While some of you are kitting your homes out with baby gates and cabinet locks, others are fully embracing their best Double-Income-No-Kids (DINK) lives. And no, we’re not just talking about splashing out on trips and indulging in every whim and fancy… we’re talking about buying the largest HDB flat type they can afford and transforming it into the adult pad of their dreams.
Case in point: meet Cassan and her husband, the proud owners of a 5-room resale flat that they purchased for $580,000 and invested $86k to turn the space into a sun-drenched, cosy adobe for the two of them.
Choosing a 5-room flat for just 2 people
Cassan shares that the brief was fairly simple: lots of natural light, wooden elements for a homey vibe, a coffee nook to feed their inner beanheads and a dedicated space for filming content.
While most homeowners gravitate towards more square home layouts due to its practicality, Cassan and her husband saw the potential in the long layout of their 5-room flat. Initially, they wondered if it would work for their lifestyle, but as soon as they stepped into the space, they knew it was the right fit.
The home features a mid-century modern theme, accented with personal touches and playful, dog-themed decor. Cassan shared that they’re planning to get a dog in the future—hence the subtle nods to their future furry friend scattered throughout the space.
Unique features in the house
Cassan and her husband mentioned that they were drawn to the rich, darker tones of mid-century modern interior design, and this aesthetic became the backbone of their reno plans.
Stepping into the home, you’ll notice that the enclosed entryway is long, but super spacious, with an entire wall of glass blocks and a glass door allowing natural light into what could otherwise be a stuffy space.
Illuminated with “small lights”, the entryway is also the perfect place for the couples’ outfit checks before they leave the home. And while we’re used to seeing a lot of open-concept entryways, we’re kinda digging the privacy this foyer awards them by subtly dividing the entrance from the rest of the house.
A wall feature cleverly conceals the kitchen, and it’s often the highlight when they host—guests are always impressed by this seamless design.
In the living room, the couple incorporated arched niches—one to showcase Cassan’s decor, another to display an item from a past hobby, and a third as a dedicated coffee corner for her husband. This space features a coffee machine, with all his tools neatly organised in the cabinet below.
The bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe, created by closing off the entrance to what was once another room. This space now serves a dual purpose: as a wardrobe and a cosy filming corner where Cassan records her videos.
Transforming a 5-room flat into a DINK’s paradise
If you’re aiming for a home like Cassan’s, she has a few practical tips to share. First, think about resale potential from the moment you view a property. This not only increases your chances of getting a solid return on investment but also helps you avoid homes that might be tough to sell down the road.
Pay close attention to location, size, and price—location plays a big role in future resale value, while size and price will help you set a realistic budget for your home design.
For more articles about home designs:
- 2-room flexi HDB’s $40k makeover that makes it look like a boutique hotel
- Ryan Tan’s $150k condo glow-up
- 4-room wabi-sabi in Eunos that features a glowey wooden wall niche
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