Design office, allowing Hillery to balance her demanding career with family life and to demonstrate her design concepts to clients within a real residential setting. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HouseTours #FamilyHome #Renovation #OpenConcept #DutchColonial #SaraHillery

This article details the complete renovation of a 1,600 sq ft, 2-storey, 3-bedroom HDB Executive Maisonette in Bishan, Singapore, designed by Sze Ming from Studio Kabi. The homeowners, a family of four with two Corgis, sought a larger living space closer to their parents and future schools for their children, leading them to this rare double-storey HDB flat. The renovation embraced a warm, minimalist, Japanese-esque aesthetic, influenced by architect Tadao Ando's principles of natural light, segmented spaces, and clean lines. The interior designer focused on functionality before aesthetics, reconfiguring the entire space by tearing down and reconstructing floors, walls, ceilings, and the staircase on both levels. The layout was meticulously planned to suit the family's needs, with all private areas (three bedrooms and a study) located on the second floor and common areas on the ground level. The design incorporates a neutral palette with natural materials like wood and stone, ensuring timelessness and avoiding transient trends. A standout feature is the custom-built pitched roof, reimagined from a flat ceiling, which creates a focal point and enhances the sense of height. The staircase was also redesigned with a curved structure and partitioning to introduce a softer touch amidst the home's angular elements, acting as a prominent feature upon entry. Originally, the homeowners considered placing the study downstairs, but Sze Ming strategically integrated it into the second floor by reconfiguring the master bedroom. The initial large master bedroom was split into two: a smaller master suite and a children's play area, which will eventually convert into a bedroom. The second floor also features a retro Smeg fridge, ensuring convenient access to cold beverages without needing to go downstairs. The master bedroom itself is kept simple, with a custom-built bed head, wall-mounted TV, and a built-in vanity dresser, with a sliding pocket door leading to an en suite bathroom that maintains the clean, minimalist aesthetic with neutral colors and stone materials, including a unique stone integrated sink. The ground floor's foyer entrance is defined by different tiling and birch wood slats from the ceiling, creating a distinct demarcation and offering privacy from the entrance. A suspended sit-down area and storage for shoes are integrated here. The living room was expanded by converting a balcony, now featuring built-in wooden seats for additional storage and a multifunctional space. An unusual hexagonal sofa and a sound system with four speakers complete the living area. The kitchen, initially not open-concept, was transformed into an open-plan space in the center of level 1, with pocket sliding doors to separate the wet and dry kitchen areas when needed. The dry kitchen includes a long island made from engineered stone and a built-in oven, with a sink in the middle. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room features Scandinavian-style furniture, pendant lamps from LikeLights, and an extra counter space with a coffee station and storage. An audio room, following the dining area, caters to the homeowner's passion for sound, doubling as a play area. The entire renovation process, including design and construction, took six months, resulting in a home that blends functionality with a tranquil Japanese minimalist design ethos. #HDBExecutiveMaisonette #HomeTour #Bishan #JapaneseMinimalism #InteriorDesign #RenovationProject #TwoStoreyHDB #StudioKabi #CustomHome

This article details the renovation of a Victorian Colonial home in Hastings-on-Hudson, purchased by Peter and Brittney Walgren, New York City transplants. The couple, with a young son, Teddy, sought to infuse new life into the older home, moving from their West Village apartment. Brittney, with a background in floral design, found her aesthetic aligned with Greenwich-based designer Becca Casey's vision. Casey's approach aimed to visually refresh the home with light walls, transitional furnishings, and a slightly West Coast aesthetic, emphasizing vibrancy. Her style, described as neo-traditional, blends classic silhouettes with modern and light elements, incorporating textural barn woods against stucco walls, ethnic textiles layered with neutral ones, and deliberately worn found pieces to soften the space. The color palette for the home primarily features off-white walls, sage and chartreuse greens, and matte black, contributing to an understated arrangement. A key aspect of the design process was preserving and working with the home's original features, such as intricate carpentry, wood moldings, inlay floors, and glass door hardware, which spoke to its Victorian heritage. Paint played a crucial role in initiating the design transformation. The house previously had heavy moldings and red and blue walls, requiring a significant overhaul before achieving the desired fresh and family-friendly environment. To create visual harmony across rooms, walls and moldings were painted in Simply White by Benjamin Moore, while the original wood moldings around door casings were retained as natural room dividers. Casey's objective was to open up the space, create a warm canvas, and then layer in a mix of pieces. Specific design interventions included the creation of a "boot room" from a previously voided area off the foyer. This space now features custom-designed built-ins, replacing