The cottagecore trend that rose like a phoenix from the ashes in 2020 has been making its way into people’s homes, turning their living quarters into a fairytale-esque space. And it looks hella chic. Case in point, this 5-room integrated HDB flat in Pasir Ris that’s hip, peaceful, and cosy. The best part is, the entire DIY home renovation tallied up to just $6,000.
@uchify.sg The total reno cost only amounted to $6,000 as there was no major works done (eg. no hacking) and the homeowners also hired direct contractors! #sghome #hometour #sgreno #fyp #tiktoksg #sgresale
DIY renovation with Carousell secondhand furniture
Image credit: Nicole Ang
Here’s the reason why the renovation cost was kept at a minimum: the majority of the furniture was secondhand goods from Carousell. We’re talking half-priced dining table, 6 chairs, and a $13 mirror that was originally bought for $200. Beyond the online shopping platform, the couple also ventured out to multiple furniture fairs and electronic sales to scour for affordable home pieces.
Image adapted from: Nicole Ang
Blessed with lots of tricks up their sleeves, they were able to cut costs further by restoring several preloved items such as turning a plain mirror into a grid one, as well as installing all lighting fixtures themselves. “We saved around $5,000 on labouring costs by doing the wiring and trunking works ourselves,” said the owner.
Image credit: Nicole Ang
The only things that were left in the hands of the contractors were built-in cabinet lamination, room parquet polishing, living room floor tiles regrouting, toilet floor tiles overlaying, and console removal.
Inspired by home in the European countryside
Image credit: Nicole Ang
With a little help from Pinterest and HGTV Home Design TV Channel, alongside inspirations from rustic European homes, the homeowners turned their 5-bedder into the ultimate countryside escape.
Image adapted from: Nicole Ang
There’s the gallery wall with abstract artwork and floral prints by the entrance, a vintage brown leather folding chair, mosaic kitchen backsplash wallpaper, and a wooden sliding barn door that leads to the master bedroom.
Image credit: Nicole Ang
Inside the living room, the enclosed balcony serves as a sweet spot for a morning cuppa and a chill session, as well as a dedicated space for the homeowners’ cat to hang out. The synthetic grass carpet and lush draping plants from the ceiling also give this indoor nook an open and airy outdoorsy vibe. On a sunny day, the balcony gets so sun-soaked that one may need to wear sunscreen.
A $6K home renovation in Pasir Ris
Bet no one would have thought this tranquil 5-room retreat that’s outfitted with dreamy vintage-inspired decor only cost $6,000 to be put together. Granted, there was no hacking and major renovation work needed. But it was the homeowners’ effort to shift through a mountain of secondhand goods and traverse plenty of furniture sales to secure unique pieces that made the home.
For more home inspo:
- Tropical shophouse-style landed home
- Blue $50K renovation with eclectic patterns
- $75K mid-century modern HDB renovation with designer lamps
Cover image adapted from: Nicole Ang & @z_m_homez
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
