They approached a handful of interior design firms armed with a comprehensive deck of slides that included specific information on their budget, timeline and design requirements for each room.
They ultimately engaged home-grown studio Design Zage – headed by managing director Zhuo Jin Hai – which had worked on their family home, as well as homes belonging to Ms Choo’s mother and siblings.
The couple, who are in their mid-40s, wanted this 1,571 sq ft executive apartment in Serangoon North Avenue 4 to be their retirement home. Besides factoring in senior-friendly features, they also wanted a modern yet timeless design, as they do not see themselves renovating again in the next 10 to 20 years.
The entrance foyer is a welcoming open space, due to the removal of the kitchen wall to the right of the entrance and a large, mirrored backdrop behind the bench seat on the left. The built-in cabinets provide plenty of storage for socks and shoes, plus an open shelf for keys.
Near the sintered-top kitchen island is a bench seat for putting on and removing shoes. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
In line with the couple’s preference for open-concept dry and wet kitchens, one kitchen wall was replaced with an island, which provides additional counter and storage space.
“The island serves as a visual divider, creating distinct living and kitchen zones without compromising on the overall fluidity of the space,” says Mr Zhuo.
The bathroom entrance was moved from the kitchen to the living room. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
Access to the common bathroom used to be from the kitchen. To streamline the kitchen layout, the bathroom entrance was moved to the living room and concealed within built-in cabinets and shelves.
An existing column between the living room and study was cause for concern, as the couple wanted an open-concept interior. Mr Zhuo’s solution was to disguise the column among the fluted panels of the television feature wall.
Folding glass doors separate the wife’s study from the dining area. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
Behind this wall is Ms Choo’s home office. It faces the dining area, which was originally a balcony in the HDB floor plan.
Slide-and-fold glass doors let in natural light from the dining room while still giving her the flexibility of closing off the space when she is working.
In the dining area is a 1.8m-long table for when the couple entertain. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
Mr Tan says: “We love our dining area. When our interior designer suggested a 1.8m table, we were uncertain as to whether the space would allow for it, but he proved us wrong.
“This is now our favourite place in the house. I love how it overlooks the city skyline with a tiny glimpse of the Singapore Flyer from afar.”
The master bedroom and adjacent bedroom have been combined into one suite. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
The master bedroom and adjacent bedroom have been combined into a single master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and dressing table, and a separate sleeping area. There is storage aplenty, with built-in cabinets, drawers and bag display compartments.
The attached master bathroom is spacious and modern with its combination of off-white marble and grey terrazzo tiles.
A shower seat in the master bathroom checks all the boxes for aesthetics, functionality and senior-friendliness. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
The 27-year-old apartment went through a complete overhaul to the tune of about $230,000, including furnishings. It took about four months, including a one- to two-week break during the Chinese New Year period, and the couple moved into their new home in May 2024.
They love how spacious their home is. “We just hosted a family gathering of about 50 guests in the house with catering set up, and everyone still had room to mingle,” says Mr Tan.
This article first appeared in Home & Decor Singapore. Go to homeanddecor.com.sg for more beautiful homes, space-saving ideas and interior inspiration.
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