Step into Jim and Sha’s 4-room flat in Punggol, and you would be hard pressed to describe their interior style. The exposed trunking and epoxy flooring suggest semi-industrial, while the walnut-coloured wall cabinets, vintage pieces, and sprawling houseplants evoke a mid-century modern feel. 

However, the couple easily sums up their home up in one word – eclectic. We speak to the homeowners on their design inspirations, and how their first home has evolved with them since they moved in a decade ago. 

Practical Considerations First 

For Jim and Sha, practical considerations were the most important when it came to buying their first home.  

To improve their chances of securing a new home, the couple looked at projects in less popular locations. They also considered projects near their parents, where they could apply under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS). With the help of the MCPS, the couple secured a ballot number for their Punggol flat that was well within the number of units on offer.  

Budget was another important factor that guided their decisions. “We wanted to make sure that we did not overcommit for our first home,” recounted Jim.  

When selecting a unit, the couple narrowed down their options based on their budget. “Our goal was to make sure we did not end up paying any cash out-of-pocket for our monthly mortgage instalments,” said Jim. For this reason, the couple passed up on a chance to select more expensive units on higher floors. 

Designing with a Budget 

When it came to renovating their flat, the couple worked within a budget that they considered would be affordable by the time they collected the keys to their flat. 

The couple also saved some money by managing the renovation process with a contractor directly, without engaging an interior designer. This arrangement worked for Sha, who is design trained. “I have very particular tastes,” Sha admits. “It was good that we had a firm budget in mind. Otherwise, as a designer, the sky’s the limit.” 

The main contractor that the couple engaged started out a little confused by some of the couple’s less mainstream design ideas. Pointing to the exposed trunking on the ceiling, Sha laughs as she recounts, “Our contractor told us, ‘Most people build false ceilings to hide the wiring, but you want to expose them?’” 

The exposed trunking, unique furniture, and abundance of plants lend an eclectic feel to the flat.  

Despite their contractor’s initial reservations, Jim and Sha were more than satisfied with the outcome. “Our contractor had the best lobang as an industry veteran, and also gave great advice about the types of materials and finishings that would be durable. Most of the renovation works have lasted for over ten years.” 

Shifting Things Around 

While the couple wanted quality finishings that would stand the test of time, they also wanted the flexibility to change things up at home (Sha confesses to having ‘itchy fingers’). The couple minimised carpentry works within the enlarged living room space, which was created by knocking down the walls of the adjacent bedroom. 

The couple jokes that some furniture has probably been shuffled around every area of the living room, and positioned in just about every orientation. In fact, some pieces have even been completely repurposed.  

For example, what was once a coffee table became a dining table, after Sha found a fabricator to add longer legs. The old dining table can now be found across the other end of the space, repurposed as Sha’s worktable. In place of their old coffee table sits a thrifted trunk, well-worn and full of character.  

What was once the couple’s dining table has now been repurposed as Sha’s work table.

 

Thrifted and Thriving 

More thrifted pieces, both big and small, can be found throughout the couple’s home. “I love the idea of a good deal, and discovering unique pieces,” Sha says. “Mixing and matching pieces can also help homes have less of a showroom-feel.”  

Knick knacks add plenty of character to the home. 

Perhaps the biggest thrifted piece in the house is the wall-mounted wood cabinets, which are also a new addition to the flat. Put up just last year, Sha had sourced them from a plant store which was closing. “Since the store was moving out, the owner had started posting items for sale on social media. I heard that the teak wood cabinets were custom-made in Thailand, so we really lucked out.” 

The cabinets also hold a special meaning for the couple. “The plant store was where we started our plant parent journey,” Sha shares. “It’s nice that we get to keep a little bit of that store with us, even after they packed up.” 

The thrifted teak-wood cabinets fit perfectly into the space, even though they were a recent addition to the home.

While there’s always a risk of being too thrift-happy, Sha generally thrifts with specific pieces in mind. “If I buy something, it’s usually because I’ve a clear idea of what I want,” Sha explains. “For example, I’ve been waiting 2 to 3 years for the perfect red dining chair. While I’ve come across my fair share of red chairs, none of them have been the one. Until then, that space sits empty.”  

The empty space on the far end of the dining table sits empty, waiting for the perfect red chair. 

An Evolving Home 

When asked for advice for soon-to-be homeowners, the couple (unsurprisingly) encourages them to embrace the idea of an evolving home. “Even though the renovation process can be stressful, remember that you don’t have to get it perfect the first time. You’ll never fully know what it’s like to live in a space until you move in, and you’ll always have the chance to change things up later.”  

Reflecting on their journey as homeowners and as a couple, Sha adds, “There are also plenty of home habits and idiosyncrasies that you’ll learn about yourself and your partner after you move in. Take your time to get to know these things, and get to know one another better.”