Proof that you can work wonders with a renovation even if your home isn’t perfectly square.
“I used to wonder what people meant when they said, ‘This is the house we’ve been looking for, this is it’. While we were viewing apartments, I didn’t feel like that at all – but when we came to see this place, I finally understood,” said Pearlyn, who moved into this 3-bedroom condo in Bukit Timah with her family.
Ironically, it didn’t check their boxes: it was far from the couple’s parents and the schools they were eyeing for their kids, and a little too West than they would’ve liked.
But the potential of the space and the lovely view charmed them, so they closed the deal the same afternoon they visited. With experience stemming from the “horror stories” they had from their first home’s renovation, the pair looked for a reliable designer who would give their 100 per cent and stick to the timeline and chanced upon Studio Kabi.
Here’s how they worked with their designer to give the oddly-shaped unit a revamp into a cosy space for the whole family.
About the homeowners and their requirements for the renovation
One thing that intrigued us as we followed Pearlyn in was the odd layout. Once you get past the entryway, the space opens up into a trapezoid-like shape with awkward corners and nooks aplenty.
“My first thought was that the shape is a bit odd, but I think it’s interesting,” said Pearlyn, as we sat at the dining table for a chat. “It’s not the typical layout.”
Since the home is 1002 sqft (that is, about the size of a 4-room BTO), proper space planning was key to meet the family’s needs.
The floorplan layout, pre- (left) and post-renovation (right)
For Pearlyn (who does marketing in the early childhood sector), her foremost concern was storage since the unit didn’t come with a dedicated store (or household shelter).
“I think any parent will understand that with two kids, we have a lot of things we need to store. I told Tyler, our ID, to give me storage anywhere he can and he did exactly that.”
Besides storage, the couple wanted a dedicated dining area and sufficient space for their kids to play while accommodating a small study space for Pearlyn’s husband to work from home.
Beyond functionality, Pearlyn was keen on a timeless aesthetic that would last them in the years to come.
Another key element we spotted around the home was the soft, curved edges.
“With our kids running around, we incorporated curves wherever possible for their safety. Plus, they add a nice, organic flow to the home.”
On transforming the entryway
While an arguably small detail, the lowered ceiling for the entryway makes you feel like you’re stepping into a bigger space. And, given the unit’s 3.2m-high ceiling, it makes the transition feel extra impressive.
Pearlyn shared that this was just one of many changes Tyler had suggested to spruce up this space. The tiles from the door transition into dark vinyl that frames the shoe settee area where the family take on/off their shoes.
About the dining area
The dining nook is what awaits once you get past the foyer and its accompanying stretch of shoe/storage cabinets.
“The dining area was a key point for us,” said Pearlyn. “We love hosting so we wanted a more communal and spacious area to welcome friends and family.”
Elaborating, she said: “I asked my ID for a long bench so we can seat more guests. Of course, we made sure to include storage in it to make the most of the space. We can also add some stools around here if we need more room.
My husband and I also took a gamble and pre-ordered this rounded dining table from Loft Home even though we couldn’t physically view it because we thought the colour would suit our theme. We have no regrets – it looks great.
It’s also convenient to have the dining area here since it’s close to the kitchen.”
Pearlyn also wryly cautioned against using limewash paint around the whole home just for the aesthetic – as they had – due to its organic nature.
“Not only is it expensive, but if you’re concerned about maintaining the look as it is, it’s also quite difficult. My friend’s child accidentally stained a part of the wall and we had to get someone to redo it.”
Explore: Beauty or Regret? 9 Aesthetic Design Features to Think Twice About
On the revamped living room and balcony
At first glance, the living area might seem like a rather simple space, what with its floating TV console and subtle limewashed walls.
Pearlyn, however, shared that the original wall was slanted. “Tyler built up an angled partition wall that’s parallel to the sofa so that the TV doesn’t slant awkwardly when we’re watching TV.”
If you were actually visiting the home, the half-wall feature backing the sofa would also catch your attention instantly.
“The previous owners had hacked the room next to the living area to convert it into a flexible open-concept playroom for their kids,” shared Pearlyn.
