Jernelle Oh’s BTO Renovations Took 8 Months To Complete; Guest Bathroom That's “Nicer” Than Master Bathroom Was Redone 4 Times

It's usual for home renovations to take a couple of months to complete, but for Jernelle Oh, it took a whopping eight months.

The latest episode of #JustSwipeLah's Crib Swipe sees host Seow Sin Nee dropping by the new home of her pal and co-host, Jernelle Oh.

The 31-year-old Mediacorp actress and her husband secured their four-room BTO flat in 2020, collected their keys in March last year, and finally moved in that December after eight months of renovation.

"I never expected renovation to be this exhausting," said Jernelle, who'd been living in the new home for two months at the time of filming.  

According to Jernelle, the longer timeline was due to adjustments that had to be made along the way as "the design was a bit more complex".

Decorated in a Neo-Chinese style, Jernelle’s home has a cosy, homely vibe, with wooden door panels, glass bricks, and floral-patterned cushion covers that lend it an old-school oriental charm.

According to Jernelle's the "nicer" bathroom in their home is the guest toilet — not the master bedroom bathroom.

She explained: "Our thinking is that the common toilet is the one more people would use. So if they see a really nice-looking bathroom, everyone will feel happier."

She then reveals that they redid the space four times to ensure the brown bricks, a key feature in the spacious bathroom, were properly aligned. They also specially designed a niche within the brick wall to store less aesthetically pleasing items out of sight from the bathroom’s entryway.

When asked if she had any regrets, Jernelle chuckled: "As long as you guys like it."

While Jernelle’s husband has a dedicated workspace of his own, she uses a movable desk that can be set up anywhere in the house to suit her flexible working hours. Instead, she has a walk-in wardrobe.

The space features an island for her accessories and a row of floor-to-ceiling wardrobes where her clothes are neatly organised by bags, dresses and other clothing pieces.

Jernelle’s bedroom is a simple, cosy space where the couple can unwind and spend time together.

"We see the master bedroom as a space for just the two of us. Basically there's no need for outsiders to enter," she said. 

The master bathroom is designed with "resort vibes", featuring large, coarse tiles that help create the look. The Neo-Chinese style is also reflected in the space, with a blue-and-white porcelain basin serving as one of its most eye-catching elements.

Her advice for those looking to renovate soon?

"When looking for an interior designer, you can go for someone who's even more meticulous than you are. That way, within the scope of your own requirements, they can definitely be of help when it comes to achieving what you want," says Jernelle, who adds that since becoming a Crib Swipe host herself, she has started paying more attention to the finer details.

Catch the full episode of Jernelle's home tour below.