Thoughtfully designed by Ray Seah and Kate Sitchon, the space combines sleek aesthetics with practical solutions, offering the perfect balance of style and comfort.
When interior designers Ray Seah and Kate Sitchon of Ovon Design first stepped into this 5-room resale HDB, they immediately recognized its potential. With ample natural light streaming through large windows and a long walkway waiting to be transformed, the canvas for this home renovation was promising. Their brief from the homeowners was clear: achieve a minimalist, all-white interior that maximises light and space while incorporating the homeowners’ love for collecting. The result? A harmonious blend of clean lines, understated elegance, and functional design solutions.
From the outset, Ray and Kate focused on enhancing the natural light, allowing it to flood every corner of the home. “The homeowners were very clear about wanting a minimalist approach,” Ray shares. “We worked with a restrained colour palette—primarily white—paired with wood elements to create warmth and texture.” The result is a light, airy atmosphere, where every detail has been carefully considered.
The living room exemplifies this vision. A plush, low-profile dark sofa provides contrast to the otherwise bright space. Above it, a geometric art piece adds a splash of colour and artistic intrigue, without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. A sleek white coffee table and wall-mounted TV unit maintain the room’s uncluttered feel, while a single potted plant introduces a touch of nature.
One of the homeowners’ passions is collecting toys, and this hobby was thoughtfully integrated into the home’s design. The study room features a custom- built display along one wall, allowing the homeowners to showcase their collectibles while maintaining a clean look. “We wanted to design a space where the homeowners could fully enjoy their collection without it taking over the room,” Kate explains. The display is backlit, casting a warm glow that highlights the items while complementing the room’s overall aesthetic.
In addition to its function as a display room, the study space is a multi-functional area. With a treadmill tucked neatly along one wall and a work desk positioned by the window, the room is designed for both productivity and relaxation. The designers also cleverly incorporated a Murphy bed, allowing the room to transform into a guest bedroom when needed. This seamless integration of various functions without compromising on design is one of the home’s standout features.
One of the key challenges Ray and Kate faced was the structural column between the living and kitchen areas. “It was an awkward placement, and since it was unhackable, we had to get creative,” Ray explains. Their solution was to transform the column into a feature by wrapping it with laminate and turning it into a light fixture. Additionally, they designed a dining table with an extendable flap that can be tucked against the column when not in use and pulled out to seat up to 12 people during gatherings.
This ingenuity extends to the open-concept kitchen and dining area. With sleek, handle-less cabinets, a large island that serves as both a prep area and dining table, and a thoughtful use of lighting, the space feels expansive and welcoming. A hidden pantry door blends seamlessly into the cabinetry, preserving the minimalist look while providing ample storage space.
The transitions between spaces in this home are designed to feel effortless. Glass sliding doors separate the study from the main living area, offering flexibility in how the space is used. When opened, the doors create a flow from the living room to the study, making the home feel even more expansive. When closed, they provide privacy and quiet for work or rest.
The master bedroom continues the theme of simplicity and tranquillity. A king-sized bed sits on a raised platform, with an LED light strip casting a soft glow around the base. “This space was designed to be a sanctuary,” Kate says. “We wanted the bedroom to feel like a retreat, a place where the homeowners could unwind completely.”
Practicality was a key consideration throughout the design process. The all-white palette, while stunning, required careful planning to ensure it would remain easy to maintain. “We selected materials that are not only visually appealing but also durable and easy to clean,” Ray explains. The large-format wood tiles used throughout the home add warmth and texture, while their slightly larger size reduces grout lines, making maintenance simpler.
The kitchen, in particular, reflects this balance of form and function. The countertops feature black side profiles, adding a subtle accent to the all-white surfaces. With top-quality appliances and carefully planned storage solutions, the space is as functional as it is beautiful. “The goal was to create a home that felt open, serene, and welcoming,” Ray reflects. “We wanted the homeowners to feel like they could truly live in the space, and we think we achieved that.”
Explore more of their interior design work on @ovon_design