church-like benches, to serve the needs of a growing family. The boot room is further enhanced with Granada tile flooring and millwork finished in Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, complemented by brass fixtures. The living room fireplace was redone with a stucco façade and terra cotta tiles, and the room incorporates a variety of textiles like bouclé, ticking, and an antique Khotan rug. A Herman Miller Eames chair provides a reading nook. Adjacent to the living room, the library was painted with Farrow & Ball’s Railings and furnished with a chartreuse settee and mixed throw pillows. A built-in was added to house the couple’s antique record player and a collection of records, each a wedding gift. In the dining room, an oak table with mid-century style chairs serves as a focal point, capable of seating eight guests. The dining room fireplace received a textural paint treatment to give it an older, worn appearance, and an original Egyptian artwork gifted by Brittney’s mother is displayed above it. The overall ambiance of the home is natural, establishing a strong connection to the outdoors, inspired by the surrounding bucolic gardens and views of the Hudson River. Despite the natural theme, elements of glamour are integrated through the use of brass and richly finished metals, which add depth, antiquity, and prevent sterility in the newly finished spaces. The article concludes by listing the design team involved: Becca Casey of Becca Interiors as the designer, Stephen Madoka of Floe Painting for the fireplace, and Olvin Caballeros of Cabelleros Wood Flooring for the flooring. #VictorianColonialRevival #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeccaCasey #HastingsOnHudson #NaturalElements #GlamDecor #NeoTraditionalDesign #FamilyHome

Lindsay Marcus, an interior designer, recently completed a project in the Little Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, transforming a 1940s Colonial Revival-style residence into a transitional family home. The client sought an elevated, refined, and chic living space that was also kid-friendly in certain areas, marking a stylistic departure from their previous neutral-toned mid-century modern home. Marcus’s design philosophy for this project centered on preserving the home’s original architectural features while integrating an eclectic, layered, and elevated aesthetic. The design approach emphasized allowing the traditional aspects of the architecture to guide the overall tone of the space. To achieve a layered and collected look, Marcus incorporated mid-century lighting and modern furniture silhouettes, aiming for a balance between old and new elements, as well as color and pattern. The project's success lies in its ability to blend contrasting styles and eras into a cohesive and timeless environment. The entryway exemplifies this design vision, with its elegant architecture, including a sweeping stone staircase and refined iron banister, serving as the foundational classic elements. The space is enriched with a thoughtful mix of eras through a clean-lined dresser, varied textures in vignettes, and a vintage rug, creating a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. For the powder room, Marcus and her team selected a rich, cool blue paint for the paneling and a dramatic mural from Gracie, transforming the small space into a jewel box. Vintage Italian Pietro Chiesa sconces and a floral ceiling flush mount from Urban Electric further enhance the room's romantic ambiance. In the living room, existing furniture, such as a royal blue Nickey Kehoe sofa and a Roche Bobois loveseat, were integrated into the new design. The Nickey Kehoe sofa inspired the room’s color palette, and the Roche Bobois loveseat was reupholstered in a striped fabric from Howe. An antique Art Deco coffee table and a French giltwood mirror from 1stDibs introduced Old Hollywood glamour and served as focal points. Italian Murano glass and brass sconces, a marble bar, and Pierre Jeanneret chairs re-covered in hair-on-hide added to the room’s luxurious feel. The walls were finished with Portola Paint’s Tikal limewash, and contemporary oil paintings by Gideon Rubin and Hannah Brown contributed to a modern sophistication. The dining room features a contrast of a rustic farmhouse table paired with original Finn Juhl chairs, reupholstered in light brown mohair, under a modern plaster chandelier, creating a harmonious blend of styles. The main bedroom maintained its existing white paneling, complemented by a neutral grasscloth wallpaper from Gregorious Pineo and a Rosa Bernal fabric for drapery, creating depth and texture without overwhelming the vintage Persian rug. Custom white oak nightstands with Rojo Alicante marble tops and Victoria Morris pottery lamps in an oxblood glaze added refined touches, while a shearling-covered womb chair provided a cozy reading nook. The children's areas were designed with distinct personalities. The playroom features bold olive green walls and wainscoting, with Farrow & Ball’s Barrow Blue paint on the paneling and ceiling, paired with a checkered wallpaper. Mustard Togo chairs provide comfortable and playful seating. The boy's room adopted a masculine palette of blues, white, and subtle greens, anchored by a Lawson Fenning bed upholstered in McLaurin and Piercy fabric. Side chairs and poufs from Sabin LA offered youthful yet sophisticated shapes, and a Zak + Fox stripe wallpaper added subtle color and texture. The second child’s room embraced a whimsical, nautical theme with a marine ceiling flush mount and Cole and Son’s Melville wallpaper, complemented by a leather sconce from Lostine and a floral bedcover from Nickey Kehoe. Marcus expressed particular satisfaction with the living room, primary bedroom, and powder room, highlighting the use of patterned drapery fabrics throughout the home as a favorite element that made each space feel special and cohesive. The designer emphasized that the client’s willingness to take risks contributed significantly to the successful and elevated outcome of the project. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColonialRevival #TransitionalStyle #LuxuryHomes #HomeMakeover #DecoratingIdeas #ColorAndPattern

