Love at first viewing

Celebrity Chef Wu SiHan snapped up this light-filled apartment minutes after viewing it, creating a refined home with his wife actress Tay Ying where minimalism, smart design, and soulful cooking come together beautifully.

Some homes take months of deliberation. For Chef Wu Sihan, this one took mere minutes. After viewing the apartment with his actress wife, Tay Ying, just once, they decided on it almost immediately. The gregarious couple juggles busy media schedules
alongside Sihan’s head chef role at his Italian bistro, Supply & Demand, which explains their clarity about what they want for this next chapter together. They are also currently appearing in Chef vs Wife, a playful couple series that showcases their fun, competitive side through lighthearted cooking challenges.

“The house checked all the boxes we had set with our agent,” Sihan recalls. But what truly sealed the deal was the unblocked view framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Flooded with natural light, the space felt instantly open and alive, a blank canvas waiting to be filled. Practicality mattered too. His non-negotiables were clear: a boxy layout, the potential for an open kitchen, and a generous living room where family and friends could gather comfortably. This home delivered on all fronts, offering flexible
proportions and a living area perfectly suited for entertaining.

“One little ritual we’ve fallen into is starting the day with coffee together, and ending it with a glass of whisky. Chef Wu Sihan and wife Tay Ying with their dachshund, Tron

Between you and your wife, you took charge of the heavier renovation decisions. Which part was themost challenging, and how did youovercome it?

S: The biggest challenge was finding theright vendors who could truly execute the vision. I was very fortunate to work with good vendors and supportive friends who
understood what I wanted and helped translate the vision into reality.

Your home has a timeless all-white look. With a pet dachshund at home, how did you feel confident choosing this palette?

Sihan: Having the house’s common space painted all white gave it a blank-canvas feel, making the space look bigger and timeless. With careful lighting selection, we can easily
adjust the mood depending on the time of day. In terms of practicality, we chose pet-friendly materials; for example, our sofa is made from scratch-resistant fabric. We also invested in a robot vacuum and a Dyson wet-dry vacuum, which really helps us maintain the space daily.

Looking back at the renovation process, is there anything you would redo?

S: Choosing the right ID is everything. Pick someone whose portfolio aligns with your vision.
Don’t expect a fish to climb a tree; everyone has their strengths. Alignment from the start saves a lot of stress later. You don’t want to be living in your ID’s mistakes.

What is one must-know reno advice you would give to first-time homeowners?

S: Create a clear mood board. Pinterest is a great start. Know your theme before you begin. Also, research by watching renovation reviews to see what you really like and want. Another tip: shop for your home appliances early and compare prices across retailers. Gain City offers price matching. Planning ahead can save you a significant amount.

When you look around your home today, what is the one feature you feel most proud of?

S: The fabric ceiling lights from Cellux. The diffused lighting softens the entire space and elevates the look of everything, from the walls to the furniture finishes. Lighting really changes how a home feels.

You sourced furniture online, which can be risky for homeowners. What did you learn, and would you do it again?

S: Yes, but you have to be selective. For larger items like our coffee table, I requested colour samples and customised the size. I measured the space carefully and used masking tape to mark the dimensions on the floor before ordering. That way, you can visualise the proportions properly. Would I do it again? Yes, but with proper homework.

The kitchen is important to you. What were your must-have design features for everyday cooking,
and did you include any chef-specific details that most homeowners might overlook?

S: A powerful induction cooktop is essential, and I chose one with integrated ventilation. It gives me the power I’m used to in a professional kitchen while remaining easy to maintain for home use. Efficient workflow was also important, with proper spacing, good ventilation, and surfaces that are easy to clean. Small details matter when you cook often

As a professional chef, do you find it hard to switch off from work mode in your own kitchen?

S: I would like to say no… but subconsciously, yes (Laughs). That’s why I designed the kitchen to be efficient and enjoyable. At home, cooking is less about perfection and more about connection.

You’re now juggling media work with Mediacorp alongside running Supply & Demand – how would
you describe this phase of your career right now?

S: I would describe it as a growth phase. It’s intense, with a lot to learn, but it’s also very fulfilling. I’m learningto balance creativity with responsibility, being creative on screen while making sure the restaurant runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Has having your own home changed how you cook or entertain friends and family?

S: Definitely. We host much more often now. The cooking is more communal, shared dishes, family-style, instead of individually plated restaurant-style food. It feels more personal.

Your home has smart features. Which has improved daily life the most, and are there other areas you want to make smarter?

S: Our automatic honeycomb blinds from Drapes Studio have made a big difference.

I’ve set it close automatically at bedtime, and the wardrobe blinds open at sunrise, letting in subtle natural light into our master bedroom. Smart switches are very useful; I can control lights from my phone. I chose traditionallooking smart switches over touchscreens to maintain a timeless aesthetic because I prefer the analog feel. Most of our appliances are smart-ready for future proofing, but I’m still a bit old-school. I prefer controlling things by hand rather than by voice command. Maybe I’ll ease into it slowly.

What’s been the biggest change in your life since becoming more visible across media and social platforms?

S: I’ve become more conscious of how I represent myself, my team, and the kind of example I set. It’s no longer just about cooking well, it’s about carrying myself well and representing the people who support me.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited to build or experience together in this home over the next few years?

S: Cooking together as a couple and hosting our family and friends. I’m also excited about learning traditional recipes from our parents and recreating them at home.

"Through the camera lens, while
I’m filming for Mediacorp, vendors
are more open to sharing their
stories and techniques. That
gives me the opportunity to learn
new skills and sometimes leads
to those “aha” moments that
inspire new ideas."

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Love at first viewing