If you could turn back time, what renovation regrets would you erase? Gwen and YC’s reflections led to a complete overhaul of their first home.
Seven years ago, Gwen and YC renovated their matrimonial home, brimming with excitement and a touch of inexperience. Like many first time homeowners, they faced their fair share of regrets. Recently, they had the opportunity to start over.
“After years of sharing this space, we’ve formed new habits, discovered new needs, and gained a deeper understanding of what truly matters,” Gwen explains.
This time, the couple was captivated by the wabi-sabi theme and enlisted Edwin to translate its abstract ideals into a liveable space. With his guidance, they were able to strike a balance between their desired simplicity and the practical considerations of daily living.
“While preserving the essence of our minimalistic aspirations, he provided valuable insights on optimising the layout and incorporating smart storage solutions. The renovated layout and design solutions solved problems from the previous renovation, and cater to our current priorities,” Gwen added.
The reconfiguration led to an open-concept space that suited their hosting needs and the playful antics of their beloved Pomenarian, complete with smart storage solutions to conceal the clutter of their hobbies and interests.
Smart living
The couple also took this renovation as an opportunity to create a smart home. A single app consolidates the home’s devices and appliances, from the door viewer and lock system to the water heater in the bathroom.
“All lights in the house are motion-activated sensors, ensuring energy efficiency and convenience. Being able to control and monitor all lights and electronics under one interface allows us to observe any abnormal power surges and conserve energy.”
Upon entering the home, one is immediately captivated by the granite slab on the kitchen island, a special selection they personally picked out from a warehouse. The sprawling counter not only accommodates extensive food preparation, but it also seats up to 15 guests comfortably. The real kicker, though, is an invisible hob and stove combination, ideal for hotpot parties as it makes cleanup virtually effortless.
“To this day, people are still curious about how the invisible hob is built,” Edwin quips.
Speaking of discreet appliances, the dry pantry – which can be entirely hidden behind pocket doors – houses a wall-mounted water dispenser, while the wet kitchen allows power plugs to be concealed when not in use.
“To maintain a minimalist style, we chose not to include top kitchen cabinets and instead opted for a natural wood shelf to showcase items,” Edwin explains.
Sintered stones were selected for the countertop and backsplash due to their durability and ease of maintenance. Motion-activated sensor lights ensure the task spaces are illuminated as needed. This attention to detail extends to the service yard, which is enclosed with a glass bifold door to keep fumes out of the laundry area.
Versatile spaces
Since the common bathroom is underutilised, Gwen and YC transformed it into a sleek powder room. They also opted to tear down the walls of the common bedrooms, dedicating part of this space to the study and their chinchilla’s enclosure.
“This area can be further demarcated with the help of retractable partitions and we have the option to draw linen blinds. These provide privacy while still allowing natural light into the study,” YC shares.
Outside the study, the lounging area serves multiple purposes, including home workouts and virtual reality gaming, while also providing a comfortable space for guests to mingle. An armchair – a favourite spot of their dog – adds a cosy touch while a hand-painted artwork by the homeowners adorns the wall.
Gwen and YC’s love for DIY projects is evident in their bedroom, where they crafted bedside tables using repurposed natural materials like reclaimed barn wood doors and bricks.
“These contrast with the clean walls and atmospheric lighting while eliminating the need for additional storage,” Gwen notes.
“We reduced the master bedroom to its core function: a tranquil space for sleeping for us and our dog. It also houses our wardrobe in a simple design.”
Reflecting on his journey with the homeowners, Edwin shared his pride in the project.
“Having the ability to integrate numerous smart gadgets into the fixtures and fitting all the required functional areas within a four-room home.”
This post was adapted from an article originally published in the July 2024 issue of SquareRooms.
