Resort-style renovation for retiree’s two-room BTO flat in Punggol

SINGAPORE – Bathed in soft morning light, Mr Lin’s home in Punggol exudes the ease of a private resort suite.

The retiree – who did not state his full name or previous occupation – had envisioned a calm and inviting space to spend his days, with plenty of light and a view of the sea.

Through warm timber tones, textured stone and a tropical mural that anchors the bedroom, the 505 sq ft Build-To-Order Housing Board flat has been transformed into a restful retreat.

When Mr Lin first met interior designer Sheldon Toh at his unrenovated flat, his request was simple yet precise: The home had to feel open, relaxing and unlike a typical HDB unit.

Mr Toh swopped the positions of the living and sleeping areas, and removed the wall between them to better fit Mr Lin’s king-size bed. This also created a seamless open-concept space with clear sightlines – and, on a more practical note, required just a single television set and an air-conditioning unit for the whole home.

A glass entry door keeps sounds and smells contained to the kitchen while maintaining transparency and depth. Nearby, the bar-height glass counter acts as both the dining table and worktop without visually cluttering the space.

Because Mr Lin required only minimal storage, the design could stay light and open, with low, streamlined furniture that keeps the focus on the expansive view.

Mr Toh added spotlights for work or reading, and a rim of warm cove lighting for cosiness. This layered lighting scheme allows Mr Lin to adjust between functionality and calm, depending on his needs.

The material palette follows the same principle of harmony and restraint. Light wood cabinetry adds warmth, while the Craftstone feature wall in the living area introduces texture reminiscent of coastal resorts. Its earthy brown tones echo the tropical mural in the sleeping area – a design pairing that visually links both zones.

Between the sleeping and living zones, a boutique-style glass-topped cabinet serves as both divider and display. This is where Mr Lin showcases his watches and travel souvenirs.

In the living area, the textured stone wall creates the vibe of a resort in nature. Its rich brown tones are echoed in the light wood cabinetry and flooring. A floating console keeps the wall visually light, while cove lighting brings out subtle variations in the stone’s surface.

For Mr Lin, the result strikes the right note of comfort and calm, and makes him feel close to nature even when he is not out for a walk.

In the bathroom, the design takes on a more dramatic tone. The same Craftstone texture used in the living area appears here in a deeper shade, giving the compact space a refined yet natural feel.

The dark stone is offset by warm lighting and brushed-gold fittings chosen to stand out against the rugged surface.

Subtle LED strips tucked along the ceiling and mirror’s edges soften the shadows, balancing texture with a sense of calm.

For Mr Lin, the design feels perfectly attuned to the setting. With the views of Pulau Ubin and the coast, daily life feels less routine.

The kitchen continues the home’s warm, cohesive palette, with light wood cabinetry and dark stone surfaces echoing the textures used elsewhere. The L-shaped layout was designed for efficiency and easy maintenance.

Soft under-cabinet lighting enhances the grain of the wood and the veining of the stone, giving the space a quiet elegance.

Built-in cabinetry, integrated appliances and a combined washer-dryer make the most of limited square footage. Even with its compact footprint, the kitchen feels bright and connected to the outdoors, thanks to a window with sea views.

The renovation took around eight weeks to complete and cost approximately $45,000, excluding furnishings and appliances.