Awe Interiors

07/08/2026

Proposed design for an expat couple who purchased a SOHO (Small Office Home Office). These units feature high ceilings within a compact footprint, challenging homeowners to make every square metre count.

We retained the existing steel structure and encapsulated it within a new loft design. Storage was thoughtfully integrated around the loft, allowing everyday essentials to remain within easy reach. Above, high-level display shelves were introduced to showcase the owners' collection of books and collectibles.

Moving into the kitchen, we opted to relaminate the existing cabinetry in lighter tones to brighten the space and create a greater sense of openness. We also refreshed the mobile island left behind by the previous owner, as the new homeowners had grown rather fond of it.

All in all, it was a wonderful challenge designing this SOHO. Working within compact spaces often reminds us that good design isn't about having more space—it's about making better use of the space you already have.

On a personal note, I would have changed the flooring too. 😄 But since the couple would only be based in Singapore for a few years, they felt it was something they could comfortably live with. Fair enough! Sometimes good design is also about knowing where not to spend.

31/07/2026

Proposed design for a 3-room HDB flat for a bachelor.

The homeowner was already thinking ahead. Rather than designing a bachelor's pad, he asked us to create a home that could naturally transition into a newlywed love nest in the future.

That became the foundation of our design direction.

Warm timber tones to soften the space.
Open display shelving to keep the home feeling light.
Additional TV console storage for everyday practicality.
Shaker cabinetry for a timeless look that won't easily go out of style.

Interestingly, we left the bedrooms largely untouched.

Starting a family is often a fluid journey, and priorities can change over time. Rather than over-designing the private spaces, we focused our efforts on the shared living areas where life naturally happens, leaving the bedrooms flexible for whatever the future may bring.

The first few slides show the final proposal.
The last slide brings you back to where it all started.

It's one of our earliest render iterations, so you can see how the design evolved as conversations with the homeowner shaped the project from our very first meeting.

Every design begins with an idea.
The final home is simply where that conversation arrives.

24/07/2026

In the last fortnight, we've shared how renovation is often more interconnected than it first appears. We've also shared why we don't believe homeowners should feel like they're managing their own renovation.

Today, we'd like to share why we do what we do. When someone entrusts us with their home, they're not simply asking us to renovate it. They're trusting us with one of the biggest investments they'll ever make.

To us, that trust deserves communication, planning, and above all else, accountability.

Most people think project management begins when something goes wrong.

We see it differently.

We believe project management begins long before that, by asking the right questions, planning contingencies, and identifying potential issues before they become real ones.

If you've been following our last two posts, this is the philosophy behind them.

Because every problem prevented is one less delay, one less variation, and one less difficult conversation for our homeowners.

Good project management isn't measured by the problems it solves.
It's measured by the problems it prevents.

And that's why we do what we do. 👨🏻‍🔧👷🏻‍♂️

17/07/2026

Most of us already have full time jobs, so renovating your house shouldn't become another job for you.

Yet it's surprisingly common to hear homeowners taking time off to meet subcons, chasing their ID for updates, coordinating deliveries, and wondering if everything is going to turn out alright.

The irony? None of these things got anything to do with choosing beautiful materials or furnitures. But they have everything to do with coordination. 🤯

Behind every successful renovation is a sequence of decisions, and onsite observations that need to happen during the renovation. When done right, homeowners won't feel the pressure. (Well unless we really found something hiding within the walls!) 😂

And that is exactly how we think it should be. 💪🏻

You decide how your home looks and feels like, we make sure we get you there. Because you only have one house, one budget. Therefore it shouldn't feel like a 2nd job to you. 🫰🏻

10/07/2026

03/07/2026

We were engaged to construct two new offices for a company, with one key requirement: match the existing office as closely as possible.

The challenge? The original carpet was no longer available. 🙀

Instead of replacing the entire office flooring, we strategically relocated the existing carpet tiles to high-visibility areas such as the entrances and walkways, while placing the new, closely matched carpet tiles in lower-visibility areas like under furniture and in room corners.

