Meet Hazel, a first-time homeowner who, along with her husband Z, transformed their resale HDB flat into a stunning home studio. Through their Instagram account @light.in.dwelling, Hazel shares practical renovation tips, DIY inspirations, and home living hacks, connecting with over 16,000 followers.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi there! I’m Hazel, a first-time homeowner alongside my husband, Z. Together, we embarked on a journey to transform our very first home, a resale HDB flat, into a unique home studio. It all started with a simple desire to share our renovation experience on @light.in.dwelling. This space was born out of our experiences, aiming to share everything I learned the hard way and make your home journey a little smoother.
Since then, @light.in.dwelling has organically grown into a space for over 16,000 followers in just a year! It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with such a supportive home community.
On light.in.dwelling, I share practical home tips and resources across three key areas:
- Reno Tips: Sharing both successes and mistakes, how to avoid pitfalls and create a space you love.
- DIY Inspiration: Budget-friendly decor and DIY ideas to create a unique and beautiful home.
- Home Living Hacks: Simplifying the move-in process with our favourite “best home finds” for cleaning, organisation, and creating a modern, soft minimalist haven.
What influenced your decision to work directly with a contractor instead of hiring an interior designer?
It wasn’t a completely linear path. Initially, I spoke with a few interior designers (IDs) and even started working with one. However, as we progressed with the project, I realised our design visions weren’t quite aligned. This became especially clear when the initial renderings came in.
Fortunately, due to some personal reasons on the ID’s side, she suggested that we mutually terminate the contract. While it caused a few weeks’ delay as I searched for a new contractor,
it ultimately proved to be a blessing in disguise. Through that process, I was able to develop a strong sense of my own design style. I spent a lot of time creating mood boards, which helped me solidify my vision for the space. I had a clear idea of what I wanted, that gave me confidence to work with a contractor for the remaining works of the home. This approach allowed me to directly communicate my vision and avoid additional design service fees.
How did you find and select the contractor you worked with? What were some of your initial concerns about not using an interior designer, and how did you address them?
Finding the right contractor was crucial. I learned a lot from my initial experience working with an interior designer, so this time I focused on clear communication and ensuring the contractor understood my vision.
To find a suitable contractor, I leveraged a referral from another homeowner who had a positive experience. In addition to the referral, I prepared a comprehensive list of pre- and post- renovation questions that addressed many key concerns missed earlier. I also wanted to see their work firsthand, so I visited a recently completed renovation project by the contractor to assess the quality of their workmanship.
Can you share with us what was the most challenging part of planning the renovation without an interior designer?
One of the key considerations when working directly with a contractor is the increased involvement required. In my case, while it was certainly time-intensive, I actually found the process quite rewarding. Having a strong sense of design direction, I enjoyed taking the lead on creating mood boards and sourcing materials. This level of involvement allowed me to freely explore and implement my design vision.
For instance, I enjoyed visiting various showrooms and selecting the perfect tiles and countertops on my own without being rushed or influenced by a third party. Additionally, frequent site visits allowed me to easily identify any hiccups along the way. While it demanded more time and effort, the trade-off was a high degree of control over the final outcome.
What resources or tools did you use to help you design and plan your space?
Drawing inspiration from online platforms like Pinterest
and Instagram, I created detailed mood boards and compiled
a comprehensive list of pre-renovation questions using PowerPoint. This way, I could effectively present my design vision and key questions to the contractor without needing any fancy design software.
What was the most significant transformation or upgrade in your flat?
The most significant transformation was creating a truly multifunctional work-from-home studio that seamlessly blends with my living space. This home studio allows me to dedicate areas for content creation, with ample space for styling and shooting, as well as a dedicated workspace for editing and administrative tasks.
Importantly, the design doesn’t compromise on the comforts of home but rather enhances them by providing a space to unwind and delve into my music and art passions.
When I’m not working, I find myself completely absorbed in creating art pieces and lost in music, composing a song or two. It’s the perfect environment to explore my creative side; the space itself exudes a calming tranquility, perfect for relaxation.
Thanks to the fitness corner, I can maintain my Pilates routine and keep fit without leaving the house. Movie nights feel like a gold- class experience with our recliner sofa, and the cafe-vibed dining area, complete with a well-equipped, aesthetically pleasing kitchen, eliminates the need for those expensive cafe visits.
Essentially, it’s like having a mini version of everything I enjoy all in one place – a home fitness sanctuary, mini art gallery, music room, movie theatre, cafe, and work studio. This allows me to save a lot of time on travelling and truly enjoy the comfort of my home, a space that perfectly reflects my passions and lifestyle.
What are some must-have decor items or furniture pieces in your home?
Lighting plays a crucial role in my home, just like the name ‘light.in.dwelling’ suggests!
Mood lighting is essential for creating a cosy atmosphere. I prefer a minimalist approach, using soft lighting that’s not overly dramatic but provides a calming and relaxing feel. This is why I installed a special water wave light feature in my living room, which adds a touch of serenity and movement to the space.
Dimmer switches are also a must-have for adjusting the ambiance throughout the day.
Statement pieces are another way I express my personal style. My love for white, metallic elements, transparent furniture, and subtle curves is evident throughout this space. I particularly enjoy how metallic chrome pieces add a sleek, modern touch, and clear furniture makes the space feel open and airy. My glass and metallic stainless steel coffee table adds a touch of modern minimalism, which I find very clean and sophisticated. Alongside sits a mid- century modern lounge chair, providing a comfortable spot to unwind.
Finally, my own faith-based artwork adds a unique minimalist aesthetic that complements the overall vibe. I particularly enjoy using modern typefaces with clean lines and a touch of what some might call “European softness.” This creates a sophisticated and minimalist aesthetic while also incorporating messages that serve as a daily source of inspiration for me. These pieces not only add to the aesthetic but also serve as a constant reminder of my faith, instilling a sense of peace and purpose in my life.
How satisfied are you with the final outcome of your renovation and what aspects of the renovation process would you do differently next time?
The renovation process itself was a valuable learning experience. I’m absolutely thrilled with the final outcome!
The space turned out exactly how I envisioned it – a stylish space that seamlessly blends the tranquility of an art gallery, the functionality of a studio, and the inviting warmth of a cafe. All wrapped in a soft, minimalist aesthetic, it truly feels like a haven for creative expression, relaxation, and everyday living – a combination I rarely see achieved!
To ensure a smoother journey next time, I’ve documented key areas for improvement. These resources include essential questions to ask potential IDs/contractors, along with detailed checklists to identify any workmanship defects. Everything from rendering and tiling to carpentry will be covered, hopefully making the process smoother for myself and future homeowners.
Reflecting on your renovation journey, what are you most proud of?
Looking back, the most fulfilling aspect of the renovation was transforming my vision into a tangible reality. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people connect with the unique atmosphere I created. The positive feedback, especially people asking for my design help, has been inspiring! Some have even offered to pay for my design and styling services, and I am truly humbled by the requests.
This whole experience has definitely ignited a passion within me! I’m eager to continue learning and growing in the design world. I can’t wait to design our second home!
Follow their journey on Instagram @light.in.dwelling
This post was adapted from an article originally published in the July 2024 issue of SquareRooms.
