Shili and Marcus converted their rare jumbo HDB flat into a dual-key home, creating both a peaceful retreat and a source of passive income.
When Shili and Marcus first stepped into their matrimonial home in Northern Singapore, they described their experience as “swimming in space but drowning in ideas.”
Spanning an impressive 1,900 sqft—almost double the size of a typical 4-room BTO unit—their jumbo HDB flat combines a 4-room and 3-room unit. Jumbo flats like this are a rarity, making their home a coveted find in Singapore’s public housing landscape.
The soon-to-be newlyweds had a happy problem on their hands, and as seasoned professionals in accounting, they saw its potential beyond just a spacious home. Their grand plan? Transform it into a dual-key unit and rent out part of it for passive income.
To bring their vision to life while ensuring both sides maintained their privacy, they engaged Junjie, an interior designer from J Design & Build.
“The owner appreciates the wabi-sabi theme but was mindful of avoiding an overly ‘raw’ look, so we had to strike a balance. Inspired by Japanese minimalism, I carefully curated materials and colours that would create a harmonious flow throughout the home,” Junjie explained.
Creating a light, airy space was no simple task. Though the flat had generous square footage, much of it was partitioned. To remedy this, they opted for a bold approach—tearing down walls and reimagining the entire layout.
Finding flow
The journey begins at the entrance, where a spacious, naturally lit entryway welcomes you into both units. A custom-built shoe cabinet with floating steps adds a touch of elegance while maintaining functionality, allowing the couple to tuck away their footwear and keep the space clutter-free.
Stepping into the couple’s living area, you’re met with a medley of personal treasures—an arched display rack filled with keepsakes, teddy bear chairs, and the playful presence of a pineapple bearbrick.
The rectangular layout initially posed a design challenge for Junjie, but he overcame it with a stunning 20-foot-long TV console, which seamlessly integrates their 75” TV with plenty of hidden storage. In a further stroke of genius, he designed a retractable dining table that expands when hosting guests.
“The homeowners wanted the living room wall to align with the dry kitchen, concealing appliances behind a continuous surface. To achieve this, we chose large format tiles with a micro-cement finish, reducing grout lines and amplifying the sense of space,” Junjie noted.
The transition between the dry and wet kitchens is defined by synchronised glass doors—an elegant solution that maintains separation without encroaching on the available space. Installing these doors was a meticulous process, requiring precise alignment with the wall panels. However, the outcome was well worth the effort. In fact, perfecting this seamless flow has become one of Junjie’s proudest accomplishments in his design portfolio.
Work and rest
“Since Marcus primarily works from home, having a well-designed office space was a priority,” Shili shared.
“JJ understood this perfectly, designing his- and-hers workstations in a U-shaped configuration, allowing both of us ample room to think creatively and work efficiently.”
Despite the room being fitted with a mix of top-hung and half-height cabinets for storage, the clever use of light, tiles, and laminates ensures the space remains bright and airy. Open shelving, accented with soft, warm lighting, adds an elegant yet practical touch, making frequently used items easily accessible.
This theme of understated sophistication extends to the master bedroom, where a king- sized bed floats on a raised platform, subtly illuminated by an LED light strip that lends the space an ethereal glow.
“Every evening, the master bedroom welcomes us with a warm, intimate atmosphere. This space is all about the bed— our personal sanctuary for restful sleep in a dreamlike setting,” Shili quipped.
For many guests, the true pièce de résistance is the adjoining walk-in wardrobe and vanity area. Junjie envisioned this as “turning the everyday act of dressing into a luxurious ritual.” Glass elements, from floor- to-ceiling panels to fluted sliding doors, lend a touch of sophistication. These sliding doors connect the wardrobe to an indulgent bathroom, where a freestanding bathtub awaits.
“I’ve always dreamed of having a bathtub, and now I have one. It’s my favourite part of the bathroom,” Shili beamed.
“To maximise the bathroom’s space, JJ designed an integrated sink and separated the shower area, clearly delineating the wet and dry zones.”
With such a beautifully curated and luxurious home, it’s no wonder the couple rarely feels the need to leave. Shili eagerly looks forward to returning home each day, relishing the opportunity to welcome friends and family into their warm, sophisticated space.
“Guests are always in awe when they visit our home—their expressions say it all.”
