Hyggelig Studio
(5-Room Resale in Bishan): A Scandinavian-Tropical Transformation
This renovation shows how a 30-year-old flat can become a welcoming space with a fresh and practical Scandinavian-Tropical mix. The design team skillfully worked around the load-bearing beam without compromising function or style. Key takeaways for homeowners include preserving original features to maintain structural integrity, investing in durable materials for high-traffic areas, planning the renovation schedule to minimize disruptions, and setting aside a 10–15% contingency fund for unexpected costs. The result is a brighter, more cohesive home that enhances daily living, proving that an older resale HDB can feel new with thoughtful design choices.
A Scandinavian-Tropical Transformation
5-room resale HDB flat in Bishan Street 22 that was built in the 1990s. It measures around 121 square meters and had a 30-year-old layout. The owners wanted a fresh start without losing the open feel of their home. Hyggelig Studio completed the work in 12 weeks, blending Scandinavian design with local accents. The total renovation cost was $92,500.
Client Background & Pain Points
This home belongs to a young family of four. They wanted a modern space that fits their daily life. They found several issues:
- Outdated kitchen layout with stale air circulation
- A small common bathroom measuring 1.8m by 1.2m
- Mismatched flooring across different rooms
- Limited storage for children’s items
- Dark corridors due to many partition walls
Their goal was to keep the flat’s spacious feel while resolving these concerns.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Hyggelig Studio chose a “light-touch renovation” plan to upgrade essential areas while maintaining the unit’s character.
Spatial Reconfiguration
- Removed non-structural walls between living and dining zones
- Changed the 4th bedroom into a combined study and guest room
- Created an extended kitchen counter with a breakfast bar facing the dining area
I liked how this approach improved natural light, which was once blocked by too many walls.
Material Palette
- European oak vinyl flooring (2.2mm wear layer) in all main areas
- Textured limewash walls in the living area to reflect soft light
- Black powder-coated aluminum frames for glass partitions
- Rattan light fixtures from a local craftsman named Tuck Weng Designs
This combination introduced warmth to the home without overpowering the setting.
Scandinavian-Tropical Fusion
- White oak cabinetry with fluted glass inserts for a cozy, airy vibe
- Built-in planter boxes below windows for greenery and fresh air
- Singaporean tropical details like easy-to-clean tiles in the kitchen and bright color accents for a cheerful look
The family liked the airy mood, which reminded them of a breezy resort.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Structural Limitations
During the renovation, workers found a load-bearing beam in the planned open kitchen area. This discovery required extra steel reinforcement at a cost of $2,800. This step ensured safety and stability.
Material Delays
European kitchen hardware arrived six weeks late. Hyggelig Studio installed temporary plywood countertops during this period. This measure let the family keep a functioning kitchen.
Child Safety
The family has two young kids, so safety was a top priority:
- Rounded cabinet edges (2.5mm radius) to reduce accidents
- Anti-slip ceramic tiles (R11 rating) in wet areas to avoid falls
I recall how the parents appreciated these changes, as they felt less worried about daily mishaps.
Key Highlights & Features
Below is a table that shows some key innovations and savings:
| Area | Innovation | Cost-Saving Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Retractable appliance garage | Reused existing plumbing lines |
| Bathrooms | Wall-hung vanities | Standard-sized tiles in a stacked layout |
| Bedrooms | Modular wardrobe system | LED strip lighting instead of recessed lights |
| Living Room | Acoustic panel feature wall | Upcycled original teak door frames |
An interesting detail is the 1.8m-long hidden toy storage under the living room window seat. The parents loved this solution, as it keeps the living area neat.
Cost Breakdown
Hyggelig Studio organized the budget into these main categories:
| Category | Percentage | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry | 45% | Custom wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, built-in seating |
| Flooring | 18% | Homogeneous tiles, vinyl overlay |
| Electrical | 12% | Smart lighting system, USB outlets |
| Plumbing | 10% | Grohe fixtures, heated towel rails |
| Misc. | 15% | Permits, disposal fees, temporary lodging |
Furniture and appliances were not included in this figure.
Cost Distribution Chart
Here is a simple chart showing the approximate share of each category:
Carpentry: █████████████████████████████ (45%)
Flooring: ███████████ (18%)
Electrical: ████████ (12%)
Plumbing: █████ (10%)
Miscellaneous:█████████ (15%)
This chart offers a quick view of how renovation funds were allocated.