Serene and airy, yet punctuated with bursts of vibrant colour, this 5-room resale HDB—brought to life with a $170k renovation—is a study in contrasts. Home to interior designer Verena Lim and her husband, the retro-eclectic design reflects the couple’s fearless embrace of bold, eye-catching details that harmonise perfectly.
@uchify.sg Inside Verena Lim’s retro-eclectic 5-room HDB, serene and airy, yet punctuated with bursts of vibrant colour, brought to life with a $170k renovation 🌳 🔗 Link in bio for the full feature🔗 Follow us on Telegram for more homes like this! #hometour #sghome #sghdb #peranakan #eclectic
A cheery eclectic Peranakan interior with lots of natural light
Image credit: @verenainterior
Painted in rich tiffany blue and adorned in vibrant Peranakan tiles, the extended entrance foyer’s maximalist detailing sets the tone for the rest of the home. Each Peranakan tile here is brimming with intricate, floral details, and we mean that in a literal sense, since every single tile is laid with its own distinct dried flower.
Image credit: @verenainterior
This creates a collection of distinct designs, much like snowflakes, where no two are the same. Peranakan tiles also adorn the kitchen, where Verena and her husband’s appreciation for bright, vibrant colours is most evident.
Image credit: @verenainterior
This attention to detail permeates the entire home, with every design choice reflecting the couple’s tastes and unique story. Nostalgic, retro-eclectic decor is woven throughout the home, from retro square tiles imported from Japan to vintage glass blocks that evoke a timeless charm.
Image credit: @verenainterior
Tranquil living space surrounding a glass-enclosed tree
Image credit: @verenainterior
While the Peranakan tiles and bright colours are eye-catching, the centrepiece of the home is definitely the glass-enclosed tree in the living room. The tree stands tall, literally rooting the living room in a sense of tranquillity.
Image credit: @verenainterior
The subdued, limewashed walls and ceiling of the living room also contrast well against the bright colours of the foyer and kitchen, offering a peaceful place for the homeowners to chill in, as well as affirm the home’s connection to nature.
Image credit: @verenainterior
Expansive indoor balcony gym
Image credit: @verenainterior
This influence of nature is also seen in the home’s expansive indoor balcony, which the couple use as an indoor gym. The AIBI gym equipment here is cleverly encased in wood, allowing the equipment to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home’s aesthetic.
The couple also use the area to entertain guests, with the use of cane and rattan furniture adding to the rustic aesthetic and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, its open, airy layout and panoramic views of the outside give the vibes of a luxurious Bali villa.
Vintage accent wall with limited-edition collectibles
Image credit: @verenainterior
The dining area is a testament to the couple’s unique personalities and their passion for collecting. A vegetable-dyed bamboo sideboard, adding a natural and botanical touch, serves as a display for their carefully curated collection of limited-edition collectibles.
Image credit: @verenainterior
From a 1950s vintage hotel telephone to rare wall art, these items showcase their discerning taste and appreciation for unique finds. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the couple’s travels and experiences, as well as serve as an excellent conversation starter when guests are over.
Where her clients would lean toward more conventional design choices, Verena boldly ventures into uncharted territory, with choices that others might consider risky. This fearless approach to design is what makes the couple’s retro-eclectic home truly unique—a vibrant reflection of their personalities and their willingness to embrace the unexpected.
For more featured home inspiration:
- Renovating my family’s 5-room HDB flat for $150K after 16 years
- GCB renovation in Singapore with a memorial garden
- A $200K modern Japanese maisonette with industrial touches
Cover image adapted from: @verenainterior
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