Darren Lim and Evelyn Tan Reclaim Master Bedroom After Renovation

Celebrity couple Darren Lim and Evelyn Tan have reclaimed their master bedroom following a major renovation of their home in Upper Changi. After several years of allowing their four children—Kristen (20), Jairus (18), Way (16), and Elliot (12)—to occupy the spacious room, the couple has returned to their original sanctuary. This shift comes after a significant investment of S$200,000 in home improvements to enhance their living space.

The family had previously moved back into their three-bedroom condominium in 2016 after spending four years living on a boat. During that time, Lim and Tan decided it would be best for their children to take over the larger master bedroom. “The room is bigger and they were used to being together in one space. They actually enjoy being with each other,” Tan explained in an interview with 8Days.sg.

During their recent renovation, which involved a complete overhaul of their 1,700 sq ft home, Lim’s childhood friend, who also served as their interior designer, insisted that the couple should not settle for less. The original plan was for Lim’s mother to move in and occupy the ensuite bathroom while Lim and Tan would take the smallest bedroom. “But he was like, ‘Come on, bro, you work so hard, how can you stay in the last room where you don’t even have an ensuite toilet?’” Lim recalled, laughing.

The children were supportive of the swap, with Tan noting, “They were very happy for us to have the master bedroom back.” Attempts to create a separate room for Kristen proved challenging, but she reassured her parents. “She knew what we were concerned about, so she said, ‘Don’t worry, these are my brothers. I prefer to sleep with them without any hindrances,’” Tan added.

Minimalist Lifestyle and Functional Spaces

The couple’s home showcases a minimalist aesthetic, incorporating soothing earth tones and cream shades, complemented by wooden accents. To ensure their children still had adequate space, the children’s bedroom was enlarged by taking part of the kitchen area. The result is a long, functional room that accommodates all four children comfortably.

Each child has their own designated space: Kristen enjoys her own corner with a platform storage bed, while Way and Elliot share a bunk bed. Jairus utilizes a Murphy bed that can be easily folded away when not in use. Despite the limited space, the room maintains an uncluttered appearance. Lim emphasized the importance of minimalism, sharing that their time living on a 500 sq ft boat taught the family to live with fewer possessions. “We all used to have just five sets of clothes, so we don’t clutter the boat,” he said.

Tan humorously noted that their son Jairus has adopted a uniform-like wardrobe similar to that of tech icon Steve Jobs, preferring to wear the same clothes regularly.

Innovative Living Solutions and Family Dynamics

In the Lim household, bedrooms are strictly for sleeping—with no laptops allowed. This rule extends to Tan, who works part-time as a relief teacher at the Dyslexic Association of Singapore. “If you need to work, come to the dining table or living room. Keep everything in the open,” Lim stated. This approach aims to minimize distractions, particularly from gaming and inappropriate online content, which they have instilled in their children from a young age.

To accommodate working from home, their interior designer cleverly integrated two hidden workstations that can be tucked away when not in use. These spaces provide the children with dedicated areas to study or play without cluttering their living space.

Dining at the Lim home is anything but ordinary. The family uses a pool table—initially a wedding gift to Lim and Tan—as their dining table, complete with a cover. “It’s big, that’s why we got this conveyor belt sushi [gadget],” Tan said, pointing to a manual lazy susan on the table. Lim, a self-described handyman, even modified the seating to accommodate their needs. “Regular dining chairs were too low, and bar stools were too high, so I had to shave down the legs. I had to do it for 48 legs,” he laughed.

With eight individuals living under one roof, including their helper, effective storage solutions are essential. As a result, a portion of the living room has been designated as a storeroom, humorously referred to by Lim as his “private hardware shop.” Tucked behind the television wall, it is stocked with biking and travel gear, as well as a tool wall he enjoys tinkering with. “This was my space, I feel invaded,” Lim joked, referring to the additional cabinets Tan has added to the area.

The kitchen, which was once an open concept, has been enclosed to provide more storage, although the couple admits they miss the open feel. “Storage is more important,” Tan acknowledged.

Now, with their master bedroom back, Lim and Tan have a simple setup featuring adjustable beds, allowing them to customize their sleep experience for optimal comfort. This renovation marks a new chapter for the family, blending functionality with a touch of personal flair in their cherished home.