Designer's DIY home

The owner of this Punggol HDB unit was hands-on in the renovation of his flat

- Home & Decor

Having lived in large HDB flats growing up, interior designer Samuel Lee and his wife, quantity surveyor Pearlynn Chia, needed time to adjust to the size of their new flat.

"We were willing to make compromises, but not lose the features that we grew up with. Wanting even more modern comforts while trying to make them all fit in was tough," says Mr Lee, director and lead designer of local studio Atum Interior.

In renovating the 1,001 sq ft, four-room unit in Punggol Drive, Mr Lee—who is also a contractor—let himself be guided by what he has always practised: purposeful design that pays attention to ergonomics and spatial flow.

The couple, both 32, agreed on certain important criteria for the home: It should be low-maintenance, relaxing and timeless.