It’s an unlikely source of inspiration, but Michelle owes the vision for her new home to her cat—and spirit animal.
“I love my cat, and it’s not just because he’s fluffy, adorable, and has the most melodious mews. It’s because he made me realise I’m actually a cat in a human body, navigating a human world,” the 39-year-old tech professional says.
“All I really want to do is lounge at home, sleep, and enjoy my space in peace. That realisation became my biggest motivation to create a home that truly reflects my personality and the way I live.”
Though she lives alone, Michelle never cared much for a home that was, quote unquote, designed for hosting. Quite the opposite—she told JJ, her interior designer from No Sense Studio, that it should be kept to a minimum. Instead, she focused on filling her home with things she found beautiful, from Japanese influences from the 1980s to the pop art and retro-futuristic design movements.
Given her love for bygone eras, it seems fitting that Michelle landed on a Tiong Bahru walk-up apartment that had remained untouched since the 1940s, eager to breathe new life into it while retaining its original character. And though she hesitates to put a name to it, JJ describes the final aesthetic as a mix of mid-century and industrial minimalism.
“The initial intention was to retain the terrazzo flooring, but it was badly damaged beyond the point of restoration. So, we replaced it with cement screed to complement the metal racks and DB box,” JJ explains.
The raw finishes in the foyer extend throughout the home, with visible conduit piping and aluminium elements lending an edge to the otherwise neutral palette.
“As we kept the layout and most of its skeleton structures relatively simple, we knew right from the beginning that the furnishings and fittings were the most important.”
Though the terrazzo in the foyer couldn’t be saved, the settee beneath the living room windows was preserved—a space where Michelle’s collection of art and decor will soon make their debut. Adjacent to it, a door leads to a sunlit workspace where she spends most of her time working from home.
When she’s not working, Michelle fully embraces her inner couch potato, curling up on her cosy blue Togo sofa for hours of uninterrupted TV time. She admits that she initially saw no need for a dining area, given how much time she spends in front of the screen. But that changed when she discovered the joy of a designated dining space, inspired by the kissaten aesthetic of Cafe Zingaro, a Tokyo café by Takashi Murakami. The colourful pendant lights above the table set the mood for mealtimes, making every bite feel like a mini escape.
“Luckily, JJ recommended a kitchen-dining-living configuration, which I really appreciate now because it’s perfect for cooking and enjoying food while watching TV, all while overlooking Tiong Bahru,” she quips.
Beyond the pantry, the former kitchen, WC, and bathroom were merged into what Michelle calls her “resort-style bathtub retreat.” By day, natural light floods the space; by night, a 1.8-metre Flos light adds just the right amount of drama and ambience.
To create a tunnel-like transition into the bedroom, JJ decked the adjoining shower out in mustard-yellow mosaic tiles, injecting a retro pop of colour.
“I never gravitated towards yellow, but the all-yellow mosaic tiles turned out to be a bold and stunning choice I now adore,” Michelle says.
A curved shower niche softens the space while providing practical storage for toiletries, and a sandblasted wire glass door leads to the bedroom. The latter exudes warmth and vibrancy, with bright hues accenting the sleeping area and a vanity corner.
“A fengshui master said the bedroom was the most huat area in the house, so I love going to bed every right dreaming of riches,” Michelle jokes.
Next door, Michelle already has what most women can only dream of—a walk-in wardrobe spacious enough for all her clothes, bags, and accessories.
To blend its pink tones with the rest of the home, JJ took inspiration from French mid-century designer Jean Prouvé, introducing doors with portholes that allow light to pass through while ensuring the transition feels seamless.
“My aunt from Hong Kong saw my massive walk-in wardrobe and declared, “格過롸 (too much)!” in a loving (and slightly envious) way, of course,” Michelle laughs.
Some visitors marvel at Michelle’s departure from cookie-cutter Singaporean home styles; others say it fits her personality to a tee—which she considers the highest compliment.
As for Michelle, she’s simply happy to spend her days in the home she co-created with JJ, lounging with her beloved cat and “living their best cat lives.”
