Renovation planning, on the go
Save your favourite home ideas, enquire with firms and explore home deals.
Switch to the app
14 - 15 Dec: Skip showroom-hopping! Meet multiple IDs at the Qanvast Hangout event. 😎 RSVP now
ARTICLES

Family’s Executive Apartment in Pasir Ris Gets ‘Neo-Retro’ Makeover

And it looks almost-whimsical.

Ask any homeowner in Singapore about the interior style of their home, and you’re likely to hear one of the usual suspects like Scandinavian, modern luxe, and most recently, Wabi-Sabi.

But homeowner Phoebe and her husband (@knella.sg) knew from the get-go that they wanted something a little more unique.

From a gallery comprising pieces from their travel adventures to a kitchen inspired by a comedy set in the 50s, we tour their quirky but classy Executive Apartment in Pasir Ris.


Entryway and gallery

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

The entryway before (left) and after (right) the renovation

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is a gallery-style feature wall. Besides being an absolute attention-grabber, this wall also holds sentimental value to the couple, as it's filled with art pieces and souvenirs from their travels.

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
1
Save this photo

Meanwhile, a vintage sideboard from Hock Siong and Indochine-inspired tiles from Hafary set the tone for the home’s retro influences.

Reconfigured open-concept kitchen and dining area

The true highlight of the home though, as Phoebe tells us, is the open-concept kitchen and dining area:

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

The kitchen, pre-renovation

open-concept kitchen
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

The open-concept kitchen and dining area, post-renovation

Inspired by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (a period comedy drama set in the 50s and 60s), Phoebe shares that designing the kitchen began with choosing the pink floor tiles, followed by the cabinets’ wood veneers.

In fact, even the cabinets’ knobs were customised so that they’d be in the exact same shade as the floor tiles, while rounded edges give them a vintage/retro look.

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Thereafter, a pinkish-orange fridge and sintered stone countertop with a slight pink tinge were chosen to match the concept.

The couple also knew that they wanted an open kitchen. So, practically, it made sense to have an island for sufficient storage and food prep space.

But in order to do so, they had to combine the original kitchen with its adjacent study:

HDB executive apartment

Pre-renovation floor plan

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Post-renovation floor plan

Service yard and guest bathroom

Further in, the service yard was likewise given a makeover, with a custom-fabricated door made of steel and glass – inspired by cargo lifts – while a sink was added for ease of scrubbing away stains on clothes, or to hand wash them when necessary.

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

The service yard before (left) and after (right) the renovation

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Like the entryway gallery, the service yard features souvenirs from the couple’s travels (stained glass from Switzerland)

But what really caught our eye was the common bathroom decked out in what Phoebe affectionately describes as “brat green”.

bathroom renovation
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

The common bathroom before (left) and after (right) the renovation

retro bathroom design
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Striking choice of colour aside, the mosaic wall tile patterns and stainless steel fittings are reminiscent of a diner in the 60s, almost like you’re being transported back in time!

Living room turned guest room

As you may have noticed in the before-and-after floor plans, part of the original living room was repurposed into a guest room – and even this was done with a great deal of thought.

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Part of the original living room (left) repurposed into a guest room (right)

Conceptualised to look and feel like a hotel, the guest room sports wallpaper as classic hotel rooms do, coupled with glass-topped cabinets that Phoebe fills with essential amenities when she has guests staying over.

It’s not pictured here, but there’s even a large desk across the bed, like those you’d find in an executive suite!

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Master bedroom and en suite bathroom

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

The master bedroom before (left) and after (right) the renovation

Needless to say, the master bedroom is no less glamorous, complete with wainscoted walls, elaborate sconces and an intricate pendant light.

The highlight of its transformation, however, is how its en suite was redesigned.

Firstly, the vanity was shifted out. Secondly, the bathroom was split into separate wet and dry areas; Phoebe then explains that it’s because she doesn’t like her feet to be wet every time she steps into the bathroom after some takes a shower.

As a bonus, Phoebe and her husband no longer have to jostle for the bathroom in the morning again, given that there are distinct areas for brushing their teeth, using the toilet and showering.

HDB executive apartment
Save to Qanvast Board
Save this photo

Plus, we’d be much more motivated to get out of bed if this was the view we woke up to every morning, don’t you agree?

Special thanks to Phoebe and her husband for letting us tour their home and sharing the photos above with us!

We're on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel for the latest home tours and bite-sized reno content 🙌


Looking to renovate?

Beautiful home makeovers like this don’t just happen overnight! Give yourself at least 6 months to speak to interior designers and find the one who can bring your dream home to life.

Get started by requesting a quote via the button below, and we’ll match you up with interior designers who fit your budget and style needs, at no cost to you at all!

Explore similar content
Executive Apartment
Find an ID on Qanvast and enjoy renovation perks Connect with interior firms on Qanvast to enjoy renovation perks such as the $50,000 Qanvast Guarantee. No commissions, no hidden costs.
Find an ID
Get a budget estimate before meeting IDs
Chat