In a bold move, actor Terence Cao relinquished all involvement in the redesign of his Toa Payoh HDB flat, only to be amazed by the outcome — including the unexpected disappearance of one bedroom to make way for a spacious dining area.
- Terence Cao gave keys and design freedom to his interior designer.
- A bedroom was turned into a spacious dining area with a granite island.
- Home features industrial elements with functional and stylish design.
What happened
Terence Cao, the Singaporean actor, recently underwent a full renovation of his nearly 60-year-old HDB flat in Toa Payoh. Rather than overseeing the process himself, he handed over the keys to his interior designer with instructions to complete the project independently, without any interruptions or check-ins.
This trust resulted in a dramatic transformation of the flat’s interior, from a traditional three-room layout featuring two bedrooms into a more open and industrial-inspired living space. Remarkably, one of the bedrooms was removed to create a larger dining area centered around a black granite island, reflecting both aesthetic and functional aspirations.
Why it feels good
Despite initial shock at losing a bedroom, Terence Cao was thrilled with the end result, describing the renovation as exceeding his expectations. The design’s raw textures, stainless steel accents, and bursts of warm colors brought a contemporary yet cozy vibe, making the home feel fresh and inviting.
The redesign also honored the flat’s age and quirks by incorporating curved ceilings and smooth partitions to work around structural elements, blending old with new without sacrificing comfort. By stepping back and trusting his designer, Cao achieved a space that not only looks stunning but supports his productivity and lifestyle.
What to enjoy or watch next
With the newly created dining area featuring a versatile black granite island, Terence Cao envisions this space serving multiple roles, from hosting meals to livestreaming and podcast productions, supporting his work as founder of Star Live.
For those interested in home design that balances creativity and practicality, Cao’s renovation offers inspiration on trusting professionals and embracing bold changes. His journey encourages homeowners to consider unconventional layouts that maximize both style and function.