Retirement resort

Two-room BTO bachelor pad gets a luxurious yet laid-back upgrade

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Bathed in soft morning light, Mr Lin's home in Punggol exudes the ease of a private resort suite.

The retiree who did not state his full name or previous occираtion had envisioned a calm and inviting space to spend his days, with plenty of light and a view of the sea.

Through warm timber tones, textured stone and a tropical mural that anchors the bedroom, the 505 sq ft Build-To-Order Housing Board flat has been transformed into a restful retreat.

When Mr Lin first met interior designer Sheldon Toh at his un-renovated flat, his request was simple yet precise: The home had to feel open, relaxing and unlike a typical HDB unit.

Mr Toh swopped the positions of the living and sleeping areas, and removed the wall between them to better fit Mr Lin's king-size bed. This also created a seamless open-concept space with clear sightlines and, on a more practical note, required just a single television set and an air-conditioning unit for the whole home.