Cafe hopping is undoubtedly one of Singaporeans’ favourite pastimes. But now that prices are creeping up everywhere, more of us are swapping weekend cafe runs for slow mornings at home. What if we told you that you don’t have to sacrifice sipping your cold brew in an aesthetic space? When done right, your flat can feel like the kind of spot you’d pay to hang out in.
That’s exactly what this graphic designer did with her 2-room Flexi HDB flat at 462 Sengkang West Way. Instead of chasing the next Instagrammable brunch spot, she brought the vibe home. For just $40,000, her 67sqm flat now looks like a boutique hotel-meets-cafe, complete with a chic bedroom, a breezy living-dining area, a small but functional kitchen, and yes, an in-house coffee corner.
Designed by interior design and renovation firm Weiken, this 2022 renovation involved carpentry, flooring, tiling, and painting. And it is living proof that even small spaces can be multipurpose with the right vision.
Scandinavian-inspired interiors with boutique hotel vibes
Image credit: Weiken
The interiors are effortlessly calming, designed to feel like a retreat from the outside world. Instead of harsh corners or boxy layouts, everything here flows: from the arched fluted glass on the bedroom door to the rounded dining table and curved pantry counter. These gentle curves make it look like a chic hotel-like space that feels elegant yet super livable.
The colour palette sticks to a soothing monochrome of warm neutrals, which keeps things feeling light and open, even in a compact layout. Texture ties it all together—with boucle chairs, ribbed carpentry, and layered throws that make the space feel inviting and lived-in, not like a catalogue.
Living/dining room with a bar cafe
Image credit: Weiken
The highlight of the home is the living-dining area. Walk in, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into one of Singapore’s aesthetic cafes. It’s welcoming, cosy, and super intentional with its layout.
The area combines the living, dining, and pantry zones into one fluid setup that makes the most of the modest floor plan. A recessed window seat doubles up as a lounge spot and dining nook, with a small round table that works for everything from kopi breaks to dinner with friends. There’s even an extendable table stashed away for when guests come over.
Image credit: Weiken
To save space, the ID designed a curved peninsula that acts as a standing workstation, coffee bar, and prep counter all in one. Above it, open and suspended shelving keeps things feeling light, while offering just enough room for styling and storage. Soft cove lighting under the counters and around the window alcove adds a gentle glow to the space.
All in all, it’s made for zen vibes, whether for winding down after work or sipping a leisurely morning coffee.
A cohesive look throughout the home
Image credit: Weiken
That warm, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic carries seamlessly through the rest of the home. Like the living area, soft ambient lighting is a key feature in both the bedroom and kitchen. In the bedroom, LED strips tucked behind the desk and bedhead provide some soft illumination without the need for bulky lamps.
Built-in carpentry keeps everything streamlined. The desk, side table, and bed frame are all done in matching light wood, making the space feel clean and clutter-free.
Image adapted from: Weiken
The muted colour palette continues here as well. Soft beiges, taupes, and wood tones create a peaceful, focused environment that doubles as both sleep sanctuary and workspace. Even with limited square footage, the desk sits neatly beside the bed, making the most of the tight footprint.
Image credit: Weiken
Over in the kitchen, it’s all about smart storage and visual continuity. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry makes use of every inch of space, while fluted backsplash tiles add texture without overwhelming the narrow galley layout. Then there’s the warm wood laminates that echo the rest of the home’s finishes, keeping the design cohesive throughout.
Image credit: Weiken
Other thoughtful details—like the arched doorway that leads into the hallway and brushed brass accents on taps and handles—help tie everything together. Even the bathroom follows the same look, with soft tones and gold touches that resemble an ensuite in a stylish staycay spot.
2-room Flexi HDB flat at Sengkang West Way
At the end of the day, this 2-room Flexi HDB flat proves that even a compact HDB can feel like a sanctuary. With the right ID and clever space hacks like built-in nooks, soft lighting, and multi-use counters, you can turn every corner into something special. Who says you need to head out for a cafe when you can brew your own in a home that looks and feels just as good?
See more featured homes:
- Wabi-sabi Eunos BTO with a hidden bomb shelter
- Overkill’s Ryan Tan gives his condo a $150k glow-up
- $70k 4-room HDB reno with peak Pokemon nostalgia
Cover image adapted from: Weiken
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