Maxi Lim, the 38-year-old star of "Ah Boys To Men," has added another title to his diverse resume: interior designer. The multi-talented actor, martial artist, and father launched his own interior design studio called Maximo earlier this year, marking a significant career pivot that was directly inspired by his personal home renovation experience three years ago.
Lim recently opened his doors to host Hazelle Teo for the latest episode of "Kaypoh Room Tours," showcasing his 1,100-square-foot four-room HDB flat that serves as both his home and a testament to his design philosophy. The space, which cost over $300,000 to purchase and an additional $80,000 to renovate, reflects what Lim considers essential in any home design project.
"I think when it comes to renovating your own home, it needs to reflect the personality of the owner," Lim explained during the tour. His apartment embodies this principle with its retro industrial theme accented by colonial vibes, creating a unique aesthetic that mirrors his personal interests and lifestyle.
Lim moved into the flat in 2022 with his then-wife, influencer Liz Teo, and their son Reign, who is now five years old. Following the couple's announced separation in 2024, the space has transformed into Lim's bachelor pad, though he continues to co-parent his son there. The home's design accommodates this dual purpose, with thoughtful storage solutions like a play area underneath his bed where he keeps most of his son's toys.
One of Lim's favorite features is his study area, which houses a vinyl player that reflects his love for jazz music from the 1940s to 1960s. However, his most cherished spot is a converted service yard that now functions as a balcony, accessible through the kitchen. "This is the first place I come when I wake up to have a drink of coffee," he shared. "It also has a great unblocked view and I get to see a lot of greenery. So I spend a lot of my alone time here."
Beyond aesthetics, Lim advocates for practical design choices that minimize household maintenance. "Please plan your house in a way whereby you don't really have to do a lot of housework. Housework sucks," he candidly advised. This philosophy led him to choose cement screed with epoxy flooring. "My house kind of looks already dirty and aged, so even if it's dirty, even if my son scribbles on the wall, it's part of the feel of the home already," he explained.
Lim's transition into interior design wasn't entirely unexpected, given his educational background. "People actually don't know I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic's School of Design, so I'm very familiar with model building, drawing, and naturally I have an eye for aesthetics. I know what is good, what is not good, so all these things translated into interior design," he revealed.
The timing for this career shift aligned perfectly with his departure from the food and beverage industry, where he previously ran a fried chili snack business called "Eat My LJ." "The opportunity came and it was also the time I stepped away from F&B, so I decided this seems like something interesting [for me to pursue]. I always like to pick up something new, so that's why I decided to go ahead [with it]," Lim said.
His company name, Maximo, carries personal significance beyond its Latin meaning of "greatness." The name cleverly combines his own name with his business partner's initials, M.O., creating a brand that represents their collaborative vision.
Lim's approach to his new business is heavily influenced by his positive experience with his own interior designer during his home renovation. He aims to provide clients with the same pleasant and reliable process he experienced, contrasting sharply with horror stories he's witnessed on social media. "I mention cases I've seen on social media where interior designers do poor jobs despite taking a deposit, and [I] call those people black sheep of the industry," he stated. "Don't just think about money, think about serving first."
Balancing multiple careers and fatherhood requires strategic time management, something Lim has mastered through a simple but effective philosophy. "There are always only 24 hours [in a day]. If you care about something, you'll naturally find time to do it. I prioritize what needs to be done, get the difficult things done first, and then you have the rest of your day to allocate what to do," he explained.
As Lim continues to juggle his roles as actor, father, and now interior designer, his home renovation experience three years ago has proven to be more than just a personal project—it became the foundation for an entirely new career path that allows him to help others create spaces that truly reflect their personalities and lifestyles.