Bungalow-style homes, popular in the United States between the 1900s and 1930s, are characterized by features such as large front porches, open floor plans, sloped roofs, and an overall timeless charm. These typically one-story residences remain a favored architectural style due to their distinctive appeal and numerous charming details. Architectural historian Christina Dikas highlights beloved elements like built-in shelves and cabinets, original hardwood floors, unique fireplace surrounds, and welcoming front porches as key aspects of bungalows. The enduring popularity of bungalow homes often leads individuals to seek them out, sometimes involving extensive renovation or reimagination to suit modern tastes while preserving their inherent character. Despite the external similarities in shape and quality that define this style, the interiors of bungalows offer a wide spectrum of design possibilities, allowing for personalized and unique expressions. This versatility means that each bungalow, while sharing a common architectural foundation, can be transformed into a distinct living space. The article showcases eleven diverse bungalow homes from various global locations, illustrating the vast potential for creative design within this classic architectural framework. For instance, one example is a Barbiecore-inspired bungalow in England, which was transformed from a damp, mold-ridden space into a vibrant and whimsical retreat by Helen Ainley and her husband. Another instance details Adam Jones's 1930s East Austin bungalow, which underwent a significant DIY renovation with community involvement, resulting in a stunning transformation. Additional examples include a breezy beach bungalow in Malibu owned by Carley and Mike Knobloch, serving as a tranquil weekend escape, and a 600-square-foot Malibu bungalow that celebrates wood paneling, reflecting a blend of Scandinavian design and surfer aesthetics. An Austin, Texas, home is presented as a maximalist's Barbiecore dream, while a Venice, California, bungalow belonging to Jessica Kane and Justin Lehmann combines eclectic and maximalist styles suitable for a growing family. In Australia, a once termite-damaged shack was reimagined into a colorful, retro-infused home by Annie Price and Jamie Paterson, demonstrating a successful renovation. Further featured homes include Kate Richards's California bungalow, rebuilt and designed to accommodate 13 animals in a colorful, farmhouse-inspired setting. Musician Andrew McMahon's California bungalow is highlighted as a quintessential Californian retreat, blending maximalist and modern elements. In Chicago, Amy's bungalow in Irving Park showcases a mid-century modern, transitional design filled with vintage furniture collected from her travels. Finally, Tiffany and Alan Goldstein’s Austin bungalow emphasizes natural light through large windows, creating a bright and inviting gathering space. These examples collectively underscore that a classic architectural style like the bungalow can be adapted and personalized through creativity and thoughtful design, making each home uniquely its own. #BungalowStyleHomes #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #HouseTours #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #ClassicArchitecture

The article details the renovation of Lisa and Andrew Yeager's 1920s Birmingham bungalow, a project driven by their desire to stay in their cherished Crestwood neighborhood despite outgrowing their home. After 12 years, the primary challenge was the single bathroom, which was no longer practical for a family of four. Rather than moving, the couple opted for a renovation, enlisting Laura Harris, a registered interior designer with construction drawing experience, to draft a new floor plan. The renovation focused on several key non-negotiables. A second bathroom was paramount, alongside bringing the basement staircase up to code to transform the storage area into a finished living space, which now includes a Murphy bed for guests. Other essential changes included enlarging all closets, closing off impractical doorways, and reconstructing a slanted utility room at the back of the house. This reconstruction created a primary bath, a much-needed walk-in closet, and a spacious multi-purpose laundry room. The homeowner, Lisa, expressed significant relief at having a walk-in closet, a luxury in a house of this age. To maximize the small living room, Laura's design involved replacing an oversized sliding door with a solid wall to accommodate a couch. The renovation also meticulously preserved the home's original character, such as ceiling beams and built-in half-wall bookshelves, which distinguish the living room from the adjacent dining room. A crucial budget-saving strategy was retaining as much existing infrastructure as possible, including reusing doors and windows and keeping plumbing in its original locations to avoid costly pipe alterations. The homeowners appreciate that every square inch of the house is now utilized daily, making it highly livable. For finishes and fixtures, the Yeagers collaborated with designer Mackin Thompson, known for her keen eye. Mackin drew inspiration from the living