Crystal and Ben's 969-square-foot resale HDB apartment in Singapore's Canberra district represents more than just a successful renovation project – it's a testament to how thoughtful design can transform a dated space into a deeply personal sanctuary. The couple, including interior designer Benedict Tan from Inizio Atelier, completed a comprehensive $63,000 renovation of their 4-room apartment over four to five months, moving in around October 2025 just after their wedding.
The 7-year-old apartment required a complete overhaul, as Crystal explains: "We didn't keep anything from the previous owner, who had a number of cats and fairly dated finishes. We just started fresh, and because it's our own place, we could take our time with it." The transformation embraces the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating imperfection and natural beauty through warm wood tones, textured surfaces, and lived-in charm.
Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a cleverly designed foyer featuring a calm palette of wood tones and warm neutrals. The couple addressed the common challenge of Singapore's mandatory bomb shelter by concealing it behind full-height built-ins that serve double duty as shoe cabinets and storage. "We just wanted to conceal it because it's a bit unsightly," Crystal laughs. "I mean, everybody's bomb shelters are." Subtle metal inlay strips were strategically added to the floor tiling, creating a visually aligned walkway that draws the eye inward like "a little catwalk," as Crystal describes it.
The living and dining areas showcase the couple's bold decision to flip the original layout. Crystal felt the window-adjacent space was too cramped for entertaining, so they relocated the living room beside the dining area and converted the former living room into a study space with potential for a future nursery. The actual living area now features neutral-toned furniture from local brand Castlery, including a matching sofa and coffee table, while two air-conditioning units ensure guest comfort during Singapore's tropical climate.
The heart of their entertaining space centers around a striking kitchen peninsula island that exemplifies their wabi-sabi philosophy. "It was hand-painted with a texture paint on a cement base," explains Ben. "It was meant to have a tabletop originally, but we changed plans and left it exposed – gives it a very raw, worn look. We really like that kind of imperfect, lived-in aesthetic." The dining area accommodates their frequent hosting with a sturdy solid wood table and bench sourced from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, paired with custom dining chairs that allowed them to select their preferred fabric.
The open-concept kitchen reflects the couple's entertaining lifestyle while acknowledging their modest cooking habits. Clean, flat cabinetry lines the space alongside a Vulcan sintered stone countertop chosen to complement the home's neutral palette. "We picked it to match the neutral tone of the house and complement the peninsula. The countertop and backsplash are one seamless piece," Ben notes. The kitchen includes a dedicated dry pantry area for coffee, breakfast items, and their water dispenser, while induction cooking was selected for easy maintenance, with most appliances tucked away to maintain clean lines.
Practical spaces like the service yard maintain the home's cohesive design philosophy while serving functional needs. Crystal admits the laundry area is "a bit messy, but it's where most of the laundry gets done." The couple chose a manual drying rack with lightweight aluminum poles instead of traditional bamboo, noting that "it gets enough heat here – even though we don't get direct sun, things dry well." Fluted doors throughout this area tie into the home's calming design scheme.
The master bedroom represents the couple's most luxurious investment, with Crystal noting their good fortune: "We were quite lucky. We had just enough room to create a proper walk-in wardrobe." The wardrobe system consists of six tall panels – three for each partner – hidden behind clean flush doors. The bed area deliberately mimics boutique hotel styling, a conscious design choice that Crystal explains: "Most people place their beds facing this way or that, but we wanted something with more of a vibe. Something you'd see in a hotel." A nearby vanity nook, featuring an IKEA chest of drawers that Crystal stained herself, provides a comfortable morning routine space.
The master bathroom stands out as a particular point of pride, featuring double basins, fluted glass, and streamlined black fixtures. "He didn't want it to seem like we only had one sink," Crystal jokes about Ben's insistence on dual basins. Grey textured tiles complement a sleek rain shower integrated seamlessly into the ceiling design. "A lot of rain showers look so bulky, but we wanted one that looked more integrated," she adds.
Regarding the renovation budget, Ben estimates the total cost at approximately $63,000, though he's quick to clarify that this reflects what he calls "the married rate" – industry pricing that might not reflect standard market rates. Despite not tracking expenses meticulously during the project, the couple maximized value through carefully chosen elements like tinted mirror finishes and the strategic contrast between vinyl flooring indoors and tiles in exterior spaces.
After six months in their renovated home, Crystal reflects honestly on the adjustment to homeownership: "Maintaining your own home is really tiring. You suddenly realize how much your parents used to do for you!" She admits to learning curves like operating a washing machine, but expresses deep satisfaction with their achievement. Every element of the space, from frameless doors by 8 Doors throughout the apartment to the seamless integration of practical and aesthetic elements, speaks to two people building not just a renovated apartment, but a shared life together.
