4 min read

Breathing new life into a 32-year-old townhouse into a vibrant and modern home is no small feat, especially when the property has undergone multiple renovations by its previous three owners. 

Despite the challenges, James and Sharon (not their real names for privacy reasons) managed to turn the once mismatched interior into a harmonious and lively living space, with their designers from Rubiks Studio. 

Despite restrictions on exterior alterations due to its townhouse status, the home retained a unique charm, reminiscent of classic Dutch architecture. As a corner unit, it boasted a patio along the side, presenting great potential for transformation into a spacious, light-filled haven

Revamping the interior 

James and Sharon’s love for hosting is evident in their redesigned living and dining areas. The primary focus of the designers was to ensure that the two spaces felt connected, so they included arched windows to establish a visual connection between them.

Beneath these openings, a built-in L-shaped bench with a bay window provides a cosy retreat – Sharon’s cherished spot for some “me-time”. 

A standout feature in the living room is the mustard B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa, which aptly reflects the friendly and warm personalities of the homeowners. 

When asked by the designer if they wanted a TV in their living room, James humorously replied, “If guests come over and want to watch TV, I’d tell them to go home and watch there.” This statement left a strong impression on the designer and highlights the couple’s focus on genuine interaction.

Semi-outdoor dining area

To facilitate their gatherings with friends and family, the designer revamped the patio and turned it into a luminous dining space perfect for elaborate dinner gatherings or relaxed brunches. 

This transformation involved installing full-height foldable glass doors and opening up an adjacent wall with arched windows and a doorway. 

These slide-and-fold doors help to open up the area, creating a semi-outdoor ambience that evokes a garden atmosphere. The unique arched windows not only add charm but also flood the space with natural light.

Reconfigured dry kitchen

Sharon, an avid baker, now enjoys a dedicated dry kitchen thanks to the relocation of the dining area to the former patio. Custom carpentry and a spacious island provide ample workspace and storage for her baking essentials. The design is kept simple and functional, ensuring a clean and timeless look.

Before they started work on the home, the windows surrounding the stairway had stained glass-like panels, which made the space dark and gloomy.

As such, these panels were replaced with clear glass variants with slim black frames, which now add a touch of modern sophistication and allow light to flow freely through the space.

Colourful bedroom

James and Sharon wanted their bedroom to be open and uncluttered, so the designers integrated built-in wardrobes along the walls to retain functionality within the space. 

They also wanted their bedroom to be vibrant and colourful, so that it could be a happy space to return home to. By understanding the homeowner’s lifestyle and preferences, the designers integrated modern and eclectic elements for the space to better suit their personalities.

This process resulted in a fusion of Japanese aesthetics and John Pawson-inspired minimalism in the main bedroom. 

To achieve this vision, they styled the space with bold-coloured furniture and artwork that work harmoniously together. 

Simple & classy toilets

Mirroring the same design ethos, the attached bathroom features grey Italian terrazzo flooring and matte white subway wall tiles, creating a minimalistic look.

The powder room on the first floor has the same design, but with a pedestal basin that exudes elegance. 

Struggles faced throughout the process

One of the significant hurdles faced during the renovation was the tight timeline. The project coincided with several year-end events, including Christmas and New Year, giving the team roughly two months to finish before James and Sharon moved in for Chinese New Year. 

Despite these difficulties, the experience was memorable for both the designer and the homeowners, resulting in a stunning transformation. 

For homeowners looking to renovate, we hope this inspires you to make your home a true reflection of your personality, to ensure a result you will genuinely be satisfied with.