The home of young expectant parents Skye and Carole is reminiscent of a Manhattan-style apartment, with a place for everything and everything in its place. Attention to detail and thoughtful space planning is evident in every well-utilised corner. Hear the story of their hassle-free renovation. It has a very happy ending.
Project Snapshot
Name(s) of Homeowner(s): Skye and Carole
House Type: BTO 5-room HDB Flat
Size of Home: 114 sq/m
Cost of Renovation: $45,000
Duration of Renovation: 2 months
Interior Design Firm: Fineline Design Pte Ltd
Name(s) of Designer(s): Vincent Tan
On entering this modern urban-style home, the first impression is one of openness
Happy homeowners and expectant first-time parents Carole and Skye
HomeRenoGuru: How did you come to engage Fineline Design to renovate your home?
Skye: Initially we approached several IDS. In the end, we decided to go with Vincent from Fineline, because he gave us the confidence that he would build our dream home, and we felt very connected to him.
HomeRenoGuru: What was your design brief?
A half-height partition on which the TV is mounted divides the living area and study area
Carole: Initially we wanted a so-called modern industrial feel. After that, we decided to change to a more Manhattan feel, because it incorporates brown in it. It looks more vibrant to us.
Skye: For the renovation process, it took us about ten weeks. There were initially some hiccups, but everything was settled. Vincent is very into detail. For example, the full-length glass panel that was required for the display cabinet – we couldn’t find any. Because of the material and the length it’s very fragile, but Vincent managed to get it fabricated.
Despite a challenging layout, space was liberated for an ample shoe cabinet
HomeRenoGuru: What other valuable inputs did Vincent provide?
Skye: Initially, there was no real ideal space for the shoe cabinet, but Vincent managed to squeeze in a nice-sized shoe cabinet.
A sleek counter divides the kitchen and living area
Signage on the glass door to the kitchen serves as a safety feature and lends a hipster café vibe to the space
Skye: Vincent also designed the signage on our kitchen glass door. It actually acts as a safety feature, so that the visibility is increased.
HomeRenoGuru: What are your favourite parts of your renovated home?
Carole: I really love the kitchen, as everything is within my arm’s reach. From the top cabinet the bottom cabinet, cook area, countertop and of course basin, everything is super-user-friendly. The space is very well planned and organised.
Designer Vincent sourced customised glass panels for the display cabinets
A clear view of the artfully divided living cum study area – separated by function yet visually integrated
Skye: We wanted to divide the living area and the study area, so Vincent actually designed the TV console in between the study area and the living area. It somehow still feels very large and maintains the openness of the area. While I’m watching TV, I can still enjoy the overview of the whole area.
The master bedroom is divided into two distinct zones, one for resting and one for dressing
Carole: I really love my master bedroom, especially the way the space is divided into a sleeping area and a walk-in wardrobe. This is great for privacy. When my husband is sleeping, I can get ready without disturbing him. I also love my dressing table. When the lid is closed, it looks clean and clutter-free, but gives me ample space for all my cosmetics and accessories.
Carole and Skye love the clean, sleek design of their master bathroom
Carole: We also love our master bathroom because of the very clean look. Actually Vincent is very into details. On the large wardrobe area, Vincent designed the geometrical design that recurs on our island, the TV wall and the back of our wardrobe.
HomeRenoGuru: Do you have any advice to share with other homeowners contemplating a renovation?
Skye: My advice for future homeowners is – know what you want, know what you need, and also, don’t overdo the trendy stuff, because it will be dated very fast.
HomeRenoGuru: Would you confidently recommend Fineline Design?
Skye: We’d definitely recommend Fineline Design. We love Vincent’s work, we love our home, and I am sure Baby Anna will love it, too!
