For two educators in their 40s, home had to feel like a calm and quiet retreat from their day jobs and the city’s unrelenting buzz. With only the directive to make the 3-room resale flat feel like a “holiday home”, interior designer Benjamin Toh of M2 Decor was left to interpret what that meant.
“With no specific brief provided, we focused on understanding the client’s lifestyle and needs. The proposed plan, based on this understanding, was very well-received,” Benjamin said.
As the clients enjoy hosting and do only light cooking, Benjamin envisioned a modern minimalist apartment that would emulate the quiet luxury of a boutique hotel while accommodating their lifestyle.
However, bringing this vision to life in a resale flat that was half a century old came with challenges. To open up the space, the designer hacked the walls—only to be surprised by the sheer volume of materials involved.
“It raised a serious concern—since the amount of cement and building material needed is nearly doubled, I started to wonder whether the existing structure and floor slab could safely bear the added weight.”
Furthermore, the slanted ceilings, uneven walls, and outdated plumbing left little room for built-in furniture installations. The M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) phase also required precise planning and alignment before any masonry work could begin.
“Transporting materials was another hurdle due to limited accessibility: only one lift services that level, and it’s located quite a distance from the unit.”
After ten painstaking weeks, the final layout saw a transformation that is unmistakable the moment you enter. At the door, a full slab of sintered stone, chosen for its luxurious touch and tactile quality underfoot, greets visitors and contrasts with the rest of the home.
“We wanted to create a subtle yet striking “wow” factor the moment you step into the apartment.”
It’s not every day you walk into an apartment and land straight in the dining room, but here, a sleek laminated table takes centrestage from the get-go. Fitted with built-in storage for snacks and nibbles, as well as power outlets for everything from hot desking to hotpot parties, it’s the social hub of the home.
“A rotatable TV stand is positioned at the corner of the living room, allowing the screen to be shared between both the living and dining areas for added flexibility and functionality.”
A hidden door that blends into the wall? Now that’s clever. Seamless, stylish, and smart—proof that good design is all in the details.
The openness of communal areas continues in the kitchen, anchored by a compact island and downsized for good reason. The rest of the room, tucked behind a hidden door, has been converted into “the most interesting area in the unit”—the bathroom.
The space features a his-and-hers sink setup, a resized toilet, and a shower for better spatial flow. Since this is an enclosed area, Benjamin discreetly mounted an exhaust fan on the ceiling, promoting ventilation and reducing the risk of damage due to moisture.
The master bedroom carries the same spirit of simplicity and functionality. Space was carefully calibrated to fit a queen-sized bed, and warm lighting softens the overall atmosphere. The former utility room was also repurposed into a walk-in wardrobe that connects directly to the bathroom, making the entire configuration feel even more like a hotel suite.
From the foyer to the farthest corner of the bath, every inch of this 726 sqft flat has been carefully considered. And despite the unexpected surprises along the way, Benjamin was able to meet his clients’ requirements and ensure the project stayed within budget.
“Most importantly, we transformed a 50-year-old apartment into a serene retreat where my client can unwind and relax.”
Inspired to turn your flat into a restful retreat? Discover more transformative ideas and designer tips with M2 Decor to begin your own renovation journey.
