Take a look inside Class 95 DJ Justin Ang's S$2.5 million penthouse condo
The Class 95 DJ and his wife spared no expense for their first home, decking it out like a luxury hotel suite. Just don’t ask him how he’s going to clean the chandelier and massive curtains.
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone and most would be thrilled to share the achievement with their loved ones. Not Class 95 DJ Justin Ang, one-half of The Muttons with Vernon A, though.
The 42-year-old, who’s an only child, had lived with his parents his entire life and he didn’t know how to break the news to them that he and his wife, Ilona Loo, 43, a director in a market research firm, would be moving out.
So Justin and IIona kept the news from his parents for six months.
In fact, 8days.sg found out about his Serangoon condo, which he bought in 2022, before papa and mama Ang, and casually mentioned it when we featured Vernon’s new home.
Minutes after we ran the story, we received a text from Justin asking to remove the bit about his condo. We did, and thankfully, no one spotted it and outed him.
Why so apprehensive? “We were figuring out how to tell them in the nicest way without them being too upset about it,” explained Justin.
“We took them out for a nice meal and told them your small son is moving out. They were very supportive. I love my parents, they put up with me for so many years.”
If you’re wondering, Justin’s parents weren’t upset or surprised by their decision. After all, the couple had been mulling getting their own place for a decade.
“We never really had the impetus or guts because living with my parents was a dream. They have a big house and a helper, so our life was easy. Moving out meant a lot more work. I’ve recently learned how difficult it is to do laundry and have shrunk five T-shirts,” shared Justin.
“But we don’t want to be 50 years old and regret that we didn’t at least try, so when I turned 40, we decided let’s do it.”
Home for the couple is a 1,570 sq ft penthouse, which they moved into in January this year.
Despite it being brand new, they renovated the four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment extensively to suit their needs.
Two bathrooms were removed and converted into functional spaces, and three bedrooms were combined to create a large master suite.
Apart from the bathrooms, many of the fixtures that came with the condo were removed or replaced.
Renovations cost around S$150,000 (excluding furnishings) and took four and a half months.
With its lofty 4.6m ceiling and sleek, dark modern contemporary theme, the apartment gives luxury hotel vibes – just the feeling the couple sought to create.
Limewash walls, warm wood and grey tones can be seen through much of the interior living spaces, contrasted by wood-like vinyl flooring. Cove lighting, leather and marble accents contribute to the luxe aesthetic.
The entryway is optimised for storage. Dark wood panelling hides their shoe cabinet, and a little nook was created for the couple to sit and put on their shoes.
Taking centre stage in the living room is the artsy chandelier that accentuates the home’s high ceiling.
The couple had initially wanted to utilise the vertical space by adding a loft but dropped the idea when they found out that the maximum area they could build is 50 sq ft, which is around the size of a bomb shelter.
“It didn’t feel worth it. It would have cost an extra S$30,000 to S$40,000 to add the tiny space, so we thought let’s just enjoy the high ceiling,” said Justin.
“Don’t ask me how I’m going to clean the light, curtains and windows. I have no answers for you now. We’ll cross the bridge when we get there.”
Below it is Justin’s favourite spot in the home. He spared no expense decking out the space with a home theatre system, 65-inch TV (he was devastated he couldn’t go bigger) and plush leather recliner to create his “home gold class experience”.
“This sofa is very dangerous. The moment I recline and close my eyes, I fall asleep. I haven’t completed a single movie since I moved in here. It’s too comfortable,” shared the radio jock.
All that comfort doesn't come cheap. The custom sofa from Homes To Life set him back S$5,100.
An island counter that was standing “out of nowhere” in the living room was removed to make way for this chic home bar with fluted wood panelling and sintered stone countertop. Usually when it’s just the couple, they will have their meals here or at the sofa.
One of the “non-negotiables” is this cabinet to house their automatic mahjong table.
“We wanted it to be built into the carpentry without looking too gaudy, which is why this whole hidden cabinet came about. We found the thinnest mahjong table which came out to around 40cm when folded and to be sure, we went all the way down to their warehouse in Tuas to measure it. Yes, I know, priorities,” laughed Justin.
WIFE'S STUDY
Hidden behind one of the doors lies a “Harry Potter room” also known as Ilona’s study, which was designed to look like a cafe, complete with a counter and bar table. The ensuite bathroom, originally where the counter is, was removed to expand the room.
Once a week, Ilona’s colleagues would come over for meetings and she wanted a spacious and airy space to accommodate her team.
“My wife and her colleague designed this room. They do a lot of serious work so they wanted a bright and cheery space as a contrast,” shared Justin.
The counter is Ilona’s desk, where she stands to work. “She doesn’t even want those standing desks where you can stand or sit. She just wants to stand, so this counter is designed for her height.”
MASTER BEDROOM
On the other side of the living room is the master suite which is accessed via a hidden door.
A space between the sleeping area and wardrobe has been carved out for the vanity area which leads to the master bathroom.
ENSUITE BATHROOM
Little was done to the master bathroom aside from the tap and shower fittings and toilet, which were changed.
“I need a bigger toilet bowl because I got a much bigger ass than most people. I went to a bathroom accessories store, sat on every toilet bowl and was like ‘ah this is the one’. My wife cannot stand it though because she feels like she falls into it,” shared Justin.
Another proud find is this towel warmer that Justin didn’t know he needed.
“You turn it on before you shower, and by the time you’re done, your towel’s nice and warm. Then it dries the towel, so it won’t smell,” he said excitedly.
THE BALCONY
To maximise the huge balcony, the dining area was moved outdoors.
Decking and a raw, edgy wood dining table were added to give it a resort feel, and a zip track keeps the elements out.
THE KITCHEN
The kitchen, which was previously a narrow windowless galley, was combined with the yard area to create a brighter and more spacious area.
An odd wall, previously where the left counter is, was hacked and windows added to enclose the space.
A tiny bathroom in the yard was converted into a home for their washing machine and dryer, and more storage added beside the storeroom.
This story was originally published in 8Days.
For more 8Days stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/