“Tyler suggested splitting this area into two: one being a room for my helper, which was one of my requirements, and the other half for a mini-study for my husband. In our previous home, he had to work in our bedroom and it was not conducive, especially if he had to work late.
This idea really impressed us and it’s what convinced us to go with him for the renovation.”
The family also makes full use of their balcony. While not pictured, it is a no-frills space with planters lining the outermost edges to discourage Pearlyn’s children from going too close.
About the open kitchen
Sintered stone was used for both the countertops and backsplash owing to its durability.
View this project by Studio Kabi
“The kitchen is the only space I didn’t have a moodboard for – I let Tyler do whatever he thought was necessary,” said Pearlyn.
“My only requirement was sufficient storage, so we have both top-hung and bottom cabinets. Our rubbish chute is also here, so Tyler built a handy little space for our cleaning items along with the carpentry to cover it up.”
She added that since their helper is petite, they also asked for a pull-down rack that she can reach.
On livening up the kids’ bedroom
“The colour palette we have in the kids’ bedroom is actually what I wanted for the whole house,” Pearlyn said with a smile. “I love white-and-wood interiors, but my husband wanted black. We finally compromised and decided to go with grey everywhere except here and the common bathroom.
I wouldn’t have minded black if it’s just the two of us, but I think it’s nice for the house to be brighter for the kids.”
“I have one boy and one girl and they’re still very young. I think it’s important for them to have their own space, so we wanted to make their room bigger,” shared Pearlyn. To achieve that, the couple reduced their master bedroom space and used it here.
Wanting to keep the area flexible, Pearlyn opted for a platform bed with storage rather than a bunk bed. She was also concerned her kids would have trouble adapting to a bunk bed after the move.
“Even when they grow up, we have the flexibility of adding a divider for them to have their own spaces,” she added.
When Pearlyn’s friends bring their children over for playdates, she replaces the mattresses with a mat so they get more space to play while she and her friends can relax at the dining area and catch-up over coffee.
About the master bedroom and bathrooms
We headed into the master bedroom next (not pictured), which Pearlyn showed us was rather simple. With the reduced square feet, there was only room for a king-sized bed that her husband wanted and a suspended ledge in front of it, bearing a standing TV.
Though they had managed to fit in a little vanity, Pearlyn shared that there wasn’t enough for an accompanying chair.
On the bright side, she can still do her makeup in the bathroom, which sports the moody interior her husband likes.
Done up with two-tone colours and an intricate kit-kat tile backing for the stretch of wall from the sink, it has a cosy and relaxing feel.
On the contrary, the common bathroom has a much brighter look you’d expect in a tropical resort because Pearlyn had wanted something Bali-inspired.
Even for the sink, she’d opted for a hotel-esque one with double layers because she didn’t like the look of the closed vanity cabinets.
Besides the aesthetic, the open design makes it easy for her to find items.
To sum up
Having been through a rollercoaster of a renovation for their first home (which had taken 8 months!), Pearlyn had approached this second one more prepared.
“The first time, we didn’t compare different IDs. We just went with the first one we met. Even though everything turned out okay in the end, it was very stressful. This time, we made sure to speak to different designers before deciding on one.”
She also knew that there were bound to be hiccups.
Though there had been some issues with leveling their master bathroom – resulting in her designer redoing it twice – she said: “I appreciated how upfront and transparent he was about it. Throughout the process, he also explained the problems and gave me a few alternatives instead of leaving me hanging.”
“Since we moved in about five months ago, we’ve been hosting nearly every weekend for housewarming,” Pearlyn said with a grin. The balcony is where she and her kids enjoy all sorts of activities – even picnics! – and where her husband can chat with his friends late at night without worrying about disturbing the kids while they sleep.
For Pearlyn and her husband, the home has become everything they wanted: a warm, welcoming space to share with their loved ones.
Like what you see?
Get in touch with Studio Kabi to discuss possibilities for your own home!
Contact Studio Kabi
Alternatively, we can help you shortlist suitable firms within one working day for free when you tell us your renovation needs below.