A key feature is the decorative cement breeze-block at the entrance that pays homage to Lindy’s Peranakan heritage on her grandmother’s side.

Beyond it is the kitchen with glass accordion doors that let light in, lend a sense of openness and keep cooking fumes from reaching the rest of the home.

Details such as contrasting black and wood tones, patterned tiles and PU leather cabinet handles jazz up the otherwise simple L-shaped kitchen.

Carmen also added a mesh cabinet that conceals the pipes.

The white, wood and black scheme extends to the common bathroom, which has the same geometric floor tiles, and a marble-effect hexagonal tile on the walls.

The combined living and dining area is spacious but irregularly-shaped. Interestingly, its angles gel swimmingly with the eclectic, playful vibe of the decor. One’s gaze is instantly drawn to a sculptural wooden swing chair from Taobao that sits in Lindy’s favourite spot.

“Working around the odd layout was one of the main challenges,” Carmen points out. “Built-in furnishings were kept minimal to keep the place from feeling cramped.” Thoughtfully placed furniture and a divider also aid in zoning the open layout of the home.

The neutral base palette is punched up with a cheerful mix of patterned rugs, bright cushions, movie posters and shelves of toys.

The home is also brimming with vintage finds, including an old projector that used to belong to Denice’s uncle, a red letterbox from an antique shop in Haji Lane, and an antique Siemens Brothers & Co telephone on the wall. “I bought that from London’s Portobello Road Market in 2013 and it still works. The customs officer thought it was a bomb as I’d stuffed it into my backpack!” recalls Lindy with a laugh.

What was previously a walkway with a built-in wardrobe that led to the master bedroom is now a cosy study that provides the pair with more opportunities to showcase their massive toy collection in two display cabinets.

Concealed by a barn door, the master bathroom can be found here, too.

Beyond that is the new master bedroom. Dressed in soothing mint and light wood, it is simply but tastefully furnished with a curated selection of quirky finds, including a superhero robot-inspired lamp from Kickstarter.

The bedroom is connected to a large, stylish walk-in wardrobe via a black-framed glass door that now occupies what was originally a children’s bedroom.

When it comes to building a home that you love, Denice and Lindy have this to share: “It is important to be on the same page as the designer. You also have to be prepared to scrap things that aren’t cost-effective, and be flexible.

We were initially into the mid-century modern look, but changed things up to fit our tastes. We like a little bit of everything. Talk to your partner and be open to ideas. If you’re stubborn, you’ll wind up with a home that looks like everyone else’s.”The pair moved in after a three-month renovation, which set them back by $62,000, including the furniture.

Text: Michelle Lee/Home and Decor

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