Inside a modern Oriental condo with five-star hotel vibes

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Text by Disa Tan

For Lawrence Puah, founder and design director of akiHAUS Design Studio, the home’s transformation began right at the point of arrival. At this JadeScape condominium, the private lift lobby was initially cramped and poorly resolved, with a swing door that opened directly into the unit, limiting both movement and airflow. “When you open the door, there’s really no way to move around comfortably,” Lawrence explains.

To address this, the entry sequence was reconfigured with a sliding door, allowing the space to open up without sacrificing privacy. The adjustment also improves circulation and airflow, setting a more soothing, functional tone from the moment of arrival.

Referencing traditional Chinese folding screens, the layered form of the sliding door creates depth and casts soft shadows. As Lawrence explains: “When you come home, it should already feel calm, almost like a hotel lobby.”

For added functionality, Lawrence integrated shoe storage along one side of the lift lobby, keeping everyday essentials neatly contained and the space visually uncluttered. A custom-designed screen wraps around the built-in bench, its three-dimensional profile extending through to the opposite side, where it becomes a defining feature wall.

Designed for a family of four with two children, the home needed to support daily routines that often centre around shared spaces. In response, the kitchen island was conceived as a true working hub rather than a secondary surface. Positioned at the heart of the home, it brings preparation and casual dining together in one place, allowing family life to unfold naturally around it.

To improve workflow, the sink was relocated to the island, freeing up the surrounding counters for storage and appliances. A stainless steel footrest is integrated along the island’s base, ensuring comfortable seating at the counter for extended periods — whether for meals, work or conversation.

The modern Oriental language unfolds in the living area. Behind the sofa, a large-scale wallpaper mural recalls the fluidity of Chinese ink paintings, depicting panoramic mountain scenes. Chosen for its atmospheric presence, the mural also addresses feng shui considerations in a subtle way. “The living room needed touches of blue, but it still had to feel right in the space,” Lawrence explains.

When closed, the sliding screens reveal mirrored panels at the sides that support the children’s violin practice by allowing them to observe posture and technique. The panels also create a window-like effect, extending sightlines and adding depth while allowing the room to shift easily between practice and hosting company.

In the dining area, gentle curves soften the open-plan layout.  A custom recessed niche forms a focal backdrop for display, its rounded edges echoing the adjacent dining table. Overhead, the ceiling design plays a defining role in anchoring the space.

“We created a box-up feature around the ceiling to redirect the air-conditioning and frame the space,” says Lawrence. “In the centre, the dropped ceiling feature with cove lighting and bold black outline draws out depth and texture.”

Along the corridor leading to the bedrooms, a consistent framing detail marks a clear transition from the home’s public areas to its private zones. Beyond this threshold, finishes become lighter and more restrained, easing the shift into the home’s quieter, more restful spaces.

In the master bedroom, storage is enhanced through a focused addition rather than a full reconfiguration. A shallow row of wardrobes is introduced near the bed for folded items, with gently curved corners that soften the transition into the space, while hanging storage remains within the existing wardrobe.

Designed to evoke a sense of calm and composure, the sleeping area is anchored by a custom headboard that reinterprets the screen motif through a series of repeating wallpaper panels. Below, sliding trays top the bedside tables, concealing electrical points within so plugs and cables remain easy to access when needed, and neatly tucked away when not in use.

Completed within three months, the project reflects akiHAUS Design Studio’s considered approach to shaping homes around everyday living. Careful planning and precise detailing allow the space to feel balanced and cohesive, well-suited to the family’s daily routines.

akiHAUS Design Studio
www.akihaus.com
www.facebook.com/akiHAUS.Design.Studio
www.instagram.com/akihaus.sg

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