Blythe: A Timeless Family Home Reimagined

Berinda Soh’s award-winning renovation blends elegance and function for modern living.

Berinda Soh’s Blythe project exemplifies the art of residential transformation, breathing new life into a 4,800-square-foot landed home originally built in the 1970s. The design vision centered on creating a timeless, elegant space that could adapt to the evolving needs of a family of four, ensuring relevance and comfort for at least the next 15 to 20 years. This approach reflects a broader trend in residential architecture, where longevity and adaptability are prioritized alongside aesthetics.

Distinctive features set Blythe apart from conventional home renovations. The redesign preserves the home’s original charm—arched doors and windows remain as nods to its heritage—while optimizing the layout to foster both family interaction and personal retreats. Shared spaces encourage connection, while private sanctuaries offer respite, striking a delicate balance that supports the rhythms of family life. The use of high-quality materials, such as Corvidae stone and custom carpentry, further enhances both functionality and visual appeal.

Realizing this vision required a blend of contemporary design methodologies and meticulous construction. Advanced space-planning techniques were employed to maximize usability within the constraints of the existing structure. Visual research tools, including Pinterest and social media, played a critical role in aligning design solutions with the family’s lifestyle. Custom-built storage, such as a pull-out KitchenAid tray cabinet, demonstrates the project’s commitment to seamless integration of practicality and beauty.

The renovation presented significant challenges, particularly in working around the original framework, hidden beams, and immovable IC chambers. Asbestos removal and the reconfiguration of awkward window shapes demanded creative problem-solving. These obstacles were transformed into opportunities, with niches repurposed into practical storage and outdated elements reimagined for modern use. The result is a home that feels both fresh and rooted in its past.

Blythe’s interiors are characterized by a warm, airy ambiance, achieved through an earth-toned palette accented by black, purple, and blue. Natural light pours in through arched glass doors, while elegant details—such as brass handles, beveled TV carpentry, and Calacatta Arabesque stone coffee tables—add sophistication. The powder room’s Pilke Signature 18 wall lamp and Corvidae stone sink provide a raw, tactile touch, underscoring the project’s attention to detail.

Recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2025, Blythe stands as a testament to thoughtful, user-centered design. The project not only enhances daily living for its residents but also sets a precedent for future residential transformations, where adaptability, beauty, and function coexist harmoniously.