Home Tour: A newlywed couple’s Japandi 5-room HDB along Sengkang East Drive

Who Lives Here: Newlywed couple
Home: 5-room HDB flat
Location: Sengkang East Drive
Size: 1,185 square feet
Interior Design: Effie Jamal from DISTINCTidENTITY

Newlyweds, Valerie and Zhi Yuan, look to Japandi interior design as their muse for their new home, a 5-room HDB flat in Sengkang East. A portmanteau of two unique cultures and aesthetics—Japanese and Scandi (short for Scandinavian) —Japandi is an ode to functional living and tasteful minimalism.

As a designer herself, Valerie had a clear vision for the space she and her husband, Zhi Yuan, would call home. Through Effie Jamal of Singapore-based interior design firm DISTINCTidENTITY, the trio brought this vision to life.

Japandi Interior Design

Stepping into the 5-room HDB flat, visitors would be immediately struck by a sense of calm that pervades the space. The foyer that leads into the living and dining rooms sets the tone with its seamless integration of wood textures and minimalist detailing.

“What we want to achieve is a calm and functional home that can withstand the tests of time,” says Valerie, who adds that they do not intend to relocate anytime in the near future. And thus, the duo decided to make things practical and tasteful.

Living Room Design

A built-in storage unit, flushed against the wall, offers practicality without sacrificing style. This sleek design continues through the living area, where the eye is drawn to a long feature wall clad in light wood paneling.

A low, floating shelf runs along this clean feature wall, sparsely adorned with curated objects—a modern lamp, a decorative bird, and a few well-placed books and vases. “A minimal canvas also means that our colourful memorabilia scattered all over the house gets to have their moment and shine,” explains homeowner Zhi Yuan.

The living room is anchored by a cream-toned sofa, with a warm, textured throw adding a subtle pop of color. Large windows framed by black timber detailing allow natural light to flood the room.

Japandi Kitchen Design

Like the living room, the kitchen, with its clean lines and muted palette, is as functional as it is beautiful. Light wood cabinetry stretches from floor to ceiling, providing some storage while maintaining an uncluttered appearance. “Working with lesser materials was a way for us to not get carried away and focus on the details and functionality by looking at it again and again,” says homeowner Valerie.

A black faucet and stovetop add a touch of contrast, aligning with the Japandi principle of balancing light and dark elements. The dry pantry, positioned adjacent to the kitchen, echoes this design ethos. When the sliding door is open, it reveals a well-organized space with a compact coffee station and a wine chiller—perfect for the couple’s daily rituals.

Japandi Bathroom Design

In the bathroom, the use of dark and light tones is again evident. A black-framed glass partition separates the shower area, its stark lines softened by the light, stone-textured tiles that cover the floor and walls. The vanity, topped with a sleek white basin, is complemented by a floating shelf below, offering both style and practicality.

“As corporate workers who mostly experience the home at night, we also looked into the placement and use of both fixed and loose artificial lighting to enhance the experience of the space,” says homeowner Valerie. “With light, we can play with space and surfaces and it completely changes how a room feels.”

Japandi Master Bedroom

As one moves through the home, it becomes clear that Valerie’s eye for detail extends to every corner. The bedroom, designed as a tranquil retreat, features a custom-built closet that seamlessly blends with the wall. The bed, dressed in soft, neutral linens, is positioned against a backdrop of light wood. A few personal touches—a framed print propped against the wall, a vase with dried foliage—add warmth and personality to the space without disrupting the overall calm.

In the smaller spaces, such as the corridor leading to the bedroom, the design remains consistent. A single chair and a playful print of a beckoning cat inject a sense of whimsy, reminding visitors that this is a home lived in and loved, not just a showpiece.

The renovation, which took just ten weeks to complete, has transformed the flat into a serene abode, a world away from the bustling world outside.

When selecting furniture to spruce up the space, the couple maintains an open mind. “As much as possible, we are happy to support designers and their original works as we appreciate the fine craftsmanship,” says homeowner Valerie.

Accent Red Chair

For them, certain furniture may double as art pieces in the home. A case in point: the Accent Red Chair by Danish design brand PLEASE WAIT to be SEATED A/S in the master bedroom closet offers a pleasing pop of scarlet against the muted background. “This red chair was our first find. When we aren’t hosting, the red chair sits near our wardrobe as either the chair to pile clothes on or something to sit on when we are drying our hair,” she adds.

The couple suggests other homeowners take their time to amass their furniture. Till today, Valerie and Zhi Yuan have yet to find a side table for their armchair and coffee table for the living room’s sofa. Zhi Yuan says: “We are quite sentimental people and everything in our house tells a story.”