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Houzz Tour: Less is More in This Japanese-Inspired Apartment
A serene ambience is achieved by going minimal with the furnishings and colour palette
Verlaine Marquez
22 March 2017
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More
The newlywed owners of this three-bedroom HDB flat had three main requirements. Firstly, they wanted plenty of space for hosting gatherings. Secondly, they wouldn’t have a TV but a projector in the living room. And thirdly, they wanted a large space where they could practice yoga together.
Both of them also frequently travel for work. “The owners were both overseas throughout the entire renovation. In fact, we met with them only once to go through the quotation and designs,” shares Kate Deng of Mr Shopper Studio. Deng and co-designers Ken Lee and Ben Teo gained more understanding about the couple through the owner’s younger sister, who recommended the firm to the couple. “Through her, we learned that the owners like Zen design, mainly because they’re Budhhists,” says Deng.
Both of them also frequently travel for work. “The owners were both overseas throughout the entire renovation. In fact, we met with them only once to go through the quotation and designs,” shares Kate Deng of Mr Shopper Studio. Deng and co-designers Ken Lee and Ben Teo gained more understanding about the couple through the owner’s younger sister, who recommended the firm to the couple. “Through her, we learned that the owners like Zen design, mainly because they’re Budhhists,” says Deng.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Newlyweds Joo Yee and You Wei
Location: Jurong West
Size: 1,370 square feet (127 square metres)
Project duration: 8 weeks
Fulfilling the couple’s key requirements meant that the communal spaces had to be as open and sparsely furnished as possible. The team had to design without the usual TV feature wall in the living area, and leave the wall completely empty so that the owners can use it as a projector screen. Moreover, the space meant for the dining area had to serve as both yoga studio and tea room.
“We had to pick the right items and colours to style the open spaces, otherwise the Zen look could just end up being empty,” says Deng. Colours were strictly kept to light but warm tones, and natural elements such as wood, rattan, stone and bamboo add textural interest and enhance the relaxing Zen feel.
Who lives here: Newlyweds Joo Yee and You Wei
Location: Jurong West
Size: 1,370 square feet (127 square metres)
Project duration: 8 weeks
Fulfilling the couple’s key requirements meant that the communal spaces had to be as open and sparsely furnished as possible. The team had to design without the usual TV feature wall in the living area, and leave the wall completely empty so that the owners can use it as a projector screen. Moreover, the space meant for the dining area had to serve as both yoga studio and tea room.
“We had to pick the right items and colours to style the open spaces, otherwise the Zen look could just end up being empty,” says Deng. Colours were strictly kept to light but warm tones, and natural elements such as wood, rattan, stone and bamboo add textural interest and enhance the relaxing Zen feel.
All the furniture in the living area are lightweight and very mobile to enable the owners to turn the space into a resting area for family and guests.
To keep clutter at bay further without taking away precious floor area from the entertaining space, a tall storage unit was built beneath the end of the structural beam near the main entrance. It acts as both media storage and shoe cabinet.
Sofa bed: Ikea; lighting: My Lighthouse
To keep clutter at bay further without taking away precious floor area from the entertaining space, a tall storage unit was built beneath the end of the structural beam near the main entrance. It acts as both media storage and shoe cabinet.
Sofa bed: Ikea; lighting: My Lighthouse
The yoga area is defined by a canopy-like structure clad in light beech wallpaper. A mini Japanese garden – complete with a stone lantern, artificial turf and bamboo poles – accentuates one corner.
Although this area is mainly devoted to yoga practice and quiet tea sessions, it can easily be turned into a dining area when guests are over. “The tea set up can be stashed away easily by stacking the seat cushions under the table, and the owners can bring out their foldable dining table, which is kept in the guest room,” says Deng.
Although this area is mainly devoted to yoga practice and quiet tea sessions, it can easily be turned into a dining area when guests are over. “The tea set up can be stashed away easily by stacking the seat cushions under the table, and the owners can bring out their foldable dining table, which is kept in the guest room,” says Deng.
On the altar table by the yoga area are the couple’s prized collections: their Dharma book, an old wooden scripture, and an incense holder.
An open-plan concept for the kitchen keeps the seamless flow of spaces. The cook space has a wet area and a dry area. “We still wanted natural light to come in through the yard’s window. We then opted for a sliding glass door to separate the two areas without blocking off the light,” Deng says. Wood-grained laminated cabinetry and KompacPlus countertops tie the look together.
The owners also mentioned that they would be growing chilli plants, so the team mounted rectangular planters by the window.
Bar chairs: Ikea; laminate: EDL and Jennings
The owners also mentioned that they would be growing chilli plants, so the team mounted rectangular planters by the window.
Bar chairs: Ikea; laminate: EDL and Jennings
Rather than squeeze in a dedicated dining area, the design team went for a kitchen peninsula. Not only does it suit the casual dining lifestyle of the couple, it also occupies less floor space, which is a plus for a compact home.
It is all Zen in the master bedroom as well. The designers chose a simple yet practical bed frame with an easy-to-lift mattress platform that reveals spacious storage underneath for luggage and bed linen. “For the bedhead, we customised a divider that resembles a Japanese shoji sliding door,” says Deng.
Enhancing the Japanese sensibility are custom-made long tatami blinds, which separate the sleeping area from the wardrobe and dresser area. Paper lanterns enhance the Japanese aesthetic.
Bed frame: Blafink; spotlights: My Lighthouse
Enhancing the Japanese sensibility are custom-made long tatami blinds, which separate the sleeping area from the wardrobe and dresser area. Paper lanterns enhance the Japanese aesthetic.
Bed frame: Blafink; spotlights: My Lighthouse
The vanity area was kept minimal, too. “We customised a flip-up mirror, which can transform into a simple table top when not in use,” says Deng. The other side of the dresser was also made into a display space for the wife’s jewellery.
Laminate for vanity: EDL; standing mirror: Ikea
Laminate for vanity: EDL; standing mirror: Ikea
The owner’s younger sibling told the team that her sister had always wanted to have a tub. “So we put in a soaking tub as a surprise for the couple,” says Deng.
The limited footprint of the bathroom, though, made it almost impossible to fit in a standard bathtub. The team opted instead for a soaking tub, which is also popular in the Japanese culture. “However, we found that soaking tubs are very expensive, so we decided to build one ourselves. We actually took inspiration from some Houzz ideabooks!” shares Deng.
The limited footprint of the bathroom, though, made it almost impossible to fit in a standard bathtub. The team opted instead for a soaking tub, which is also popular in the Japanese culture. “However, we found that soaking tubs are very expensive, so we decided to build one ourselves. We actually took inspiration from some Houzz ideabooks!” shares Deng.
The designers picked out wood-grained tiles to mimic the wood these tubs are traditionally made of. “We also set one side of the tub at a 45-degree angle for more comfort,” she says. Textured tiles that run up the ceiling add visual interest.
Tiles: Hafary; vanity countertop: 3S Solid Surfaces; spotlights: My Lighthouse; fixtures: Crizto and Lucky Khoon
Tiles: Hafary; vanity countertop: 3S Solid Surfaces; spotlights: My Lighthouse; fixtures: Crizto and Lucky Khoon
Finishing the bathroom’s Zen feel are a lava stone sink and a bamboo faucet. Little details like these set the tranquil tone for this charming home.
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What did you find most striking in this home? Share in the Comments below.
TELL US
What did you find most striking in this home? Share in the Comments below.
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