Japanese–Korean influences bring warmth to this Hougang resale condo

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Text by Disa Tan

In a place like Singapore that rarely slows down, this decades-old Hougang resale condo has been reworked into a quiet retreat. Working with Chris Zhang, Design Director of Plush Interior Design, the Japanese–Korean homeowners wanted a home infused with softly layered textures and wood accents that nod to their shared cultural roots.

“They wanted something cosy, calm and natural,” Chris shares. “The husband is Japanese and the wife is Korean, so both their cultures lean toward warm wood, gentle colours and quiet simplicity. We used those influences to guide the palette and the overall mood.”

The original layout presented its own challenges, from awkward corners and a structural pillar that disrupted the visual flow to a lack of storage space. This was especially crucial for the homeowners, who had recently welcomed their newborn. Chris resolved these issues with thoughtful custom carpentry, refining the slanted lines and softening the harsher angles to create a calmer sense of order. Chris says: “With the storeroom turned into a helper’s room, they lost their main storage space. The built-in carpentry restores what they need while keeping the home neat and organised.”

One of the other issues Chris addressed was the main entrance, which previously opened straight into the corridor leading to the bedrooms. To create a sense of privacy and a more intentional arrival experience, he designed a curved custom divider that doubles as shoe storage.

The kitchen saw the most functional transformation. By removing its formerly enclosed entrance and introducing a peninsula counter, Chris created a more social and connected layout, with that area now doubling as a calming nook for unwinding and easy conversation.

Warm, woodgrain cabinetry sets a soothing backdrop in the kitchen, complemented by sintered stone that stretches gracefully from the countertops to the backsplash. “We used sintered stone for both the counters and backsplash,” Chris shares. “Its seamless marble-look finish elevates the sense of quiet luxury while staying practical for everyday cleaning.”

In the master bedroom, the changes are restrained, but the effect is distinctly comforting, where new built-in wardrobes were introduced to complement the existing parquet flooring, resulting in a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere. “The colour choice was made to match the original parquet,” Chris says. “It helps the room feel more cohesive and serene.”

Echoing the master bedroom’s palette, the bathroom features a matching scheme of darker wood accents, with warm laminate finishes framing the vanity, complemented by textured tiles that heighten the bathroom’s refined atmosphere.

With the shower stall tucked into a corner of the compact common bathroom, Chris introduced a slanted glass door to soften the angle and brighten the space, making the layout feel more open and better balanced.

Across the home, the influence of Japanese–Korean sensibilities is evident in subtle ways — natural textures, warm woodgrains, refined lines, and a preference for softness over ornamentation. “We were asked to introduce more wood in this home because the owners enjoy that warmth,” Chris reflects. “It suits their lifestyle and brings the sense of calmness they associate with home.”

Plush Interior Design
www.plushinteriordesign.sg
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