A semi-retired couple working in education and training has transformed their compact 990-square-foot four-room resale apartment in Tampines into a vibrant showcase of personality and thoughtful design. After nearly a decade in their previous home, the couple decided to create a space that would reflect their evolving lifestyle and prepare for their future needs as they transition into retirement.
The apartment's entrance immediately sets a unique tone with a custom-designed steel gate featuring two distinctive circular cut-outs, conceived by designer Dess Chew of Three-D Conceptwerke. This innovative entry gate allows the residents to see outside while maintaining privacy from passersby. The circular motif becomes a recurring design element throughout the home, appearing in porthole-style cut-outs across bathroom doors, the bedroom entrance, and the common toilet window.
Beyond the gate, visitors encounter a hallway adorned with bold orange surface-mounted electrical cabling that runs confidently across the ceiling. This striking orange color serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, efficiently routing lighting throughout the compact space while adding an industrial edge to the design. The exposed cabling demonstrates how functional elements can become decorative features when thoughtfully integrated.
The living and dining areas form the emotional heart of the home, combining bright colors, sculptural furniture, and deeply personal elements. The space showcases an eclectic mix of statement pieces, including a giant inflatable Sharpie marker in one corner and a large artificial cactus from a limited-edition IKEA collection. A Kartell Bubble Club sofa designed by French designer Philippe Starck sits alongside a metallic dining table from Italian brand Calligaris, which holds special significance for the family as the centerpiece for celebrations, meals, and major life events.
The couple's extensive collection of memorabilia reflects their lifelong fascination with storytelling and cultural narratives. Ancient Greek busts sit alongside wind-up tin robots, DC Comics superheroes, and Star Wars figurines, all carefully displayed in ceiling-height glass-and-steel cabinets for easy maintenance. The diverse collection, illuminated by integrated RGB lighting, represents the owners' appreciation for the shared patterns across mythology, religion, and popular culture.
A custom-made glowing neon light box inscribed with meaningful Bible verses serves as the spiritual centerpiece of the home. Strategically mounted in a location visible from various points throughout the apartment, it provides a quiet but constant reminder of the couple's faith. Near the master bedroom, a Kartell Spoon table and office chair create a functional workspace, while a Kartell LCP lounge chair that has been with the couple for years adds familiar comfort to the area.
The master bedroom offers a serene contrast to the vibrant common areas, featuring a calming baby-blue accent wall and a painting the couple has treasured for more than 25 years. Access to this peaceful retreat is through another sliding door with the signature porthole design, maintaining the home's cohesive aesthetic while providing privacy.
Practical considerations for aging in place influenced the bathroom designs throughout the apartment. The compact spaces were reconfigured without shower partitions to allow for easier movement and potential elder-friendly upgrades in the future. The common bathroom features a circular porthole window framed like a ship's hatch, allowing natural light to flow in from the service yard while maintaining user privacy. Lighting fixtures and a mirror from the couple's previous home were thoughtfully recycled and incorporated into the new design.
The kitchen, though compact, prioritizes everyday functionality as the space where the couple typically takes their meals. Designed with clean lines and durable materials, the kitchen balances practical needs with personality through colorful accessories and utilitarian pieces that double as artistic elements. Even within the industrial grey and brushed steel color scheme, splashes of vibrant color create visual interest and maintain the home's playful spirit.
The entire renovation process took approximately three months to complete. According to designer Dess Chew, the project embodies the principle that "form follows emotion," emphasizing that a space should feel right before it looks right. The design philosophy prioritizes creating an environment that connects meaningfully with how people live and feel within their home, resulting in a space that perfectly reflects the couple's transition into their next life chapter.