The end result wasn't achieved by spending more. It was achieved by understanding where people naturally pay attention.

As with all our projects, big or small, we always provide both 3D visualisations and 2D technical drawings.The render allows everyone to visualise the finished space. The technical drawings ensure every contractor understands how that vision is meant to come together.

Good renovation isn't just about good design. It's about good communication.

Because what you see should be what you get...Almost. 😎

26/06/2026

Every home begins with a floorplan, but a good home begins with how you want to live.

This project wasn't about filling every corner with storage cabinets or every blank wall with features you think you need. Instead, the focus was on creating a home where you can find solace after facing the demands of everyday life.

Soft curves guide circulation through the living space, while warm wood tones and indirect lighting help your mind unwind. The kitchen was designed with practicality in mind, with the laundry area given its own dedicated space so cooking and cleaning can happen in tandem without getting in each other's way. Balancing daily functionality with a clean and timeless aesthetic.

One thing I've learnt over the years is that good design rarely shouts. It quietly supports your routines, and that's the kind of home I enjoy creating.

Because long after the excitement of moving into a new home fades, you're simply left with the experience of living in it.

19/06/2026

Renders and actuals for a 4 room house in Pasir Ris, owner engaged us mid last year, but before we could start work HIP was announced 😂

They asked me if we should do the renovation first before the HIP, I advised them to let the HIP happen and then we come in. So if there's any surprises left behind by the HIP team we can pick it up from there.

"But what about the deposit?" They asked.
"Y'all pay me the design fee can liao, the rest when it's time to reno then pay me the milestones" I answered.

After CNY the HIP ended, we came in and finished the renovation in 1.5 months. The owner was so impressed with our efficiency and workmanship that they even ordered extra work to be done 😁👍🏻👍🏻

12/06/2026

Every renovation decision comes with a trade-off.

One of the biggest decisions homeowners face today is whether to go with local or overseas carpentry. With overseas carpentry becoming increasingly popular in recent years, this post explores some of the trade-offs that come with each option.

Having completed a couple of projects involving overseas carpentry over my 18+ years in this industry, I've found that the cost savings are often smaller than most people expect.

A neighbour of mine engaged an ID who collaborated with an overseas carpentry factory that ships to countries such as Australia and Korea. The renovation eventually took close to 6 months to complete. As there was a 2 month lull after the wet works were completed, due to a delay in the carpentry shipment.

Fortunately, she was staying with her parents during the renovation, so no major additional costs were incurred.

Now imagine if you were renting while waiting for your renovation to be completed. A delay like that could easily eat into whatever savings were achieved upfront.

That said, the completed home was very well done. The local installation team was highly specialised in that particular overseas carpentry system, and the final outcome reflected that expertise.

So is local, or overseas carpentry better? 🤔

Neither.

Like most things in renovation, every option comes with its own pros and cons. The key is understanding what you're giving up in exchange for what you're gaining.

As I've mentioned before: Design is subjective. A smooth renovation is something everyone can appreciate.

If you're considering either option and want to understand the implications for your own home, feel free to drop me a message. I'm always happy to share what I've seen from the ground 😁👍🏻

05/06/2026

In this day and age, one can buy stuff online locally and overseas for their homes. But what are the things that you should buy locally. And what could you consider importing from overseas?

This post discusses the pros and cons for you to consider when planning your home makeover.

For me, my standpoint is buy locally for things that you cannot do without, import things that you like but won't miss it too much if they're gone.

I once serviced a homeowner who, against my advice. Bought his appliances from their respective home countries as he was able to get better prices, think buying LG from Korea. Once those things arrived, everything wasn't in english, interfaces and manuals. He had to spend extra time and effort figuring out the settings with Google translate.

While the story above seems like a small hassle, the stress adds up when you want to move in smoothly and get your life in order asap.

So do read up and text me if y'all have additional queries! 😉