Marketing manager Ben Tian’s 5-room resale HDB flat in Toa Payoh is a study in contrasts. At first glance, the 1,253 sq ft unit appears as a seamless expanse of milk-white and cream tones, its minimalist design echoing the calm of an uncluttered space. Yet, nestled within this monochromatic canvas are subtle nods to a childhood passion: a collection of Doraemon figurines, carefully integrated into the home’s architecture. For Ben, this fusion of modernity and nostalgia is not just personal—it’s a deliberate design choice.
Ben’s journey to this home began with a clear vision. After viewing nearly 20 units, he settled on a 1977-era flat in Toa Payoh, drawn by its high floor, unblocked view, and original condition. “I wanted to reset and redesign from a clean slate,” he explains. Though he lacked formal design training, Ben used an AI app to draft plans for floor tiles, lighting, and electrical points. Yet, he quickly realized the need for professional input, leading him to engage Hoft Collective, a firm whose director, Gabriel, shared his meticulous attention to detail.
Related: The Role of Security Guards in Improving Home Security
Ben’s brief to Gabriel was straightforward: an off-white theme, clean lines, and a space that felt open yet functional. The challenge, Gabriel notes, was transforming the unit’s segmented, dated layout into a unified, ethereal environment. The solution lay in the “nai bai” aesthetic—a global trend centered on warm, milky-white palettes—enhanced with minimalist elements. Walls were gutted, layouts reconfigured, and the home stripped back to its shell, creating a blank slate for reinvention.
The most striking feature of Ben’s home is not its symmetry or its color palette, but the presence of Doraemon. The cartoon character, which has accompanied Ben since childhood, is subtly yet intentionally woven into the design. A full-height wall of acrylic niches in the entrance foyer houses his collection, the first sight for visitors. Elsewhere, Doraemon figurines are discreetly integrated into the headboard of the master suite, their placement a quiet homage to a beloved icon.
“The goal was to make his collection an intentional pop of color against our clean canvas,” Gabriel explains. This approach ensures that the Doraemon elements—never overpowering—add warmth and personality to an otherwise stark interior. The same 120 cm x 120 cm tiles that extend from the entrance to the living areas reinforce the sense of continuity, while the open-concept layout of the living and dining spaces prioritizes hosting, a key aspect of Ben’s lifestyle.
Related: How to Repair Roof Shingles Blown Off
Ben’s favorite feature, the 4.2-meter-long integrated dining table and kitchen island, exemplifies this balance. It serves as a gathering hub for friends and family, a workspace for cooking, and a flexible element that adapts to his needs. The kitchen, with its concealed appliances and built-in panels, embodies the minimalist ethos, every detail contributing to a sense of order and purpose.
The renovation, completed in six months, cost $150,000 excluding furnishings. Ben moved in on his birthday in June 2024, marking the culmination of a project that blends his professional precision with a childhood dream. For now, this home is a sanctuary—a place where the warmth of Doraemon meets the clarity of modern design, proving that even the most minimalist spaces can hold deeply personal stories.
