Singapore’s Tay Ying and Wu Sihan Secure Home in Minutes

Mediacorp actress Tay Ying and celebrity chef Wu Sihan made headlines after purchasing their first home in Singapore shortly after viewing it. The couple, who wed in June 2024, faced a competitive property market, leading them to act swiftly when they found an apartment that met their requirements.

The couple viewed more than ten apartments over three months, experiencing the pressures of a hot real estate market. Tay remarked, “It’s like a fish market; units get snapped up very quickly,” highlighting the urgency they felt during their search. When they visited a three-bedroom unit that “felt right,” they recognized it was the one. Despite it being above their budget, they placed an immediate offer exceeding the asking price. This initial bid sparked a bidding war with another couple, all occurring on the first day the apartment was listed.

The couple expressed their vision clearly: they wanted a home that was spacious, filled with natural light, and offered an unblocked view. Tay noted, “We were quite specific about what we wanted,” emphasizing their intention to create a lasting family home rather than a property for flipping.

After acquiring the apartment, the couple undertook a significant renovation project, budgeting in the six-figure range. They transformed the dated space into a modern minimalist haven, completing the project over six months due to unforeseen delays. Tay explained their design philosophy, stating, “Clean lines, white tones, natural light and a cozy feel” were their main objectives.

Wu, who has experience managing renovations for his restaurant and family home, led the construction efforts. Tay focused on the aesthetics and organization of the decor. The final product is a serene, open-concept environment characterized by soft white tones and curated details.

Despite concerns over maintaining a predominantly white home, especially with their five-year-old dachshund, Tron, the couple finds joy in keeping their space clean. “It feels like using correction tape on paper. It becomes very white, and you have a sense of satisfaction. It’s therapeutic,” said Wu.

Their first major purchase was a storage sofa from King’s Living, designed to keep clutter at bay. One of their notable bargains included a sleek marble coffee table from Taobao, which cost less than S$1,000. Wu humorously recalled, “It’s so heavy that the delivery guys refused to bring it up to the house. I had to get six foreign workers to help.”

In the living area, they chose a round dining table, believing it fosters better conversations. Wu explained, “Those long tables… the people at the ends cannot talk. Round tables are more cozy.” For Wu, the kitchen is particularly special. They opened the space by removing a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, even borrowing space from the common bathroom to enhance the kitchen’s size.

“I wanted to be able to cook while having conversations with my guests,” he shared. The kitchen is designed for a seamless look, with hidden cabinet latches and a built-in dish-drying rack. Lighting plays a crucial role in their design; they opted for fabric lights that diffuse soft illumination across the ceiling to create a well-lit atmosphere.

Innovations extend to their appliances as well. They purchased separate fridge and freezer units to maximize storage, cleverly wrapping them in white to blend with cabinetry. Tay noted, “I got the person who wrapped my car to wrap the fridge.”

Thoughtful touches define their home, such as a raised washing machine and dryer tailored to their heights, eliminating the need to bend while doing laundry. They installed a tap that activates with a simple tap, an idea Wu playfully described as “a very chef thing”.

The master suite is a highlight of their renovation, achieved by merging two bedrooms into one expansive space. This room is intentionally minimalist, designed solely for rest without distractions like a television. The couple invested in a bed with a zero-gravity function, which Tay claims has helped alleviate Wu’s snoring.

A standout feature is the walk-in wardrobe, designed specifically for Tay. Wu remarked, “I wanted to give this to her. I think it’s every girl’s dream.” The wardrobe includes custom reflective glass panels that also function as full-length mirrors, adding both practicality and elegance.

The ensuite bathroom, the only non-white area in their home, was inspired by luxury hotel suites. It features a wide mirror to enhance the sense of space and his-and-hers sinks, a must-have for the couple to avoid morning disputes. Wu stated, “We are both very efficient people. We get ready together most days, so we just want to be efficient and not have to fight for the sink.”

This story highlights the couple’s journey in navigating the competitive property landscape in Singapore and their commitment to creating a home tailored to their lifestyle and future family aspirations.