Home Tour: $200,000 Japanese renovation for a sales & manager couple’s 4-room HDB Maisonette along Lorong Ah Soo

The homeowners love Japan and having just returned from a trip to Japan, and with Jacob Low, senior designer from Happe Design Atelier heading to Japan the following week, their initial discussion naturally revolved around Japanese culture and design. It comes as no surprise that they decided to adopt a Japanese-inspired theme for the home. 

The husband, who is 42 years old and who works in sales, and the 39-year-old wife who is an office manager had originally wanted a full-on, wabi-sabi style. However, they were realistic in acknowledging the fact that it would be difficult to pull it off with a hotchpotch of toys and books belonging to their two young daughters, aged six and three. So, they settled for a Japanese style with neutral white walls, wood elements and a touch of retro that was inspired by some of the existing features within the home. 

Who: A couple, two young daughters and their pet dog and cat
Home: A 4-room HDB Maisonette at Lorong Ah Soo
Size: 1,593 sqf
Interior Designer: Jacob Low, senior designer from Happe Design Atelier

Neutral Colour Palette

As their second home, past experience has given the couple a clearer idea of what they wanted and what they did not like. It was a yes to neutral-coloured walls and less built-in furniture, and a no to glossy floor tiles. Their brief to interior designer Jacob was also very clear and well-defined:

“The homeowners emphasised the importance of creating a spacious communal area that would serve as a central hub for gathering and socialising, as well as a highly functional kitchen that meets their everyday needs. Additionally, they expressed a strong desire for a design that would leave a lasting impression on guests the moment they step through the door.” 

$200,000 Renovation Cost

Having been left vacant for a while, the unit was in a state of neglect and colonised by pests when the couple purchased it. The flat underwent an extensive and transformative overhaul to the tune of about $200,000- $150,000 for the renovation works which included hacking of walls, retiling surfaces, electrical work and new plumbing, and $50,000 for the furniture and furnishings.  

Traditional Japanese Interior Design

Inspired by the Genkan, a traditional entrance vestibule in a Japanese home, the entrance foyer sets a welcoming tone with its dark tiles in deliberate contrast with the adjoining spaces. A built-in shoe and display cabinet showcases the couple’s collection of toys and memorabilia from their travels, offering not just storage, but also a glimpse of their unique personalities. 

Kitchen Design

The entrance foyer transitions seamlessly into a front-facing kitchen. “As passionate bakers, the clients were very specific in their requirement for a kitchen that can effortlessly handle the demands of simultaneous cooking and baking, fully supporting each function without compromising on efficiency or design,” interior designer Jacob highlights.

The spacious layout and expansive kitchen countertops provide ample room to manoeuvre and prep. Gold cabinet handles and a marble-like quartz backsplash complement the dark wood laminate to give the kitchen a hint of sophistication. 

Dining Room

Located right beside the kitchen, the dining space is considered the heart of the home. As an avid host and hostess, the couple requested for a versatile dining table that can flexibly cater to both large gatherings and intimate family dinners.

Convertible Dining Table

After visiting several stores and exploring various options, they found a convertible dining table from Castlery, which interior designer Jacob paired with a wooden settee with rounded corners that has the effect of a warm embrace, fostering a sense of connection over a shared meal. These are juxtaposed against a backdrop of retro window grilles that have been retained and which lend the space an old-school charm.        

Vintage Japanese Door

Interestingly, one of the key items on the couple’s wish list was for a guest powder room or bathroom that would leave a lasting impression on visitors. It doesn’t get more attention-grabbing than a red, vintage, slatted door with old school ventilation blocks above. Its modest size belies rich detailing that guests say transport them right back to Japan.

“The carpentry integrates Japanese design principles, showcasing vertical lines reminiscent of traditional architecture. Thoughtfully designed niches offer practical storage solutions, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,” interior designer Jacob elaborates.

Balcony Design

With two growing kids, their needs were also a priority in the renovation. The parents ensured that the girls would have a dedicated play area to call their own. The balcony has been transformed into a fun and engaging, yet organised and functional space. It is not just for the kids though. The adults also enjoy the peace and serenity from the balcony, especially late at night, and it offers them a different view of the neighbourhood.     

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom has two distinct zones- one for sleeping and one for the walk-in wardrobe. As light sleepers, this separation ensures that the couple’s rest is undisturbed, while addressing their needs for ample storage and organisation of clothes and personal items, as well as a tranquil sanctuary for rest and relaxation. By integrating the bathroom vanity with the walk-in wardrobe, interior designer Jacob managed to free up space within the master bathroom to accommodate a small, standalone bathtub.    

The family moved into their new home in December 2023 after a four-month renovation that was held back by about a month due to issues in the application process for purchasing the additional space from HDB. 

As an interior designer, Jacob is dedicated to crafting simple, yet elegant designs that provide a canvas for homeowners to express their unique lifestyles and personalities. “To me, design is about creating environments that enhance the way people interact with and experience their surroundings on a daily basis,” he shares.

The couple say that their new home feels so much more like home than their first BTO flat and they love being at home more than going out. Through this home renovation process, they have also developed a greater appreciation for the design that has been put into it.