HomeBefore & After: Turning a Basic Living Room into a Warm, Woody Retreat
achh
Hdb 5 rooms flat with modern Japanese inspired interior
Before & After: Turning a Basic Living Room into a Warm, Woody Retreat
11
- Japandi
- HDB (Resale)
- ~1,200 sqft
- 3 br
- Couple Living with Kids
Hi again! 👋 Today we're excited to share the before and after transformation of our living area. When we first bought this resale flat, it was actually in pretty good condition—well-maintained and move-in ready. But even though everything looked fine on the surface, the overall design just didn’t reflect our style. More importantly, the layout didn’t really work for the way we live and use our space every day. So, we decided to give it a full redesign—tailoring the space to better suit our lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. From reworking the layout to updating the finishes, this transformation was all about creating a home that feels truly us. 
One of our main priorities for the redesign was storage. We knew from the start that we didn’t want open shelves—mainly because we’re just not the type to constantly dust and tidy them up (being honest here!). So, we focused on creating a clean, clutter-free look with lots of hidden storage. One of our favorite additions is the custom bay window seat, which not only adds a cozy corner to the living area but also includes built-in drawer storage underneath. It’s a smart and stylish way to keep things tucked away while still maximizing every inch of the space. 
The renovation process wasn’t all smooth sailing—far from it, actually. 😅 I worked directly with both the contractor and carpenter, which meant I had to be super hands-on with every detail. From sketching out dimensions to choosing materials and accessories, every decision had to be clear and precise. It was very tedious work—and all while juggling my full-time job. There were definitely moments of stress, especially when mistakes happened along the way. Even a small error in measurement or material choice could delay things and affect other parts of the project. Fixing one issue often meant reworking several steps, which required even more time and coordination. It was a tough period, but looking back, I’m proud of how everything came together. It definitely tested my patience, but the end result made all the effort worth it. 
But slowly, as things started progressing, I could see the space shaping up just the way I had imagined it. That feeling—watching your vision turn into reality, piece by piece—is incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me why I started this in the first place and made all the stress, sleepless nights, and decision fatigue feel worth it in the end. 
Of course, there were still a few mistakes made along the way, and some things I would probably do differently next time. But I’ve learned so much through this process, and if I ever get the chance to do it again, I know I’ll be even better prepared. 
✨ So here it is—the look we’ve always wanted: a woody, cozy living room with lots of hidden storage and a touch of greenery to refresh us every single day.