room's original sky blue walls, repainting them with Farrow & Ball's Light Blue, and extending a calming blue-and-green color palette throughout the home. To furnish the bungalow economically, Mackin helped integrate heirloom pieces from Lisa's late father, such as the dining table, a piano, a twin bed, and a nightstand. These items, initially thought unusable, were creatively incorporated into the design. The project successfully transformed a charming but functionally limited house into a larger, more efficient living space while adhering to a modest budget. The entire expansion was limited to a single 3-foot-deep build-out across the back of the house. The renovation highlights strategic choices such as prioritizing gathering areas, embracing personal preferences like a large family dining table, and sourcing artwork from unexpected places like Target and Facebook Marketplace. The kitchen update was a low-lift effort involving reconfiguring existing elements, keeping appliances, and updating surfaces with new backsplash, quartz countertops, and ready-made cabinetry color-matched to Benjamin Moore's Grant Beige, along with Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster on the walls. Mackin advised splurging on main hubs like the kitchen and living room and being more conservative in other areas. The only entertaining space, which also serves as the entry, was enhanced with Ballard Designs banquettes, estate sale furniture re-covered in performance fabrics, and bamboo shades to increase seating and natural light. Architectural elements were emphasized using Sherwin-Williams' Agate Green on millwork and ceilings to make trim pop. In the primary bedroom, a high-low balance was struck, splurging on a new bed, side tables, and dresser while using affordable linens and lamps from Target and a rug from Rugs USA, creating a comfortable haven. #HomeRenovation #Bungalow #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendlyDecor #HistoricHome #FamilyHome #HomeDecor #SmallSpaceLiving #BirminghamHome

Fashion consultant Michael Carey, known for his work with menswear brands like Ralph Lauren and Hackett London, has channeled his visual storytelling expertise into renovating an 1830 Federal house in Claverack, New York. Carey, who spent nearly a decade in London, had been collecting antique furniture and artworks with the vision of furnishing his future country home, famously stating, "Buy for it, and it will come." His search for a historic property led him to the modest wood-frame house in the Hudson Valley. Despite his real estate agent initially calling it a "dump," Carey was drawn to its structural soundness, period details such as original windows and doors, wide-board flooring, and five working fireplaces, all set on a property shaded by a mature copper beech tree. He recognized the architectural integrity and history embedded in the home, situated in a town founded in 1788 and surrounded by stately Georgian mansions. Upon closing on the property, Carey immediately began exterior landscaping, clearing pines and planting a hornbeam hedge. In the spring of 2012, he commenced renovations, making monthly trips from London to oversee the project. His approach was to honor the house's original "bones" rather than drastically reinvent it, adding architectural details that complemented its historical character. He strategically moved doors and repositioned windows to enhance the home's formal symmetry. The renovation also included modernizing the 1950s-era kitchen on the main floor, adding a back entry hall and a powder room. A sun-filled potting room, which also serves as a laundry room and informal office, was created. One of the downstairs guest rooms is located in the original 19th-century kitchen, complete with its hearth and beehive oven. Throughout the house, every available space was converted into a closet. For the interior aesthetic, Carey adopted a black-and-white color palette, with the kitchen's dove-gray being the only exception, to provide a neutral backdrop that highlights his eclectic collection of furniture and art. His furnishings span various periods, including Georgian, French Deco, and midcentury pieces, alongside unique items like a moose-leg table. His extensive art collection is displayed salon-style on walls in every room, creating a consistent visual narrative. The overall design results in a traditional yet subtly contradictory atmosphere, which Carey describes as a "collage," where individual elements combine to tell a cohesive story, much like his creative process for fashion brands. The transformation has made the historic home brighter and crisper, while respecting its past. #HistoricHome #FederalStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FashionConsultant #HudsonValley #AntiqueFurniture #ArtCollection #BlackAndWhitePalette

This blog post showcases a 5-room HDB flat in Tampines Street 33 that has been transformed into a spacious, contemporary Victorian-style retirement home for a retired couple. The homeowners sought out Chuah Peilin from The Interior Lab to create an English country cottage-inspired environment, prioritizing a clutter-free and expansive living space to accommodate guests during their retirement. The total size of the home is 1506 square feet. The interior design features a predominantly white color scheme with elegant gold accents, contributing to a bright and luxurious ambiance. The living room walls incorporate wainscoting details and wall beading, establishing a classic Victorian aesthetic. Marble tiles at the foyer entrance, along with a shoe cabinet adorned with a simple golden knob, reinforce the regal feel. Gold elements in plant holders, table