In the bustling city of Singapore, where every square foot is precious, creating a home that feels both spacious and intimate is no small feat. This was the challenge embraced by a Filipino-Chinese couple, who recently transformed their residence into an inviting, Filipino beach villa-inspired haven. Here’s a glimpse into their renovation journey, from vision to reality.

The couple’s vision for their renovated home was to bring an element of the Filipino beach house to Singapore. They wanted their home to be a sanctuary of rest and peace, crucial for their busy lives. Inspired by the traditional Bahay Kubo, their design aimed to create a timeless space that would grow with them, from their current DINK (dual income, no kids) era to a future with children.

The couple was deeply involved in the design process, contributing 95% of the ideas for each specific room. Their interior designer (ID) played a crucial role in grounding their dreams in reality, navigating HDB regulations, advising on product longevity, and liaising with contractors. The couple faced challenges in finding an ID willing to take on their unique project, but eventually found a designer excited about their vision.

The renovation process was not without its hurdles. Mistakes were made, such as incorrect measurements for their Steigen installation and a contractor using a permanent marker on the grout in the master toilet. The couple's hands-on approach, with the husband attending almost all renovation sessions due to his night shift schedule, helped catch these issues early and allowed for quick decision-making alongside the ID and contractors.

The standout feature of their home is undoubtedly the rattan ceiling. This unique element ties the entire house together, creating a cohesive and distinctive look. The couple also loves their chocolate-colored sintered stone countertops in the kitchen, a durable and visually striking choice that has proven worth the investment.

The couple advises having a clear vision and doing thorough research before beginning a renovation. This preparation helps set realistic expectations and reduces surprises when things don’t go as planned. Renting for two years before buying their home allowed them to understand each other’s living preferences and make thoughtful design decisions. They emphasize the importance of designing a home around your lifestyle and future plans.

Looking ahead, the couple plans to convert their guest room into a nursery if they have children, keeping the space empty for now. Their home is designed to evolve with their changing needs, ensuring it remains practical and beautiful for years to come.

The living room features custom-built rattan ceilings and cabinets, adding a unique touch that reflects the couple’s heritage. Various art pieces from their travels adorn the space, contributing to a lived-in and personalized feel. The room is designed to be a place of rest and peace, reminiscent of slow vacations in the Philippines.

The kitchen embodies dark tones, with durable sintered stone countertops making it easy to maintain and resilient to heavy cooking. The design is organized around the couple's daily habits, with regularly used appliances stored conveniently to reduce clutter. The bold choice of materials and colors creates a striking and functional kitchen space.

The master bedroom is kept simple and airy, with lightweight linen curtains and blinds to block out light without making the room feel heavy. The entire theme of the house was built around a bed frame the couple fell in love with and purchased ten months before buying their home. The converted common room now serves as a study and wardrobe space, with handles sourced online by the couple.

The master toilet features a bold design with blue and terracotta colors and an alabaster stone light. The pop of blue brings a calming ocean vibe, complementing the earthy tones. The favorite part of the home for the owner is the view from the master bedroom, reminiscent of waking up in a beach house every day.

The common toilet has an island living vibe, with sandy and stone textures. The couple opted for stone pebble epoxy flooring to replace the original tiles that stained easily, ensuring a durable and visually appealing space.

This renovation journey not only transformed a space but also turned a house into a true home—a sanctuary tailored to the couple’s evolving lifestyle. If you’re inspired by this story and considering your own home transformation, IDLah offers the tools and expertise to bring your vision to life.

This article showcases not just the beauty of thoughtful design but also the practical considerations that make a house a home. Whether you’re renovating for style or functionality, every decision counts towards creating your ideal living space.