Shoji Paper Screens

Besides making structural alterations to open up the home, the designer created customised built-in structures and furniture to bring out the theme.

Light oak tones, platforms and shoji paper screens are some of the distinctive elements he included.

Also, as the Japanese aesthetic is grounded on simple, functional beauty, the home’s overall design minimises the use of conventional furniture, or having defined spaces and fixed-purpose rooms.

Dining Room

The home’s design minimises the use of conventional furniture, with the dining table and chairs being the only pieces.

Worked in Japan

Melvyn’s love of Japanese culture and aesthetics grew around six years ago, when he went to Japan for work. “It’s the respect for each other, for things, and for nature, that I like,” he says.

Japanese Interior Design

“It’s purely Japanese. A lot of people like a fusion style, but not me. I wanted it pure, so that the authenticity is retained. The look is traditional, but there’s modern technology incorporated.

Furnishing-wise, I tried as much as possible to get everything from Japan and made in Japan.”

Izakaya Style Home

I combined the concept of a “drinking hole” and traditional inn. The key element is the idea of getting together with friends, just like how colleagues gather after work at an izakaya; so there are pockets of space with platforms everywhere for my friends to gather.

Kitchen Island Dining Table

The home has a palette of white and maple and oak wood tones, as seen in the kitchen.

Doraemon Main Gate

The bold blue front gate with a design inspired by Doraemon is a playful touch that references Japanese pop culture.

Drinking Corner

Melvyn’s drinking corner in the living area, where he frequently entertains friends, is his favourite part of the home.

“The drinking corner was very important! I wanted a comfortable area with a raised table, so hidden in the platform is an automated table that can be raised when I want to use it (in the living area).

The drinking area in the living room can become a guest sleeping area, when the table is lowered into the platform and a futon is added.

The whole interior was also reworked so I can use the space however I want; sometimes, I dine here, other times, there.”

Starbucks Mug Collection

In the front part of the house, visitors can admire the homeowner’s extensive collection of Starbucks mugs in the glass showcase.

Tatami & Futon Bedroom

“I like my bedroom with the tatami-finished platform and futon, but I think my favourite space has got to be the drinking corner, as I see it as my private sanctuary.

There, I do my work, drink, watch TV, chill out and entertain friends.

My friends are only so eager to come over – they say my home is even better than some restaurants’ private rooms! Recently, some friends took photos for Instagram and it looked so beautiful in the pictures.”

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This article was first published on Home and Decor in 2017.