A modern minimalistic Japanese home renovation

Home Type: 4-storey landed home

Floor Area: 5,600sqft

Text by Vanitha Pavapathi

A family with two school-going children embarked on a journey to imbue their four-storey landed home with the essence of modern minimalistic Japanese design. The homeowners understood that it would take time for their dream home to materialise. So, over the span of nine to ten months, the house underwent a transformation, guided by the vision of lead designer Joey Yeong of A Blue Cube Design (ABCD).

The up-and-coming interior design firm recognised for its contemporary luxe aesthetic was perfect for the job as the homeowners favour a fusion of modern luxury and Japanese serenity. Embracing the principles of Japandi, the design team curated a palette of neutral colours throughout the dwelling and used as much natural materials and elements as possible.

In the kitchen and master bathroom, light woodgrain laminates and sintered stone enhance the tactile experience while maintaining durability and style. In the living room however, light woodgrain laminates and textured paint columns create an inviting atmosphere.

One of the key considerations in the design process was the lighting strategy. “The goal was to maximise natural daylight while crafting a cosy ambience with carefully selected wall lights at night,” says Joey. Initially the entrance walkway to the house, the ‘Zen garden’ corner in the expanded living room has its skylights retained, encouraging natural light to spill into little pockets of spaces. This also sets the tone for the design direction.

Subtle curves are present throughout the home; from the carpentry to the furniture and sanitaryware. “We also sought curved light fixtures from Sol Luminaire and Louis Poulsen to harmonise with the design theme,” says Joey of her holistic design approach aimed at accentuating the fluidity of the space.

Each space within the home has been meticulously crafted to reflect the family’s lifestyle and preferences. The basement which originally houses the study room has been converted into an entertainment room where the family can spend movie nights together. The room even has a bar to boot.

The study now occupies the attic where it’s more conducive for learning thanks to the ample natural light. It leads into the daughter’s bedroom adorned with a platform bed, in which the light cables and trunking can be hidden from view. The bedroom has also been enlarged to accommodate a full height wardrobe and dresser as well as more floor space.

On the second storey where the son’s room is located, the design team created a mezzanine to distinguish the play area from the sleep zone. It was also an ingenious way to maximise the slightly over two-metre ceiling height in a relatively small room.

Across the cosy reading corner at the common area on the same floor lies the master bedroom that looks like a luxurious five-star hotel suite. An extended walk-in wardrobe and dressing table further reiterates the design intent while providing functional elegance. Even the master bathroom is replete with his and her sinks, a luxurious freestanding bathtub against concave fluted wall panel as well as a separate shower and toilet enclosed by ribbed glass doors.

Through meticulous planning, thoughtful execution and a keen eye for detail, Joey and her team at ABCD have crafted a home that beautifully encapsulates the concept of modern minimalistic Japanese design. Completed with a budget of over $600,000, this home is an oasis of tranquillity.