Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Home Away From Home With Japanese Flair
An artful mix of details celebrate the marriage of the modern contemporary and traditional Japanese aesthetics
Wanting a cosy home to return to each time they are in Singapore, the homeowners drew inspiration from their Kyoto residence for the renovation of their three-room flat. Striking a balance between a modern aesthetic and traditional Japanese elements, interior designer Amilia Gani of Facelift Design & Interiors, and renovation contractor Vincent Chiam of Palmwood, were engaged to marry the likes of both the Japanese-born husband and his Chinese Singaporean wife.
“The first thing that the homeowners requested for was a genkan at the entrance which is a common feature in Japanese homes,” says Gani. The genkan, or mudroom, is where the homeowners remove their shoes before entering the living area so that dirt from their shoes will not be brought inside.
To shield the home from prying eyes, Gani added a decorative partition by the foyer. The design was inspired by the straight clean-lines of bamboo grass.
To shield the home from prying eyes, Gani added a decorative partition by the foyer. The design was inspired by the straight clean-lines of bamboo grass.
Chiam built a comprehensive storage system in the genkan which incorporates open shelving and cabinets for shoes, umbrellas, and other belongings.
“For a brighter and more spacious living area, I proposed a semi open-concept kitchen with the addition of a bar counter,” Gani explains. With windows on both ends, the kitchen is lit with natural light that flows in from both directions.
The gold accents from the bar counter and stools lend a touch of glamour and luxury to the space, affirming the modern contemporary look the homeowners desired.
To include some traditional Japanese elements in the kitchen, Gani used a textured laminate on the cabinets above the stove, reminiscent of traditional woven rattan furniture.
The glossy finish and pronounced veining from the backsplash’s marble-like tiles add a touch of elegance to the space.
The glossy finish and pronounced veining from the backsplash’s marble-like tiles add a touch of elegance to the space.
Keeping the home clutter-free was a priority and the designer answered this by lining the entire length of the kitchen with ample storage for the homeowners’ crockery and household items.
Part of this clutter-free aesthetic is the concealed dining table which is hidden in the cabinet beside the fridge.
The bedrooms keep to a simple and minimalist style, with one room fitted with Japanese tatami mats.
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See more of the home here
TELL US
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Who lives here: A married couple and their young child
Location: Bedok Reservoir
Size: 893 square feet (83 square metres)
Cost: $50,000-$75,000
A neutral colour palette, characteristic of Japanese homes, was used throughout the design of the flat. The use of natural wood tones, together with gold, and white accents, give the flat its modern luxurious aesthetic.