Space is often a big question for young Singaporean couples starting a family. With children on the way and sometimes a live-in helper, newer flats can start to feel a little cramped. That’s when many turn to resale condominiums for more breathing room, family-friendly facilities, and the security of a gated community.
With a young child, a newborn, a live-in helper, and two cats, this couple in their thirties was no exception, and were immediately drawn to this four-bedroom condo unit in Joo Chiat.
“They fell in love with this apartment for its spacious, squarish layout, which allowed them to create dedicated zones for their children to play and rest,” explained Debbie from Loco Division, one of the two interior designers behind the project. She worked on the home with her colleague, Yoo Feiyi.
There was just one catch: the apartment was 30 years old and required what Debbie calls a “full gut renovation.” After all, the homeowners had envisioned an eclectic mid-century modern facelift which would reflect both the youthful energy of their growing family and the couple’s appreciation for art and culture.
“They have an expanding collection of quirky art pieces and trinkets gathered from travels and makers markets, and wanted opportunities to showcase these little stories throughout the home.”
Filling the space with personality without making it feel cluttered was a challenge throughout the project. To keep things balanced, Debbie and Feiyi paired playful touches – a hallmark of eclectic homes – with the timeless tones and textures characteristic of mid-century modern spaces.
In the foyer, for example, a red statement mirror and lava lamp pop beautifully against terracotta floor tiles and rich green walls. The dining area, on the other hand, is adorned with HAY pendant lights and Noden chairs that keeps things interesting without stealing the show from the art print on the wall.
“The hero artwork is a Saint-Denis ’98 football poster, a playful, nostalgic nod to the homeowners’ love for culture and sport. It adds a burst of energy against the calm walls, instantly drawing the eye without overwhelming the space.”
In the living room, vinyl flooring with a concrete appearance acts as a neutral backdrop for the more vibrant elements, like their Marimekko rug and King Living sofa. Thanks to a central airwell within the block, the window also became something of a focal point, deliberately framed and adorned with plants and a loose display unit. The designers had intentionally avoided built-ins to preserve the sense of openness that first drew the couple to the unit.
Even in the semi-open kitchen, where cabinetry is necessary, visual weight is kept to a minimum. A Bertazzoni freestanding cooker looks right at home against a stainless-steel backsplash, but its details pop amidst the white and wood-toned laminates and terracotta flooring. Adding to the charm are quirky Viefe handles, a sculptural wall lamp from IKEA, and a cheeky Anthony Bourdain print keeping an eye on things.
“It’s a nod to the homeowners’ love for food, culture, and a bit of irreverence in their everyday rituals.”
Work, play, rest, repeat
Storage is often an issue for condo dwellers, but not here. With four bedrooms to work with, the couple carved out a storeroom within the study to stash bulky household items and supplies. The work area itself features two leather swivel chairs from Château Dept and a wall-mounted Vitsœ system thoughtfully designed to fit two desks.
“The desks are oriented perpendicular to the window and air-well to enjoy soft daylight without screen glare, while the camera faces a clean back wall for a clean and composed video-call backdrop.”
Some of the modular shelves double as display racks for books and décor, and can be rejigged at whim and fancy. This preference for flexibility extends to their four-year-old’s bedroom, too. Once the junior master suite, it now features low-height shelves with rounded knobs that are easy for little hands to grab.
“Again, we intentionally kept built-ins to a minimum, as this is a space meant to evolve with him, from toddlerhood to school years and beyond.”
For now, though, the bedroom and bathroom ceilings are painted in sunshine yellow – a star contrast from the cream laminates and wood textures in the master bedroom next door.
“We wanted to create a calm, cocoon-like retreat, a space that feels restful and grounding at the end of each day.”
The designers expanded the master bedroom by merging it with part of the adjoining room. This allowed for a larger wardrobe, a vanity area, and an unconventional bed placement.
“We positioned it centrally to establish an open, boutique-suite feel facing the lush view outdoors. This arrangement gives the bed room to ‘breathe,’ with generous circulation on all sides for comfort and ease of movement.”
From play zones for the kids to quiet spaces for the parents, every corner of this home was designed to support the family’s current and upcoming transitions. Despite a tight timeline as the homeowners prepared to welcome their newborn, and unexpected setbacks like a major leak from the unit upstairs, the team still managed to hand over the home right on schedule as the family’s new chapter began.
“Delivering the home in time for a new baby, with details that feels meticulously crafted rather than rushed, that’s what we’re the proudest of.”
