A Singapore family of six spent about $200,000 renovating their 1,560 sq ft four-bedroom condominium, transforming the resale unit into a warm, practical home designed to accommodate three young children and adapt as they grow older.
The couple, identified as W and E, previously lived in an 893 sq ft three-bedroom apartment. As their family expanded to include three daughters, all under 10, and a live-in helper, the limited space became increasingly difficult to manage. The kitchen felt cramped, storage was insufficient, and the living room doubled as a study area for the children.
Seeking more room and a better living environment, they purchased a resale unit at Côte d’Azur in Singapore’s District 15. The condominium, located around Katong and Marine Parade, offered a sea view and access to nearby family amenities and enrichment centres.
Since they intended to remain in the home for at least 15 years, the couple wanted a renovation that would meet their family’s changing needs rather than simply follow the latest interior design trends.
A $200,000 renovation built around wabi-sabi
The couple chose a contemporary interpretation of wabi-sabi, a Japanese-inspired aesthetic that embraces natural textures, imperfection and the beauty of materials as they age.
Instead of insisting that every surface remain pristine, they selected limewash walls, rounded details, earthy colours and microcement flooring. The finishes create a seamless, understated appearance while allowing minor marks and signs of everyday family life to become part of the home’s character.
With three young children, the couple recognised that scratches and stains were inevitable. Rather than constantly worrying about keeping the house looking untouched, they wanted a space that felt lived-in and comfortable.
The design also incorporated practical features intended to make daily family life easier.
Detailed planning helped control costs
Before work began, the couple prepared an extensive design brief for their interior design firm, SG Interior Design, working with designers Guang Rong Lee and Joey Sim.
Their planning covered details that might otherwise be overlooked, including umbrella storage, sports equipment, electrical sockets, network points, CCTV camera positions, fan placement and ventilation.
By mapping out where furniture would go and how each space would be used, they reduced the likelihood of costly changes after carpentry and other work had been completed.
The couple said the renovation ultimately cost around $200,000, staying within 5 per cent of their original budget. They credited their detailed preparation, frequent communication with the designers and previous renovation experience for helping them manage expenses.
They also remained involved throughout the project. Around the eighth or ninth week, they realised that a false ceiling near the entrance and kitchen made the space feel narrower than expected. They raised the issue promptly, allowing the design to be revised within a week.
The condominium imposed a 10-week renovation window, making timely decisions particularly important.
A family-friendly layout with room to grow
The renovated living and dining areas were designed to support family interaction while allowing the parents to keep an eye on the children.
An open kitchen and dining arrangement includes a kitchen island suitable for food preparation and hosting. The galley-style kitchen uses both walls for counters and storage, while windows and a fan improve ventilation.
The home also provides a properly designated space for the live-in helper, rather than relegating the arrangement to a cramped corner.
In the living room, the television storage was deliberately designed to keep the screen less prominent. The parents said this helped discourage excessive television viewing, encouraging their children to read more and spend time interacting with the family.
The balcony offers enough room for gardening or sitting outdoors while enjoying the sea view.
Flexible bedrooms designed for the future
The children now have their own study room, replacing the previous arrangement in which homework competed with other activities in the living room.
Importantly, the room can eventually become a home office or adult workspace with relatively simple changes to the furniture. The couple avoided extensive built-in carpentry that might become impractical as their children grew older.
They also reconsidered plans for bunk beds. Although such beds could free up floor space in the short term, the couple felt they might become less suitable as the children entered their teenage years.
The guestroom was similarly kept flexible, serving visiting family members for now while leaving open the possibility of becoming another bedroom in the future.
In the master bedroom, the couple removed the bathtub and reconfigured the wardrobe area to create a more generous walk-in wardrobe. The changes also opened up the room towards the sea view and made the space feel lighter.
Lessons for homeowners planning a major renovation
The family’s experience illustrates why a large renovation budget alone does not guarantee a successful result. Clear priorities, practical planning and regular communication with designers can be just as important as the choice of materials or overall aesthetic.
Their decision to embrace wabi-sabi also reflects a different approach to family living: rather than spending years trying to keep a home looking untouched, they created a space intended to accommodate the inevitable changes of everyday life.
For homeowners planning a renovation, the couple’s key lesson is to think beyond how a home will look on completion day. Storage, ventilation, electrical access, furniture placement and the needs of a growing family all deserve attention before work begins.
After spending around $200,000, W and E have created a home designed not only for their three young daughters today, but also for the years when the children will need more independence and the family’s routines inevitably change.
