A Travel Lover’s Whimsical Haven

Kristabel’s self-designed home is a unique reflection of her wanderlust inspired by her travels across Europe.

Drawing from her adventures abroad, Kristabel created a home that embodies the Danish concept of Hygge, bringing out a joyful vibe while maintaining practicality and efficiency for daily use.

The Joy of Having Her Own Space

As a firm believer of DIY, Kristabel enjoys designing and building her own space, which she has endearingly named ‘My Selegie House’. Her home has spawned several DIY projects, including a mini garden at her front door, which comprises potted plants and herbs such as the edible moringa.

Besides attracting butterflies and birds, Kristabel’s self-sustainable garden is a conversation-starter with her neighbours.

Within the flat, the relaxed vibe continues with different spaces inspired by elements of the four seasons. “I loved the experience of all four seasons in Europe, so I decided to incorporate them into my home,” the 39-year-old single flat owner shared.

The design of the living room is inspired by spring and summer, with a mixture of pastel and bright colours.

The toilet is autumn-themed – inspired by Kristabel’s first autumn experience in Bavaria, Germany.

The walls and ceilings in her home are intentionally painted white, to serve as a blank canvas for projecting her travel memories, such as the magic of the northern lights from her time in Scandinavia.

With relaxing music in the background and images of the northern lights projected on the walls and television, Kristabel can experience the aurora borealis without leaving her room.

“My favourite area is my bedroom. I hacked off a wall to extend my bedroom, so I could have space to incorporate a cabinet for my books and personal paraphernalia,” said Kristabel.

Kristabel’s room is filled with all the things she loves – from books to paintings and photographs of her loved ones.

Kristabel sees her home as a constant work in progress. For her initial renovations, she spent around $30,000, but has continued to add more elements to her home over time. “We often think that the work is done when renovation ends, but I find myself building and remodeling different areas continually,” she said.

Falling In Love with Her Selegie Home

Kristabel’s search for a home started with her application for a BTO flat, but along the way, she discovered this 3-room resale flat in Selegie which she fell in love with. Despite being in the heart of the city, it had a quiet charm about it.

“Located a stone’s throw away from Little India, with its colourful and eclectic neighbourhoods, this flat brings back memories of the charming old towns of Europe,” said Kristabel.

This HDB flat in Selegie was built in the 1970s.

Tips on Navigating the Home Purchase

As a single, Kristabel was eligible for the CPF Housing Grant for Singles of $25,000. She also benefitted from the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, minimising the cash outlay for her home purchase.

Her advice for fellow home buyers is to plan according to one’s lifestyle and goals, and look for a home layout that caters to your needs. Home buyers can also use HDB’s budget calculators on the HDB Flat Portal to help with working out their finances.

For those looking to buy a resale flat, Kristabel suggests starting their search on the HDB Flat Portal. “HDB has the Resale Flat Listing service now – interested flat buyers can look up flats available for sale on this platform. It’s easy to navigate, and you can filter your search by location, flat type, remaining lease and more,” said Kristabel.

“If you’re single like me and making important decisions on your own, it is important to plan your finances carefully and choose a home that best suits your needs. With this, you will have peace of mind, knowing that you’re buying a flat within your means.”

Story by: Chevonne Law