Home Tour: $100,000 Partial renovation for a Japanese-style 3-storey terrace home in Yishun

In the quiet streets of Yishun, a 3-storey cluster terrace has undergone a remarkable transformation into an elegant Japanese-style home that perfectly balances form and function. After years of living with dark, heavy interiors, the homeowners embarked on a journey to create a space that would not only reflect their deep appreciation for Japanese design but also accommodate their growing family’s needs.

They entrusted this vision to their nephew, Mikael Teh of Monocot Studio, who brilliantly reimagined their space with the clean lines and serene aesthetics characteristic of Japanese-style interior design. The renovation’s centerpiece, a sophisticated built-in sofa featuring architectural silhouettes and sleek steel caps, sets the tone for the entire home’s design language.

Japanese-style interior design

The choice to embrace Japanese-style interior elements wasn’t merely an aesthetic decision but a thoughtful response to the family’s lifestyle needs. The homeowners’ grandson, who visits daily, became a crucial consideration in the design process.

“He comes over to his grandparents house every day, so they requested an open space for him to play freely. As he is allergic to dust, minimalist designs and hidden storage that will not gather as much dust were key,” explains interior designer Mikael. This careful consideration of functionality within the Japanese-style home concept demonstrates how personal needs can beautifully align with design principles.

Concealed storage systems

Innovation in storage solutions became a defining feature of this renovation. Despite the homeowners’ impressive collection of Lladro sculptures, traditional shelving was eliminated in favor of clever concealed storage systems.

The television console, a masterpiece of engineering, features a unique push mechanism that allows the panel to integrate seamlessly with the console wall when closed. This thoughtful detail not only maintains the clean aesthetic of the Japanese-style interior but also serves the practical purpose of preventing dust accumulation.

White marble kitchen

The kitchen transformation stands as a testament to smart space planning within the Japanese-style home concept. Mikael’s decision to expand the kitchen by incorporating space from the outdoor dining area, while installing foldable glass doors, created a flexible and light-filled environment.

The transition between spaces was carefully considered, with white marble tiles in the kitchen and living room flowing into light-wood timber strips elsewhere. This sophisticated flooring strategy complements the warm-toned living room and the pristine white Blum kitchen – a long-held dream finally realized for the homeowners.

Brass finish vs timber veneer

In the dining area, practicality meets elegance with Mikael’s choice of materials.

“As clothing may damage wood over time through chafing, I opted for a brass finish on the dining settee. Brass is more durable than timber veneer,” he explains. This attention to detail extends throughout the home, where every element has been carefully orchestrated to create a cohesive design narrative.

Japanese-style timber slats

The homeowners’ commitment to design integrity is evident in every corner of their Japanese-style home. From the precise alignment of timber slats to the carefully selected window blinds, each element works in harmony with the overall color palette. The thoughtful selection of materials creates seamless transitions between spaces, balancing cool and warm tones throughout the home.

Pull-out dining bench

True to Japanese design principles of flexibility and efficiency, the dining area features an ingenious pull-out bench that provides additional seating while maintaining the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

$100,000 renovation cost

The $100,000 partial renovation extended beyond the main living spaces to include the basement and a son’s bedroom. Here, Mikael introduced elements of luxury with a suede fabric headboard and a custom onyx stone-look bedside table, proving that Japanese-style interior design can accommodate personal style preferences.

Open wardrobe with pole system

In contrast to the light-filled spaces above, the son’s bedroom maintains its edgy character with darker tones while incorporating practical elements like an open-glass wardrobe with a pole system. This thoughtful contrast demonstrates how Japanese-style interior design principles can adapt to different preferences while maintaining cohesion.

Changing sanitary fittings

The bathroom renovation perfectly exemplifies how small changes can make a significant impact. New sanitary fittings, including an elegant showerhead and taps, add sophisticated touches that complement the vintage charm of the bathtub’s claw legs, creating a perfect balance between old and new in this Japanese-style home.