House Tour: A calming all-white three-room HDB in Hougang

Freelance graphic designer Chia Ching Kai bought this 1975 HDB flat in its original condition and decided to take on the interior design himself.

"I was very clear about the design concept, layout and how I wanted it furnished. I also knew exactly how the space should function, both as a home and for work. Having previously collaborated with a reliable contractor on a few smaller renovation projects, I didn't see the need to involve a third party in this case," he says.

The original walls dividing the two bedrooms and the living room were hacked to create one large space, much like a studio apartment. This is Ching Kai's idea of "openness", where there are "no secrets, just airiness and lots of natural light".

The main living and work area reflect a minimalist approach, from the decor and colour palette, to the furniture and storage solutions. "It has been distilled to what I need in my daily life and work," he shares.

The only furniture within the space is a large worktop that also serves as a communal dining table when entertaining guests. It is complemented by three Hans J. Wegner Wishbone Chairs and a long wooden bench.

An assortment of plants are arranged along the windows, with a solitary armchair placed in the corner.

He wanted a raw cement look, but practical considerations associated with the weight of cement slabs meant that he had to seek an alternative solution. "I cladded the plywood cabinet doors with MDF panels for better paint adherence and applied the faux cement finish myself," he reveals.

The sleeping area is tucked away at the far end, separated from the main space by a simple curtain, which can be drawn when privacy is desired.

This space exemplifies Ching Kai's "less is more" mantra, with just a double bed and a bedside lamp. "It is designed to be nothing more than an enclave for sleeping," he says.

The most challenging aspect of designing his home was staying true to his vision while keeping to the budget.

"Designing my own space meant that I did not have to contend with someone else who may have a different sense of aesthetics, but that also means that you need to possess a decent sense of aesthetics in the first place and know whether your ideas can or cannot be realised," he cautions.

For homeowners who are considering designing their own homes, Ching Kai's advice is to start clean. "Rely on the art of furnishing and decoration whereby you can move or change things around to give character to the space, instead of using permanent fixtures that may become dated as design trends evolve."

An all-white colour palette gives the small bathroom a bright and airy feel.

A fuss-free and functional kitchen that Ching Kai keeps spick and span, like the rest of the home.

This article was first published in Home and Decor.