In a highly competitive property market, every second counts. Just ask Mediacorp actress Tay Ying and her husband, celeb chef Wu Sihan, who found themselves in a bidding war for their dream home within minutes of viewing it.
"It's like a fish market out there! Units get snapped up so quickly," Tay Ying exclaims, recalling their house-hunting experience in mid-2024.
After viewing over 10 apartments in three months and missing out on a few, the couple knew they had to act fast when they found a three-bedder that felt perfect.
"We were very specific about our requirements - a boxy layout, ample space, natural lighting, and an unobstructed view," Tay Ying explains.
And so, on the first day the apartment hit the market, they put in an offer above the asking price, only to discover they were up against another eager couple.
"This is our first home, and we plan to make it our lifetime home. We want to raise a family here," Tay Ying shares, emphasizing their commitment to this new chapter.
Their vision for the renovation was clear: a modern minimalist haven with clean lines, white tones, and a cozy ambiance.
Sihan, with experience in renovation projects for his restaurant and parents' home, took charge of the heavy work, while Tay Ying focused on décor and organization.
The result is a serene open-concept space with soft white tones, concealed storage, and carefully curated details.
Despite concerns about maintaining a white home, especially with their dachshund Tron, the couple finds joy in keeping it pristine.
"Dirt is visible, so we know exactly where to clean. It's like using correction tape - satisfying and therapeutic!" Sihan quips.
Their first major purchase was a storage sofa from King's Living, designed to keep clutter hidden.
One of their best bargains was a sleek marble coffee table from Taobao, weighing at least 100kg, which required the help of six foreign workers to move.
They opted for a round dining table from Taobao, promoting better conversations. "Long tables separate people. Round tables are more intimate," Sihan explains.
The kitchen, Sihan's playground, reflects their love for hosting. They created an open-concept layout by knocking down the wall between the kitchen and dining area, even borrowing space from the common bathroom to expand the kitchen.
"I wanted to cook and chat with my guests simultaneously," Sihan shares.
Everything is designed for seamlessness - hidden cabinet latches, an in-cabinet dish-drying rack, and minimalist power tracks.
Fabric lights were chosen to diffuse soft, even illumination, bringing a sense of daylight into the house.
"Most lights create shadows. I prefer this soft, even lighting. It makes the space feel well-lit and inviting," Sihan adds.
Even the fridge got a makeover - separate units for storage and the French door look, wrapped in white to blend with the carpentry.
"I had my car wrapper do the same for the fridge!" Tay Ying reveals.
Other thoughtful touches include a raised washing machine and dryer built to their height, and a tap that turns on with a tap - "a chef's touch," Sihan says.
The master suite, created by merging two bedrooms, is intentionally simple, a space solely for sleeping. The adjoining walk-in wardrobe, designed for Tay Ying, features custom reflective glass panels that double as full-length mirrors, turning transparent with the lights on.
The ensuite bathroom, a departure from the white theme, is inspired by hotel suites, with a wide mirror to enlarge the space and his and hers sinks, a must-have for the efficient couple.
"We get ready together most days, so we want to be efficient and avoid any sink fights!" Sihan says.
As they settle into their new home, Tay Ying and Wu Sihan's story serves as a reminder that in today's property market, speed and decisiveness can be crucial.
So, what do you think? Is their home a dream come true, or did they rush into it? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
