You may recognise homeowner Kelvin Tan from his comedic skits posted on his popular TikTok and Instagram accounts as @mayiduo. But what you may not know is that he's also an accomplished professional interior designer. After understudying at an interior design firm for just nine months, Kelvin branched out to set up SG Interior KJ in 2020, and in just a short span, his firm has been lauded as one of the nation's top 50 interior design firms by the Singapore Prestige 100 Award 2023/2024.
His private dwelling, which he shares with his wife and young son, is a 1,001 sq ft home chosen for its waterfront locale. "We had no money to buy a seaside bungalow, so we bought a seaside HDB," he tells us. "This was the best option we had for our queue number, avoiding the west sun." Just like his online personality, Kelvin wasn't afraid to be bold when it came to designing his flat.
He wanted a fully black colour scheme, while his wife wanted to go all white. "We came to the middle and did full grey," he reveals.
"The toughest client for an interior designer is their own partner because there are definitely conflicts when it comes to making joint decisions," the designer admits. "Eventually, I let my wife have her way for some items and vice versa."
Warming up the interiors
Since the overarching grey hue can come across as "quite cold," Kelvin decided to use paint with a limewash effect on all the walls and ceilings. For further dimension, he added curved elements throughout furnishings and surfaces to avoid making the space "feel like a morgue."
"There was no particular inspiration from anywhere," he tells us about the concept for his home. "I knew exactly what I didn't want because as an interior designer myself, I have designed quite a number of houses over the years so I know my likes and dislikes."
Tailored for hosting
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av SquareRooms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av SquareRooms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Transform your laundry routine
Designed for the demands of modern urban living, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo redefines convenience by combining washing and drying in a single, space-saving unit.
Personal moments and timeless design
In a cosy flat filled with curated art and travel mementos, Amirul and Clarice's home tells a story of love, inspiration, and evolving tastes. From mid-century elements to modular classics, the couple shares how they shaped a space that reflects their journeys-and how it's still growing with them.
Old meets bold
Tim and Nicole were so enamoured with their Tiong Bahru rental that they bought it, preserving its midcentury charm while personalising the pre-war unit.
Branching out
With a tree at its centre and a mix of global influences across the ages, this home feels more like a living art gallery than a typical apartment.
Minimalist marvel
Thoughtfully designed by Ray Seah and Kate Sitchon, the space combines sleek aesthetics with practical solutions, offering the perfect balance of style and comfort.
Petite Paris
Channelling Parisian charm with a touch of Peranakan flair, this 4-room HDB flat looks like it belongs on the set of Emily in Paris.
Across the ages
In this one-of-a-kind home, the tastes of three generations— Baby Boomer, millennial, and Gen Z-converge.
Living artfully
Explore how Kave Home's Gala, Aiguablava, and Jondal collections bring together comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style to transform any space into a haven of modern living.
A new chapter
Caesarstone adds 9 styles to its Porcelain Collection
The natural balance
Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.
