As HDB terrace homes are not often found on the market. This particular home had 50 years left on the lease, and the couple looks forward to growing old together in it. They worked with Daniel Ho of Cottage Crafts for the design and renovation, with natural materials and simplicity as the main priorities in the brief.

First, the home had to be opened up in order to let natural light and air flow through. Daniel removed as many walls as possible, and installed a glass front door and large front window so that the garden view was visible no matter where one was on the ground floor. As this was an old building, his team also spent time straightening and smoothing out the walls, and making sure the construction was still sound.

Since natural materials were a priority, wood features predominantly in the home. Daniel created a platform, shelf and TV console that all run into each other seamlessly, adding storage beneath and a table that can be raised electronically out of the platform. A live-edge square wood bench and table in the dining room complete the look. They had originally wanted a wooden floor as well, but decided on grey tiles as a complement instead. “We tried to keep the colour tones simple and minimalist,” says Marcus.

A large and light-filled kitchen was a must – thankfully, there was enough room since the previous owner had already extended the back of the house with approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Daniel gave them plenty of prep space to work with including a generous island and a bar that looks through to the dining area. The latter had not originally been in the plans, but created as a way to accommodate a structural beam separating the kitchen and dining room.

A simple staircase leads up to the main bedroom, which had originally been two separate rooms. The new version is large and airy, with enough room for a bay window and a concealed walk-in wardrobe.

Every detail in the home was well planned. Since the couple has travelled extensively and moved several times before, “We knew exactly what we wanted,” says Cynthia. The placement of details like electrical sockets and switches were carefully considered.

Since the couple loves listening to jazz and pop music, having speakers placed throughout the home at strategic points was important – they even have their own dedicated shelves in the kitchen. “Since we had moved so many times already, we were also familiar with things like choosing tiles and sanitary ware,” adds Marcus.

The couple had initially planned to travel and leave the renovation of the home to Daniel’s team, but had to cancel those plans due to the pandemic. Instead, they used the time to work closely with Daniel on the renovation. “It was a good thing, because there were many modifications we had to make,” says Cynthia with a smile. “But overall it turned out to be much better than we thought.”

Art Direction: Nonie Chen
Photography: Tan Wei Te

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Text By: Melody Bay/Home & Decor