Minimalist look, maximum heart.
For CC and his wife (@casa.alegria.maisonette), upgrading to a bigger home wasn’t just about having more space – it was also about creating the right environment for their growing family.
As self-professed homebodies, they wanted a place that makes them feel relaxed and happy – hence the name Casa Alegria, which is Spanish for “House of Joy”.
Their pick? A 146 sqm executive maisonette in Bishan, boasting ample space and stunning views of the nearby park. With some careful planning, they were able to transform this once-dated unit into a warm, minimalist home – which is no small feat considering how easily family spaces can get cluttered.
Keep reading to see the house in further detail!
About the foyer
One of CC’s must-haves is a dedicated foyer: a sort of ‘dirty’ zone where shoes and bags can land before entering the main living area.
To do this, the home’s utility room was reworked to carve out the foyer. Built-in cabinets in the space provide ample storage space for the family’s shoes and kid’s toys, while multiple seating areas create a convenient spot for them to sit.
“I was initially a bit hesitant to get rid of the utility room; it’s huge, and when you have kids, you’ll definitely need space for their things,” CC says. “But the designer we worked with taught us that having more space than you need creates the tendency to hoard, and naturally, you will then not be a minimalist.”
“So, she recommended us to control these elements and start this minimalist lifestyle right, by turning the area into a space that we know we’ll use instead of simply storage.”
About the kitchen
Since CC’s mum lives nearby, weekday dinners were usually spent at her place. As such, the family didn’t see the need for a sprawling kitchen, and chose to prioritise efficiency and movement flow.
The result? A double-side galley-style kitchen layout, with an enclosed wet kitchen on one side, and a dry pantry on the other. This unique setup makes full use of the space while allowing the family to close up the kitchen whenever they do cook, thus containing the fumes within the area.
The pantry holds coffee essentials and family photos, turning it into a cosy nook for everyday rituals. One detail we particularly love is the curved edges on the island, which minimise sharp edges to keep the space safe for their young daughter.
About the living and dining room
The main communal area consists of the dining and living rooms merged into a single space. To accommodate this change, the former balcony was converted for indoor use; it now houses the dining area, with stunning views of the lush greenery outside courtesy of the full-height windows.
In the living room, comfort takes centre stage. A plush King Living sofa anchors the space, while a fully integrated sound system – something that CC emphasises is one of their best investments – allows them to play music or watch movies with high-quality audio.
Adding warmth and personality, an open shelving along the entry wall shows off a curated mix of books, art, and nostalgic keepsakes – giving the otherwise minimalist space a lived-in, personal touch.
About the master bedroom
Since CC and his wife spend most of their time downstairs, the master bedroom was kept simple, with only the essentials – a loose bed, side tables, and a flush-lined wardrobe – that gives them the flexibility to shift things around if need be.
The en suite was also extended slightly, to give the previously-small space some breathing room. Practical touches like soft-closing doors and rounded edges were added for safety – something that CC highlighted as a key consideration with a young child at home.
Still, the master bedroom isn’t purely about functionality. On Friday nights, the family often have projector movie sessions right in bed – a small, cute routine that turns the room into a cosy spot for family bonding.
About CC’s “man cave”
With their daughter sleeping with them in the master bedroom, CC and his wife had several bedrooms to spare. One of them was turned into CC’s hobby room, where he indulges in his love for music.
In true ‘man cave’ fashion, the space embraces darker finishes – a stark contrast to the light tones found in the rest of the home. This room is where his instruments, personal keepsakes, and CD collection – including one recorded by his own band back in the day – are kept.
To sum up
After living in a BTO flat for years, this maisonette is everything this family has ever wanted – a large, cosy home that’s perfect for making memories.
More than just an upgrade, it’s a place that balances safety, comfort, and personality — which is exactly what CC wanted to achieve from the start: happiness, warmth, and style.
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