Before-and-After: How 5 Homes Went from Plain to Perfect

Basically, Cinderella-style transformations.

A home isn’t just a shelter – it’s where you and your loved ones live and grow together in. So naturally, it should look and function great. And while it does take time and effort to turn a regular apartment into an ideal home, we can all agree that the results are worth it.

Here, we’ve gathered 5 stunning examples that show exactly what a successful renovation can achieve. Keep scrolling to see what these beautiful homes look like pre- and post-transformation. And, who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to pull off your own magical makeover too.

1. River Place – 19EightyThree

With its circular, porthole-like window and free flowing layout, the inside of this contemporary family home closely resembles that of a luxury yacht after its makeover. But even before that, it doesn’t look half-bad either – which is the reason why some of its original interior features were kept.

Before/After (Living Room)

As part of the living room’s revival, a new lighting scheme was devised, which bathes the surroundings in a cosy, welcoming glow. Joining it are a new false ceiling and classy window drapes that similarly serve as sleek replacements within the space.

Before/After (Dining Area)

Taking the place of a toddler table and chair set, a full-sized dining area currently occupies the back of the living room, turning it into a family space for all. The open kitchen’s island counter was given a revamp as well – now clad in white, the fixture blends perfectly into a backdrop of storage cabinets.

Before/After (Entryway)

To maximise the corridor leading into the bedrooms, an entire stretch of storage cabinets was built into the area. And while it results in a (slightly) narrower walkway, the trade-off is worth it because of how much extra storage space was gained.

Before/After (Stairway)

Similar to the bedroom corridor, the bottom of the apartment’s internal staircase was also equipped with extra storage cabinets, thus maximising what would have been a dead space. Meanwhile, discreet, pull-down blinds were installed to provide privacy and conceal a pair of side windows alongside the dining area and stairway.

2. Edgefield Plains – Aart Boxx Interior

Belonging to Aart Boxx Interior designer couple, Ivan and Katherine, this resale flat at Edgefield Plains was transformed from an apartment with mid-century modern influences into a fancy, but functional abode that its owners are proud to call home.

Before/After (Living Room)

The revamp of Ivan and Katherine’s home saw the addition of several new features with classic details. In the living room, a wainscoted accent wall as well as a tufted entryway seat now occupy the front of the space. Joining them is a row of suspended shoe cabinets, similarly framed with wood panelling.

Before/After (Entryway/Dining Area)

Probably the area where the biggest changes took place, the area bordering the dining space and the kitchen’s exterior were completely revamped. Originally closed off, the kitchen was opened up while the adjoining feature wall was transformed into a row of herringbone storage cabinets. For hosting purposes, an island-cum-dining table was installed.

Before/After (Bathroom)

The common bathroom was given a simple, but effective update, transforming it from a dull, unappealing space into a brighter and cleaner one. Completing the look are new fixtures, such as matte black shower fittings, a compact suspended sink and a minimalist WC.

3. Serangoon Central – The Local INN.terior

The Local INN.terior’s work on this 4-room HDB apartment at Serangoon Central is nothing short of inspiring. Aside from giving it a classy makeover that incorporates contemporary decor elements, the designers handling this project also created a daring, new layout that breaks away from the usual, cookie-cutter floor plan.

Before/After (Living Room)

Once a blank slate, the front of the flat’s living space was transformed into a modern highlight. Here, an accent wall clad in black, vertical timber strips demonstrates the magic of high contrast decor in an (almost) all-white space.

Before/After (Master Bedroom Exterior)

Adding a see-through element to the home, an indoor window framed in black reveals the insides of the master bedroom to all. This one-of-a-kind fixture takes the place of a (boring) whitewashed wall that once bordered the living room, while serving as a statement-maker all on its own.

Before/After (Master Bedroom Interior)

Receiving a classy makeover as well are the insides of the master bedroom, which features upgrades such as a platform bed with cove lights and warm wood flooring for a touch of cosiness. To make way for the home’s indoor window, the bedroom’s original entrance was also shifted (from where the bed’s headboard is currently) to its new position.

Before/After (Walk-in Wardrobe)

Working around the awkward confines of its surroundings, The Local INN.terior outfitted one of the flat’s bedrooms with an array of dark wood storage fixtures, transforming it into a classy walk-in wardrobe that has both looks and functionality going for it.

4. Dorset Road – Third Avenue Studio

As Third Avenue Studio’s work on this Dorset Road resale flat proves, all it takes to refresh an old home with good bones (read: well-proportioned rooms and a good layout) is some proper space-planning and a bold, new look.

Before/After (Living Room)

Save for the TV’s recess (that ensures sufficient walkway space), the living room is laid out as one would imagine it to be pre-revamp. Here, cosy wood flooring takes the place of classic retro tiles, while sleek, modern furnishings lend the surroundings a cool, collected vibe that matches its monochrome palette.

Before/After (Master Bedroom)

Much like the living room, the master bedroom steps over to the dark side with its choice of wood flooring. Meanwhile, the new, all-white paint scheme does wonders in brightening up the bedroom’s surroundings during the day.

Before/After (Kitchen)

The newly revamped kitchen now features a more open look with its sliding glass doors, which allow natural light to penetrate the rest of the house. The L-shaped configuration of the kitchen counter was also kept, which aids in maximising an entire stretch of wall space along the right.

Before/After (Study)

The flat’s study occupies an entryway alcove that faces the corridor outside. Post-revamp, the area serves as the perfect work corner with its simple, but efficient furnishings consisting of a rear bookshelf and a work desk. Meanwhile, a vibrant painting draws the eye towards the far end of the space, creating the illusion of depth.

5. Elias Road – Zenith Arc

While we aren’t exactly sure what this resale flat at Elias Road looked like before its renovation (because its makeover was already underway when the ‘before’ photos were taken), one thing that we’re certain of is that it has been transformed into a clean, spacious abode in the hands of design firm Zenith Arc.

Before/After (Living Area)

Part of the revamp saw the construction of a handy island/preparation corner along the outside of the flat’s open kitchen as well as a new TV feature wall in the living area that’s right beside it. And while this part of the house hasn’t changed much structurally (based on the pictures), its transformation into a comfortable space is evident.

Before/After (Gym)

Fronted by a cosy dining area and a privacy barrier for the main entrance is one of the apartment’s former bedrooms, which is now a home gym. New additions to this space also include a see-through display cabinet as well as blonde wood flooring that extends throughout the house for an undeniably chic look.

Before/After (Bathroom)

While it isn’t the most impressive example, the before-and-after transformation of this bathroom certainly shows how much renovation matters in creating liveable home spaces. Here, a raw, empty corner was transformed into an elegant loo, complete with all the amenities of modern life.

Have an amazing makeover and get a Philips Home Starter Kit (worth $600) for free!

Connect with up to 5 design firms for non-obligatory quotes, redeem a Philips Home Starter Kit worth $600!

All you need to do is submit your renovation details via this link here and sign on with a Qanvast ID before 21 October 2019! Find out more about the kit and redemption details here.

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