A Yishun Flat that Dances with Colour and Character

Welcome to the home of Nabillah, Shamsur, and little Jaqub – a family bound by love, the arts, and a strong belief that a home should feel as expressive as its occupants within.

A Quiet Corner in Yishun

Some decisions just feel right – for Nabillah and Shamsur, choosing Yishun was one of them. The estate holds a special place in their hearts as it was where Shamsur grew up. When they came across a 4-room top-floor resale flat in the area, it felt like everything aligned. “We were looking for peace and space,” said Nabillah, “and this flat had both.”

With the flat’s high ceilings and location on the top floor, the home perfectly matched Nabillah and Shamsur’s wish list. What sealed the deal was an infant care centre located right at their block, perfect for baby Jaqub.

Shamsur (left) and Nabillah (right) with their 18-month-old son Jaqub (front) chilling in their living room.

Designing a Home That Speaks Their Language

Step inside and you’ll instantly know that this isn’t a home that plays it safe.

“We both work in the arts,” Nabillah explained. “Our lives are full of sound, light, and visuals. We needed a home that could hold all of that and yet is still able to give us a sense of calm.”

Rejecting trends of the neutral palette, they painted their home with saturated tones: bold blue in the living area, vibrant yellow at their cosy nook and a statement orange in the dining area.

“Each colour was painstakingly tested on different parts of the home – across walls, corners and surfaces, as well as under varying conditions of sunlight, artificial lighting, and shadow. I had to observe how each shade changed throughout the day and reselect a few tones before we finally got it right," Nabillah shared.

The family’s bold blue living room where Shamsur unwinds with his favourite shows after a long day.

Nabillah and Shamsur spending time together at their cosy nook in a corner of their house.

“I didn’t want just any pop of colour in the home,” said Nabillah. “I needed to see how each colour looked in natural or artificial light, in shadows, and at night. I treated the light like a second layer of paint.”

To soften the bold palette, they introduced arched doorways throughout the flat, adding curves to smoothen the transition between spaces. “Without them, it would’ve looked like a funhouse!” she laughed.

A Gallery of Personal Stories

Rather than rushing to furnish their home in one go, the couple approached it like they were curating a personal gallery – one that tells a story with every piece.

From a vibrant red tea cabinet found online for just $150, to an antique desk previously used on stage, and a striking tiger rug that roars with personality – every piece in the home is a conversation starter.

Nabillah loves thrifting items online – such as the antique desk (left) and red tea cabinet (right)

Whether thrifted, gifted, or collected over time, these items were chosen with intent. “We don’t shop to fill space. We bring things home because they speak to us.” Nabillah explained.

That philosophy extends to the art and décor too – many of which were from local artists and friends in the art scene. Their home isn’t just about their own creativity; it’s a celebration of the creative community around them.

One of Nabillah’s treasured artworks commissioned to a local artist and friend

Even their everyday appliances reflect the compact and multi-functional ethos of intentional living. A fold-out dining table to cater for large gatherings, and collapsed to create space for yoga, play, or music-making. “We live small, but we live full,” said Nabillah.

Each appliance in the house is fitted to optimise every available space within their home

Raising Jaqub, Their Way

The couple’s creative philosophy extends to the way they have designed their home for their son. Rather than relying on foam bumpers and safety gates, they designed a Montessori-inspired space where Jaqub can safely explore textures, shapes, and sounds at his own pace. His room is a dedicated play zone, but the rest of the flat is also open for curious exploration. “He’s learnt how to move through home confidently, and we’ve learnt how to observe and guide instead of control.”

Nabillah and Shamsur gently guide Jaqub up the wooden steps of his play jungle

Even small touches – like a custom-cut flap under the sink for a hidden bin – were designed with both function and child-friendliness in mind. “He loves throwing things into it,” she laughed. “It’s his contribution to home care!”

Growing With the Home

Even though the renovation is complete, their home isn’t truly done – it’s one that continues to grow, just like the family.

“As Jaqub grows, his needs will shape the space. But the heart of the home will remain the same,” said Nabillah.

Story by: Mahat Supri