A breath of fresh air in Dairy Farm

Surrounded by nature and long overdue for a revamp, this 1,163-square-foot apartment in Dairy Farm had potential — it just needed someone to strip away the clutter and let the light in. Enter Melissa Tan from Studio Wick, the designer behind its thoughtful transformation. The result? A home that’s relaxed and earthy, and perfectly attuned to its owners’ way of living.

The couple living here are both in tech and homebodies, who are happiest when they are tinkering with recipes in their kitchen or gazing out at the greenery. They didn’t want anything showy. Just a home that felt open, breathable, and honest. “Airy, homely vibes” was the brief, and it guided every decision.

Walls were knocked down. A clunky false ceiling came out. In its place: space to breathe, move and gather. The once closed-off kitchen now flows into the dining area, where a generous table seats ten — perfect for hosting slow dinners with friends.

Original crittall-style balcony doors in the living area and master bedroom were kept, their colonial charm intact. Framing views of the surrounding greenery, they bring texture and softness to the otherwise streamlined interior. A plush sofa from Grey and Sanders anchors the living room, paired with a green marble coffee table from Gamar — a subtle nod to the outdoors, echoed in the kitchen by a deep green Franke hood.

Small flourishes make a big difference. A curved half wall separates the kitchen from the yard, where retro-patterned tiles from Hup Kiong add a flash of playfulness. The bathrooms, meanwhile, are minimalist retreats in their own right — covered in custom limewash by Pigment Works, tailored to the homeowners’ request for a seamless, grout-free finish.

The second bedroom has been left intentionally blank — a flex space for work or guests — because in a home like this, nothing is rushed. It’s a place designed for slow mornings, messy cooking sessions, and quiet evenings with the windows open.

The renovation took just over three months and cost around $45,000 — proof that you don’t need a massive budget to create a space with soul. Sometimes, the most meaningful change is simply learning when to pare back — and when to let the outside in.

Studio Wick
www.instagram.com/_studiowick

Photography by Eldonshoots

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