Japanese Serenity meets Korean Chic
Designed & Styled by: Kae Khoo · Photography by Patrick Lau
Originally, the residence was a standard 3-room resale HDB flat with an elongated and narrow layout. Upon meeting the owner, Robin, he shared his love for hosting large groups of friends and his avid interest in enjoying movie screen time. He also expressed his appreciation for Kanso, a Japanese concept that emphasizes Zen and simplicity. Robin is frequently spotted donning designer collections such as Bape and Kaws, demonstrating his passion for creative and artistic brands. Armed with this understanding and aiming to inject a stylish touch that resonated with his personality, we made the decision to incorporate vibrant shades of blue inspired by Yves Klein and sleek silver stainless steel elements to realize a fashionable and trendy aesthetic within the space.
To create a sense of spaciousness, we removed almost all the walls from the original layout. By opening up the space, we designed specific zones in each part of the house to maximize its utility. With the elimination of the walls, we were able to accommodate Robin's dream 86" TV. The sofa found a comfortable central position within the living and entertainment area. This configuration offers versatility, enabling the owner to shift the sofa slightly backward for movie nights and forward when hosting gatherings, effectively utilizing the entertainment space as a separate entity.
The owner sought guidance from a Fengshui master, who suggested that the ideal workspace should be situated on the left side of the entrance door, facing towards the master bedroom. Consequently, we tailored a study table with a curved edge, offering not only a broader workspace but also an easier entry point to the study chair. Deliberately, we integrated table legs with diverse designs to inject intrigue and individuality into the room.
At the heart of the living area stands the organically shaped curved wall we meticulously crafted. This wall serves a dual purpose, adeptly concealing the beam while also functioning as a partition between the two expansive open spaces, elevating two distinct walkway points on either side. To enhance its visual impact, we applied a textured limewash paint finish to this statement wall, artfully displaying the raw elements dear to Robin's heart. This captivating limewash texture seamlessly extends into both the kitchen and the entertainment space, fostering a sense of interconnectedness throughout the entire area.
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To maintain the spacious concept, we designed a large island-style kitchen with carefully chosen flooring that seamlessly connects the living and kitchen areas. We intentionally selected white and blue patterned tiles to introduce intriguing, clean geometric lines into the space. This interactive layout enables the owner to engage in open conversations with guests while hosting. Furthermore, we integrated bifold doors and windows to delineate the kitchen from the dining area, providing the option to close off the kitchen during intense cooking sessions. To optimize the organization of daily appliances, we curated a side console, ensuring the countertop maintains its neat appearance.
For added yard privacy, we incorporated glass blocks that obscure yard activities while still permitting ample light to filter through. The yard is thoughtfully divided into distinct zones for laundry, a cleaning appliances area, and a foldable bar table for morning coffee sessions.
The original master bathroom was small and the owner indicated a desire for a distinct division between the dry and wet sections of the bathroom. To meet his preference, we repositioned the vanity basin, seamlessly integrating it with the vanity table. The deliberate selection of cream square grid tiles reflects the Japanese bathroom aesthetic. Additionally, we intentionally introduced wooden framing into the shelving, framing, and cabinets to infuse natural elements and harmonize the color palette.
