Renovating a home is never easy, there’s dust, delays, and the occasional meltdown over whether beige and greige are actually different colours. But for actor Charlie Goh, things were even trickier. He had just sold his flat and given his interior designers a hard deadline of 3 months, because if the renovation didn’t finish in time, he’d literally have nowhere to stay.
The 1,250sqft home is valued at around $1.6 million, and the goal was to turn it into a peaceful sanctuary that reflects his life now.
With a $120K budget and a team of skilled IDs and contractors who somehow pulled it all together on time, the result is nothing short of impressive. We dropped by for a visit, and here’s what we loved about Charlie’s home makeover.
$120k renovation makeover for a 26-year-old condo
Charlie’s home may be 26 years old, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the moment you step inside. With the help of the team from Rezt + Relax, the space underwent a full $120K transformation in just 3 months, a timeline that would make even the most seasoned homeowners break into a nervous sweat.
The result? A soothing, contemporary home that feels calm without being sterile. Instead of going for the usual pure white walls, he opted for a limewash finish, giving the space a soft, textured look.
A modern, neutral wabi-sabi home
Interestingly, it was Charlie’s wife who took the lead on the design, working closely with the team from Rezt + Relax to bring their vision to life. There wasn’t a fixed theme at first, just a desire for something timeless and calming. But as the ideas came together, the home naturally evolved into a modern mix of Japandi and wabi-sabi aesthetics.
Think soft, neutral tones, textured finishes, and gentle curves and arches. It doesn’t scream for attention, it just feels good to be in.
Hidden door to the master bedroom
Before the renovation, opening the front door meant looking straight into the master bedroom, not exactly the most welcoming sight. So the layout got a clever rework. The bedroom door was shifted to the side, and in its place now stands a feature wall with a custom built-in cabinet, giving the entryway both privacy and personality.
And once you step inside, you’ll probably notice what everyone else does first: the lighting. Charlie’s home is fitted with lights from Sol Luminaire, and though these lights are small, they make a big impression. In fact, they’re usually the first thing his friends comment on when they visit.
There’s also not a single bright white bulb in sight, every light glows a warm, soothing hue that ties the space together beautifully. It’s a subtle touch, but one that really elevates the home’s calm, wabi-sabi vibe.
Perhaps one of the best moves Charlie did was shrinking the kitchen to make room for a larger living area. It might sound counterintuitive at first, who wouldn’t want a big kitchen? But for Charlie and his wife, it made perfect sense. Neither of them cooks often, so the extra space was better spent where they actually live and lounge.
With the expanded living room, they also added a dry pantry area, a clever little spot for snacks, and coffee. The result is a home that’s not only functional but also feels open and inviting.
There’s room to stretch out, entertain friends, or just curl up with a book without bumping into cabinets or counters. It’s a small tweak in the layout, but it completely changes how the home feels, bigger, more usable, and just a little bit smarter.
A bali-like resort style toilet
Looking at the bathroom, it was clear that Charlie didn’t want just any bathroom, he wanted a resort-style retreat. Meaning every time he steps in, it should feel like he’s checking into a tropical Bali hotel rather than brushing his teeth at home.
The design keeps the calm, neutral vibe running through the rest of the condo, but with a few fun touches that really sell the holiday feel. Small rattan baskets hold toiletries neatly, while a few scent diffusers fill the space with gentle, relaxing aromas.
The result is a bathroom that’s more than functional, it’s a little escape from the everyday, where even a quick shower can feel like a mini getaway.
A feature wall to store all the nitty gritty
Another clever touch in the living room is the feature wall that hides all the wires. Behind it, the cables for his TV console and gaming consoles are completely tucked away, leaving the space looking clean and streamlined. The rich brown tone also contrasts beautifully with the rest of the home, giving it a feeling that honestly feels like a high-end spa waiting area.
The wall also pairs perfectly with his sofa, which is no ordinary couch. Measuring 2 metres and fully reclinable, it’s scratchproof and waterproof, a must-have since Charlie shares his space with a cat and a dog.
Function meets style here: while it looks sleek and luxurious, it’s also practical enough to survive everyday life with pets and the occasional snack spills.
Charlie Goh’s 1,250sqft “peaceful sanctuary”
At the end of the day, Charlie describes his home simply as a “Peaceful Sanctuary.” Every corner was designed with cosiness in mind. From the soft, warm lighting to the calming neutral tones and thoughtful furniture choices.
For Charlie, walking through the door feels like stepping into another world. A place where he can finally leave work behind, breathe, and just be home, in the truest sense of the word. After all the renovations, deadlines, and design decisions, it’s more than just a house. It’s a space that reflects who he is and how he wants to feel: calm, relaxed, and perfectly at ease.
Take a look at more famous people’s homes:
- 9 next-level homes owned by famous influencers in Singapore
- Overkill’s Ryan Tan gives his condo a $150k glow-up
Cover image adapted from: Uchify
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