Home Journal transforms an East Coast condo into a French-inspired haven for a family of four, blending refined charm with everyday functionality.
16 April 2025
Home Type: 3-bedroom condominium
Floor Area: 1,270sqft
Text by Disa Tan
A married couple in the healthcare sector found their ideal home in an East Coast condominium with a breathtaking seaside view. With a design vision rooted in French elegance, they entrusted Principal Designer Kalyn Guo from Home Journal to transform the resale unit into a refined yet functional sanctuary.
Kalyn’s first impression of the condo? Dark and uninviting, especially the foyer by the private lift. To brighten things up, she knocked down a wall and added a curved French metal-framed window. The main wooden door was replaced with sleek glass doors to reveal the sea view right from the entrance. Built-in cabinets and seating with seamless wall panelling bring style and function. “We knew the entrance had to make a statement,” says the designer. Sensor-lit handblown wall lamps complete the glow-up.
To capture the essence of French charm, Kalyn introduced wainscoting and elegant cornices throughout the living space. “By layering in French-inspired details, we created an atmosphere of airiness and understated luxury,” she shares. Every furniture piece was carefully selected to blend style with function, all while maintaining a cohesive and refined look.
Above the dining table hangs a pair of striking Gubi Multi-Lite Pendant lights. They serve as bold centrepieces and subtly introduce a mid-century modern touch within the home’s broader French-inspired narrative.
The kitchen was also in a dark and gloomy state. Kalyn brought in natural light with a French glass sliding door and cleverly relocated the awkwardly placed fridge to the service yard, creating a cleaner, more streamlined layout.
The kitchen now shines with luxe Cosentino Silestone countertops and backsplash – the cookspace’s biggest splurge. Cabinet handles in gold finishes further add a touch of glam. “Our clients had a refined taste and weren’t afraid to invest in quality materials,” Kalyn says.
French doors with textured glass panels draw out a grand, light-filled entrance to the master bedroom, offering privacy while adding a hint of old-world charm. The original bulky wardrobe was replaced with a bespoke and curved L-shaped design, cleverly maximising space and softening the visual weight along the narrow walkway.
Designed as a tranquil escape, the master bedroom balances French-inspired elegance with the calming influence of its panoramic East Coast view. Floor-to-ceiling windows are draped with sheer curtains that gently diffuse the natural light, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere.
Echoing the bedroom’s charm, the master bathroom features a French-style door that sets a refined tone. Inside, a bespoke vanity with built-in lighting and a mirror that enhances beauty routines takes centrestage, while everyday essentials like makeup are neatly tucked away for effortless access.
With two teenagers in the home, function was key in the common bedrooms. Each room is designed with custom storage bedframes, study desks and wardrobes to ensure the limited space is maximised without feeling cramped.
In contrast to the bright colour palette of the master suite, the common bathroom embraces a bold black scheme – a deliberate design choice by Kalyn to inject a dose of drama and individuality into the overall aesthetic. It’s these contrasting design moments that give the home depth and character, all thoughtfully crafted within its swift eight-week renovation period.
Home Journal
www.homejournal.com.sg
www.instagram.com/homejournalsg/
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