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WRITTEN BY Athena When Sarah and Alex (*not their real names for privacy reasons) first walked into their 3 bedroom condo in the East, they saw potential hiding beneath the original dark, yellow-tinted colour scheme of the home.  Inspired by Wabi-Sabi and Japandi design principles, they set out to transform their home into a minimalistic space with lighter colours for a warmer feel. Before the renovation, the home had dark doors and inconsistent vinyl flooring, which didn’t resonate with what they wanted for their new home.  Determined to create an airy and cosy ambience, the couple looked to to breathe new life into their home.  The first thing you notice when entering Sarah and Alex’s home is the sleek row of wooden panels. These aren’t just for show; they cleverly hide the doors to the common toilet and study room.  This design trick not only creates a seamless look but also keeps these spaces out of sight, making the entrance feel open and welcoming. Natural elements like wood and rattan are everywhere – from the TV console to the cabinets, which gives the home a harmonious, earthy vibe.  A standout feature is the raw-looking wooden lamp that casts a warm, inviting glow around the home. To complement the rustic charm, limewash paint is used throughout the home, which helps to create a soft, matte finish that adds character to the walls.  Since Sarah and Alex rarely cook elaborate meals, they decided to knock down the kitchen wall to embrace an open-concept layout. The continuous vinyl flooring in the kitchen and living room also helps blend the two areas, making the space feel larger than it actually is.  As they were both coffee lovers, they wanted to have a dedicated space for brewing at home. The dry pantry also serves as a cosy cafe area for this couple, providing them with the perfect spot to indulge in their morning coffee.   The kitchen island with its sleek bar chairs has also become their favourite spot to gather with friends and family. One of their boldest choices was using travertine sintered stone for the countertops. This material mimics the unique texture and colour variations of authentic travertine but is much easier to maintain.  It’s a practical yet stylish choice that gives their kitchen a distinctive edge over typical homes today.  Sarah’s passion for baking needed space to flourish, so they moved the oven and microwave out to the dry pantry for her easy access.  Now, Sarah has plenty of space on the large kitchen island to perfect her pastries and bread, turning baking from a hobby into a regular part of her routine. Space is always a premium in Singapore, but Sarah and Alex’s balcony doubles as a charming dining area. The space was converted into an outdoor dining area that is perfect for hosting game nights or enjoying a cosy hotpot dinner with friends.  From the balcony, you’d be led to Sarah and Alex’s favourite part of their home – the walk-in wardrobe, which also connects to the master bedroom. This luxurious addition offers ample storage and keeps their bedroom clutter-free. Since the space is only separated from the balcony by a sliding door, full-height blinds were installed to conceal the doors for a neater appearance.  A custom ceiling-mounted mirror was also designed for the dresser to address the absence of nearby wall space — a prime example of making the most out of what you’ve got.  In their master bedroom, Sarah and Alex continued the travertine theme along with a laminate headboard. This cohesive design choice ties the entire home together, creating a calm and elegant retreat where they can unwind after a long day. Their bathrooms are a testament to the beauty of minimalism. The neutral colour palette and clean lines make them feel like a high-end hotel suite.  But to reduce the costs without compromising style, some of the original tiles in the toilet were also retained as they were already in an earthy tone that fit the space.  For Sarah and Alex, it was crucial that their home was both beautiful and functional. designers prioritised durable, low-maintenance materials and timeless design choices, ensuring that their home will remain a haven for years to come.