Darren and Evelyn's Bedroom Battle: A Family Affair!

For celebrity couple Darren Lim, 53, and Evelyn Tan, 50, the master bedroom was less of a sanctuary and more of a lively playroom for their four children – Kristen, 20, Jairus, 18, Way, 16, and Elliot, 12. After moving back to their Upper Changi condo in 2016 from a four-year boat life, they decided to let their kids enjoy the spacious master bedroom.

A Surprising Renovation Twist!

During their recent S$200,000 renovation of their 1,700 sq ft home, the couple had plans to downgrade to the smallest bedroom when Darren's mom moved in. However, their interior designer—Darren’s childhood friend—had other ideas. "How can you stay in the smallest room when you work so hard?" he insisted, prompting a joyful swap that saw the couple reclaim the master bedroom.

Kids Thrilled to Return to Their Smaller Room!

To everyone’s delight, the kids were more than happy to give up their spacious quarters. Evelyn shared, "They were so excited for us to have the master back!" Initially, they contemplated giving Kristen her own space, but she quickly put fears to rest, saying she'd rather sleep with her brothers, exuding the joy of sibling camaraderie.

Minimalist Design: A Harmonious Living Space!

Emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic, the new design features calming earth tones and warm wood accents. To ensure the kids had room to breathe, part of the kitchen was reconfigured to extend their shared bedroom. The resulting space is practical yet inviting, far from the image of a chaotic dorm.

Each child has their unique sleeping arrangement—Kristen in her own cozy corner, Way and Elliot sharing a bunk bed, and Jairus with a Murphy bed that conveniently folds away. Despite sharing one room, the space remains impressively tidy, as they each maintain a modest 75cm-wide closet—an inspiring departure from typical family clutter!

Lessons from Boat Life: Embracing Minimalism!

Living on a 500 sq ft boat taught them the value of minimal living, limiting the family to just five sets of clothes to avoid clutter. Even back on land, they find joy in simplicity, with Jairus humorously dubbed the 'Steve Jobs' of the family for his penchant for a uniform look.

No Screens in the Bedroom: A Family Policy!

Darren enforced a family rule that bedrooms are strictly for sleeping—no laptops or gadgets allowed! This applies even to Evelyn, who teaches part-time. Instead, they work at the dining table or living room, keeping distractions at bay. The clever renovation included hidden workstations that can be tucked away, creating a dedicated study space without compromising the shared environment.

This new layout not only revives their private sanctuary but also reinforces family closeness, proving that sometimes, the heart of the home lies in the little sacrifices made for each other!