Renovation planning, on the go
Save your favourite home ideas, enquire with firms and explore home deals.
Switch to the app
📢 [27-28 Apr] Skip showroom-hopping! Meet multiple interior designers on one weekend. Find out more ›
ARTICLES

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

At a Glance

  • Shanfu and Elaine, 29, in payment technology and pharmaceutical
    research company
  • Location: Upper Serangoon View
  • Size: 100 sqm / 1076 sqft
  • Renovation duration: 10 weeks
  • Cost of renovation: $48,000
  • Interior design firm: M3 Studio

Does such a thing as countryside living even exist in bustling urban Singapore? That was what was on Shanfu and Elaine’s minds when they set off on their renovation journey. Despite the difficulties in executing such a look, the lovebirds decided to forge ahead and the result – a practical minimalist home that has a cosy countryside vibe. Read on to find out how they made their dream of ‘countryside living’ a reality:

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

Qanvast: How did you decide what interior design style you wanted for your home?

Shanfu (S): In the beginning, we were thinking of having a home that replicates the calmness of living in the countryside. Something that is wooden, practical and spacious. However, in Singapore, it is difficult to build a house that really adheres to the countryside look. So we settled for mix between practicality and minimalism since the main purpose is to feel that we are living away from the city.

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

Qanvast: Do you have any favourite areas in the home?

S: The kitchen! Elaine expressed her creativity and suggested using different tiles on the walls and floors to create a unique look. Our kitchen looks very different from the rest of the home.

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

Qanvast: How was it like working with your interior designer?

S: We like that our interior designer gave us honest and direct feedback on what needs to be done and what can be avoided during the renovation process. We had about three to four rounds of discussion where we made amendments to our original idea and our interior designer guided us through it all.

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

Qanvast: How did Qanvast help you on your renovation journey?

S: As we are both busy with work, we didn’t want to spend too much time looking for an interior designer. Using the Qanvast app helped us to save time. We even recommended the app to our uncle who is doing his home renovation now.

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

Qanvast: Any advice for homeowners?

S: Be reasonable with your expectations as the entire renovation journey will not be perfect. There will surely be some minor adjustments that need to be made and the communication and trust you have with your interior designer will be really important during the process.

Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board
Renovation Journey: A City Refuge
Save to Qanvast Board

Looking to design your love nest? Take the easier way out – request for a complimentary quote today and we will match you with 5 interior firms for free.

Renovate with assurance, only on Qanvast. Find and meet interior designers verified by homeowners, with no hidden costs and no commissions involved. Find an ID

Recommended for you
Chat