Inside a DINK Couple’s Charming 5-Room HDB Inspired by Café Aesthetics

Warm tones, soft curves, and café charm.

When homeowners A & G (@dinkdongs) opted for a resale HDB flat over the typical BTO or SBF route, they already had a clear vision for the kind of lifestyle they wanted their home to reflect.

With the unit left largely untouched by the previous owners, it became a blank canvas ripe for reinvention.

The couple documented their renovation journey on Instagram and focused on shaping their space from the ground up — layering in thoughtful details and intentional design choices that brought their ideas to life.

Drawing from their favourite cafés and the nostalgic charm of old HDB void decks, they worked closely with their interior designers from Key Concept to bring those elements to life — creating a warm, inviting space that they’re even open to turning into a home café in the future.

Here’s how they transformed a dated flat into a cosy, personality-filled home that’s unmistakably theirs.

A striking entrance and foyer area

A distinctive foyer sets the tone right from the entrance, featuring warm terracotta tiles and a wall of curved glass blocks. A floating bench completes the space — both functional and sculptural, it’s the perfect perch for slipping on your shoes before heading out.

The design was inspired by the couple’s many café-hopping adventures. “I think the obvious (inspiration) that people notice is Lola’s Cafe,” G shared, “because of the terracotta (tiles) with the glass blocks.”

In addition, the couple took reference from DOPA’s combination of concrete and terracotta tiles to shape the design of their foyer area.

What we love about the foyer—aside from its undeniably aesthetic design—is how it subtly delineates spaces without the need for walls.

The curved boundary where terracotta tiles give way to herringbone vinyl flooring creates a gentle transition into the living room, visually guiding guests from the home’s entryway into its warm, lived-in core.

A cosy living area with minimal built-ins

To avoid the visual heaviness of too many built-ins and laminates, the couple kept things intentionally light in the living room. Instead of extensive carpentry, they opted for loose furniture pieces to keep the space feeling open, adaptable, and more reflective of their evolving tastes.

“I think when there are plain walls instead, there’s a lot of opportunity to add your own personal touch,” G shared. “Be it art pieces from our travels, supporting local artists, or printing A’s photos to display in the future.”

With no plans to move anytime soon, the couple shared that this flexible setup not only allows for easy style updates — it also future-proofs the space for potential lifestyle changes, whether that means adding a playpen or accommodating pets down the road.

An open-concept kitchen and dining area with a banquette

Another café-inspired touch lies in the custom banquette outside the open-concept kitchen.

“One thing I noticed from all our café-hopping adventures is that people naturally gravitate towards benches,” G shares.

That insight shaped one of their favourite corners at home: a cosy banquette tucked right outside their open-concept kitchen. “We thought it would be quite interesting to just have a bench area in our dining space,” they added — and true enough, it’s where guests instinctively head to during gatherings.

For this space, the couple found inspiration at SYIP’s Farrer Park outlet — particularly the beige and wood theme, and its warm, minimalist styling. “We really liked the vibe of SYIP’s dining area,” they shared, “and borrowed that palette and atmosphere for our kitchen and dining spaces.”

A, who has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, naturally brought in subtle design cues throughout the space. In the dining nook, an Akari-style lamp with its washi paper shade and soft, diffused glow becomes a key focal point. Paired with the muted colour palette, it anchors the space with a quiet sense of ease.

Just beside the kitchen, a compact pantry corner serves as the couple’s dedicated coffee-brewing station. Outfitted with their espresso machine and a curated set of tools, it’s a functional yet stylish nook that captures their love for café culture — and makes mornings just a little more special.

A master bedroom with an onsen-inspired shower

The Japanese influence carries into the master bedroom, where a neutral palette, built-in niche shelves, and gentle lighting create a soothing, retreat-like atmosphere.

In the ensuite bathroom, onsen-style wood-look tiles and soft blue verticals evoke the calming ambience of a traditional ryokan.

Tucked into the corner of the bedroom is a sleek, integrated wardrobe and vanity nook that blends form with function.

Clad in muted beige laminates with a limewash finish, the cabinetry introduces a soft, textured element that adds depth without overwhelming the space. Clean vertical lines create a seamless, built-in look, while the warm wood-toned niche offers a subtle contrast — casting a gentle glow that enhances the room’s calming atmosphere.

It’s a thoughtfully carved-out zone for getting ready — with just enough open shelving to showcase small personal items without disrupting the room’s calming aesthetic.

To sum up

While the home is already full of character, A & G see it as a work in progress. “We want to add more art pieces as time goes on,” they shared. “Now it’s still quite bare.”

Rather than rushing to fill up every space, the couple is taking a more intentional approach. “We value things that are more personal,” they added. “Not just off-the-shelf pieces that look nice but don’t mean much to us.”

Whether it’s more greenery, handcrafted pieces, or memories from future travels, this home will continue to evolve — reflecting the couple’s ever-growing story.

Special thanks to A and G for letting us tour their home!

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