Designed for first-time homeowners Suyee and Ethan, this Punggol resale flat shows how thoughtful tweaks – not heavy renovation – can make a home both functional and full of heart.
27 October 2025
Home Type: 4-room HDB flat
Floor Area: 1,001sqft
Text by Olha Romaniuk
In a Punggol resale HDB designed for first-time homeowners Suyee and Ethan, warmth, comfort and practicality stay front and centre — anchored to the realities of office hours, occasional WFH and weekend hosting.
The couple enlisted Loft.Nine Design Studio to envision a home defined by neutral and woody tones, where textures and natural light play a central role. They wanted a retreat that felt inviting and grounded – a place where evenings could unwind naturally into conversations over coffee, laughter with friends, or quiet moments.
While the original 10-year-old HDB layout remained largely intact, interior designer Jesslin Lim and the team at Loft.Nine Design Studio reimagined how the spaces connected. By swapping the positions of the sofa and TV wall, the living and dining zones gained a more open, fluid relationship. The suspended TV console now aligns seamlessly with the custom-built dining settee, visually widening the space and creating a clean, connected line of sight from one end to the other.
A glass block divider between the entrance and dining area introduces privacy without blocking light. The translucent blocks diffuse daylight beautifully across the home, softening boundaries and amplifying brightness. “The tricky part about introducing the divider was ensuring that the layout still provided enough clearance for large furniture to be moved into the home,” recalls Jesslin. “With precise planning and measurements, we managed to achieve both functionality and aesthetics for creating a bright, open, and cohesive living space without compromising on practicality.”
An arched dry pantry sets the tone for the entire interior. Situated near the entrance, it serves as both a welcoming gesture and a daily ritual space. Framed by a soft arch with wooden shelving and gentle ambient lighting, it becomes more than just a storage nook. “Since the homeowners are light cooks who love coffee and cosy gatherings, I designed it as part of an open-concept kitchen,” Jesslin explains. “It flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas allowing them to interact with guests while preparing simple meals or coffee.”
The neutral palette of warm browns and off-whites complements the arched feature, giving the home a sense of cohesion. At the same time, limewash wall finish, paired with natural textures, creates a tactile quality that feels handcrafted yet refined.
Beyond its aesthetic charm, this home excels in practical planning. Since no structural hacking was done, creative design detailing was key to transforming the standard HDB layout.
Ample built-in storage keeps clutter at bay, while the materials and finishes were chosen for durability and easy maintenance. The result is a home that feels both functional and enduring, ready to evolve with the couple as they begin their life together.
In the master bedroom, curved detailing makes a graceful appearance through a custom wardrobe design. The rounded door profiles introduce a softness that complements the overall calm of the space. The same balance of function and feeling carries into the bathrooms, which remain understated and timeless in their palette.
Completed in two months without major alterations, the project leans on restraint: a smarter layout, subtle curves, considered lighting and craft. The outcome is exactly what Suyee and Ethan asked for – balanced, welcoming, and ready for everyday use.
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