October 31, 2025
Odd layout = character.
When Jay and Crystal (@houseof124sqm) first viewed their 31-year-old, 5-room resale flat in Tampines, they weren’t fazed by its age — or its odd layout. In fact, they saw it as part of the appeal. “It wasn’t a typical layout, but we saw the potential,” they share during our chat.
View this project by A Square Space Design
With the help of designers JY and Adrian from A Square Space Design, the DINK couple turned the unconventional floorplan into a sleek, modern luxe home that embraces its unique geometry instead of concealing it.
Documenting their home journey first on Lemon8, and then on Instagram, Jay and Crystal described their renovation process as something both exciting and eye-opening — from navigating a resale flat purchase as first-time homeowners to watching their interior design ideas come to life.
The floorplan layout, pre- (top) and post-renovation (bottom)
What changed:
What was retained:
For Jay and Crystal, the home’s quirky layout wasn’t something to fix — it was something to work with. They leaned into its character and found smart ways to make the irregular spaces feel intentional.
“From day one, we wanted a modern-luxury home — something sleek and sophisticated, yet comfortable enough to come home to at the end of a long day,” they say. And that mindset extended beyond finishes to how the home moves from one zone to another.
Despite the extensive overhaul, some elements were left intact for practicality. “We thought about hacking down the spare room to create a larger living area,” they recall, “but we decided to keep it as a flexible space — it’s our workout and laundry room now, and can double as a guest room when needed.”
Every reconfiguration served a purpose: opening up the kitchen for better movement, expanding the bathroom for comfort, and combining rooms to create a calm, private retreat. The result is a layout that not only works for how they live today but one that feels like a potential forever home to them.
The living room, pre-renovation
Once dated and enclosed, the space was a far cry from the calm and modern aesthetic the couple envisioned for their dream home.
To achieve the modern-luxe vibe they were going for, the couple chose 90x90cm marble-look tiles instead of the standard 60x60 ones most IDs typically recommend — a decision that also helped make the space feel wider. “It makes the flooring look more seamless, with fewer grout lines,” Crystal explains. “It’s something we definitely don’t regret splurging on.”
As for the TV feature wall, that was an idea suggested by their designer, JY. Instead of using cladding or textured panels, JY proposed a limewash paint finish — a cost-saving alternative that still adds depth and texture. “It wasn’t something we initially thought of,” Jay shares, “but it turned out really nice, and we love how it looks.”
The couple is even considering limewashing the rest of their home in the future when budget allows.
The entryway, pre-renovation
Another feature that Jay and Crystal did not regret splurging on was the built-in shoe cabinet which doubles as a privacy partition.
During the renovation, the couple noticed a few curious neighbours peeking in. “It’s an old estate, and we were doing quite a major overhaul,” Crystal says. “So this partition ended up being a really good investment — it gives us privacy and blocks off the living area from people walking by.”
They also built in a small bench, which Crystal mentioned has been especially handy when their parents or older relatives visit as it’s a convenient spot to sit while putting on shoes.
The dining area sits between the kitchen and living room — and it’s where the couple chose to make a statement. Instead of going for artwork or open shelving, they opted for a full-height recessed mirror wall that instantly opens up the space.
“It was another one of our splurges,” Jay admits with a laugh. “I’ve always liked mirrored and silver finishes — they just add that sense of depth and luxury.”
The mirror not only amplifies natural light but also reflects the curved island counter, creating a cohesive visual link between both spaces. Its clean lines and subtle frame make it feel built-in rather than decorative, blending seamlessly with the rest of the home’s refined palette.
The kitchen, pre-renovation
While the kitchen and common bathroom proved to be one of the trickier areas to renovate given the irregular layout, the effort paid off. “The original configuration felt so small and cramped,” Crystal explains. “We hacked and rebuilt the walls to extend the space, and now they’re both functional and cohesive with the rest of the home.”
The design cleverly uses the countertops not only as functional surfaces but also as a subtle transition between the kitchen and service yard.
They also reconfigured the front half of the home — sealing off one of the original bedroom entrances to make way for their fridge and a dry pantry area that houses their coffee machine.
The common bathroom at the back of the kitchen, pre- (left) and post-renovation (right)
Finding the original common bathroom too cramped — and lacking a proper partition between the shower and toilet — Jay and Crystal decided to enlarge it, turning it into a refined space that totally gives off hotel vibes.
Floorplan layout of the common bathroom, pre- (left) and post-renovation (right)
“Our ID was actually the one who suggested expanding the common bathroom,” Crystal shares. “But even before that, we were already talking about how small it felt and wondering if we should expand it.”
It just goes to show — when your designer is on the same page as you, things fall into place naturally.
Before starting their renovation, Jay and Crystal knew one thing for sure — they wanted a walk-in wardrobe. It was non-negotiable, and one of the key requirements they highlighted in their brief when meeting interior designers.
“The biggest change we made to the layout was combining two of the bedrooms to create one large suite,” Jay shares. “It gives us a spacious, hotel-like feel every day.”
Merging the two bedrooms also gave them enough room to create a full vanity corner — a feature Crystal had always wanted. Flooded with natural light from the windows, it’s now her favourite spot to start the day, offering both function and a quiet sense of indulgence.
What was once just an idea on their renovation brief has now become a little personal sanctuary within the home.
Looking back, Jay and Crystal describe their renovation as both rewarding and humbling — a process that tested their patience but ultimately gave them a home that truly reflects their lifestyle.
“It can be quite draining,” Jay admits with a laugh. “Even with regular updates from our ID, we’d come down almost every weekend to check the progress.”
Crystal agrees, adding that the most important thing was knowing what they wanted right from the start. “If you’re clear about your needs, your designer can help you plan around them. Otherwise, you might end up with something beautiful but not practical for your daily life.”
Their advice for fellow homeowners? Take time to plan. “Spend time visualising how you’ll actually live in the space — where you’ll sit, store things, or even what you’ll see from each angle,” Crystal shares. “And don’t be afraid to invest in small details. They might not seem necessary at first, but you’ll appreciate them later.”
Today, every inch of their 124sqm home speaks to that foresight and collaboration — proof that when design and intention align, even the most unconventional layout can become a dream home.
Special thanks to Jay and Crystal for letting us tour their home!
Get in touch with A Square Space Design to discuss possibilities for your own home!
Alternatively, we can help you shortlist suitable firms within one working day for free when you tell us your renovation needs below.