A Peek Inside A Santorini-Inspired Renovation Journey

In the bustling city of Singapore, where every square foot is precious, creating a home that feels spacious yet intimate is no small feat. This was the challenge embraced by a local homeowner, who recently transformed her residence into an inviting, Santorini-inspired haven. Here’s a glimpse into her renovation journey, from vision to reality.

TOTAL SPENT ON RENOVATIONS: S$63,000 excluding furnishings

Initial Vision and Inspirations

The homeowner's vision for her renovated home was to incorporate the Aegean Santorini style, blending traditional Cycladic architecture with modern minimalism. This distinctive aesthetic harmonizes with the natural environment, featuring cubic buildings with smooth, curved edges. The interiors are minimalist, with built-in furniture and simple, functional decor, often incorporating local materials like wood. The inspiration stemmed from a trip to Santorini, where the serene and timeless beauty of the architecture left a lasting impression.

The Design Process

The homeowner was very hands-on in the design process, essentially designing the home herself. She wanted to ensure every detail reflected her vision. The interior designer (ID) she chose played a crucial role in coordinating and managing the project, ensuring the execution was seamless. The selection process for the ID was swift due to time constraints. A meeting at the showroom led to an instant connection, with the ID understanding her vision perfectly.

The primary qualities she sought in an interior designer were responsibility, ownership of the project, resourcefulness, and creativity. The ID’s ability to take charge and deliver a proper handover was paramount.

Overcoming Challenges

The renovation process wasn’t without its challenges. Creating the large curved arches in the living room and master bedroom (MBR) proved difficult, as the subcontractors initially lacked experience with such designs. However, the ID sourced a contractor capable of executing these intricate designs, overcoming this significant hurdle.

Favorite Features

The homeowner's favorite features are the curves in the design. Curved lines evoke feelings of flow and movement, making spaces feel more welcoming and harmonious. These organic forms bring an element of elegance and sophistication, reducing the starkness of sharp angles and contributing to a more relaxed and calming atmosphere.

Advice for Future Homeowners

For those considering a similar renovation, the homeowner advises planning for unexpected costs, as the fluid nature of the design can lead to unforeseen changes. Additionally, she suggests planning for essential features from the start, like a small dining area, which she realized was missing after the renovation was complete.

Looking Ahead

The homeowner plans to incorporate a small dining table in the future. However, she doesn’t anticipate making significant changes for a while, as she tends to stick with her design choices until the next major renovation.

A Tour of the Santorini-Inspired Home

Living Room

The living room features a huge sofa that maximizes the space, replacing the need for a dining table. The homeowner enjoys having meals on a small table, sitting around the carpet. The space is filled with plants, and the lime-washed walls create a raw look that emphasizes simplicity and natural materials. Different lighting styles create varying atmospheres for day and night, adding to the room’s cozy feel.

Open Kitchen

The kitchen underwent a complete transformation, changing from a concealed space to an open kitchen with a central island. The island countertop is curved, maintaining the cohesive design throughout the house. The compact kitchen includes hidden cabinets to reduce clutter and LED strip lights for aesthetic appeal and easy maintenance.

Master Bedroom and Bath

The master bedroom mirrors the living room’s earthy tones and simplicity. By breaking down the common room, the homeowner created a wardrobe and study space, using a curtain to separate it from the bedroom area. The master bath was converted into a powder room, eliminating the shower. This unique choice reduces maintenance and suits the family’s schedule, demonstrating a practical approach to modern living.

Bathroom

The key feature of the bathroom is the concrete wall, replacing the regular shower screen. This design is easy to maintain, avoiding the need for frequent cleaning and reducing the risk of mold. The entire toilet is coated with anti-mold paint, ensuring longevity and ease of care.

Conclusion

This renovation journey not only transformed a space but also turned a house into a true home—a sanctuary tailored to the homeowner's lifestyle. If you're inspired by this story and considering your own home transformation, IDLah.sg offers the tools and expertise to bring your vision to life. Connect with talented designers and start your own renovation adventure.

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.