centerpieces, and wall lights are consistently used throughout the space to tie the modern regal look together. To enhance the sense of spaciousness, several structural modifications were made. A solid wall in the foyer was removed, and wooden beams were installed, offering a visual connection to the kitchen and dining area and adding depth. The former study room adjacent to the kitchen was also reconfigured, creating an open-concept kitchen. This area features a six-seater round dining table with a marbled top and a functional kitchen island. Light grey hues in the furnishings complement the contemporary Victorian kitchen design, while hanging pendant lights and tabletop ornaments provide visual interest. The kitchen cabinetry is detailed with wainscoting and finished in light grey, harmonizing with the overall color palette. Golden knobs and handles maintain the consistent luxurious theme. The design also integrates both display cabinets and concealed storage solutions to accommodate the couple's extensive collection of crockery, drinkware, and kitchen accessories. The master bedroom includes a large built-in wardrobe and a concealed bathroom door, which was a creative suggestion from the interior designer, Peilin. The master bathroom is outfitted with a standing vanity counter, further adding to the home's luxurious feel. Accent pieces such as golden table ornaments, doorknobs, neutral-toned carpets, and lace are used to complete the elegant look. The daughter's room is designed with practicality and personal preference in mind, featuring a walk-in wardrobe for ample storage to prevent clutter, and a tall shelf to maximize vertical space for books. The daughter was actively involved in the design process, choosing a marble wallpaper for her bedroom's feature wall and a matching grey, textured finish for the bay window area. This bay window was specifically designed to replicate a cherished resting spot from her previous home, intended for both relaxation and work. #HDB #InteriorDesign #Tampines #VictorianStyle #RetirementHome #HomeRenovation #OpenConcept #Wainscoting #GoldAccents

The article details a comprehensive remodel of a 6,500-square-foot Colonial home in Chappaqua, undertaken by designer Darci Hether. The homeowners, empty nesters, sought to modernize their residence, which had remained largely unchanged since the early 2000s, with the exception of a previously remodeled kitchen. The project aimed to update both the interior and exterior of the three-story home, transforming it into a more contemporary and cohesive space. The core design philosophy for the remodel was a clean and serene aesthetic, incorporating a neutral color palette enriched with various shades of gray, accented by rich blues, soft brass, and warm wood tones. This approach, as described by Hether, resulted in a welcoming and approachable luxury. Significant attention was paid to introducing texture and muted patterns to provide visual interest and depth throughout the home. Almost every room received some level of renovation, ranging from minor updates to complete overhauls. On the exterior, elements such as the front door, the doors leading to the deck, and the deck itself were painted in a soft black, creating a consistent visual link with certain interior features. The entry was significantly upgraded with the removal of old flooring and the installation of large-format tiles featuring antique gold metal strip inlays, a detail echoed in the entry table. Custom stair and hallway carpet runners were added for color, texture, and comfort, complemented by a bespoke smoky glass multi-pendant light from Allied Maker. The living room and primary bedroom saw their fireplaces updated with modern surrounds, enhancing the rooms' overall feel and providing a dramatic focal point. The family room underwent a transformation with existing built-ins and the surrounding exterior door painted in charcoal black, and the backs of the bookcases adorned with soft grey grasscloth for added texture. Custom leather pulls were integrated into the built-ins, and the room was furnished with a custom extra-deep sofa, two large coffee tables, and a charcoal Stark rug with a light grey asymmetric design. The dining room received a sophisticated touch with wallpaper featuring a subtle gold-dot pattern, providing sparkle and visual interest. Gold accents were carried through the space via a modern chandelier, sconces, dining chair elements, artwork, and accessories. The room accommodates a large extendable dining table for up to 12 guests and includes a custom server for buffet service and storage. The basement was converted into a lounge area with a built-in bar and a pool room adjacent to a wine room, featuring a large sectional sofa with chaise and built-in side table for ample seating. A guest bedroom on the main floor was reimagined as a yoga room, where a window was replaced with French doors leading to a new private patio. The accompanying “yoga bathroom” was fully updated with modern and soothing floral wallpaper, new tiles, vanity, mirror, and lighting, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The primary suite's bathroom was completely gutted and refitted with a freestanding tub and a custom-designed vanity. The primary bedroom also includes a custom fireplace surround, new sconce lighting, an oversized bar cabinet, a seating area, and a desk. Finally, the outdoor deck, accessible from the family room and kitchen, was painted in the same soft black as the exterior trim to maintain design continuity, extending the home’s entertainment spaces. #HomeRemodel #ColonialHome #InteriorDesign #DarciHether #Chappaqua #SereneAesthetic #Modernization #LuxuryDesign