A Sophisticated Japandi Home
Designed & Styled by: Kae Khoo · Photography by Patrick Lau
Mindfulness is an important value of ours when we design homes for our clients. The designs we have in mind must revolve around our clients’ needs, lifestyle, comfort, and how they feel in the space. We believe in conscious design to create homes for purposeful living, ensuring our clients feel their best in a space designed specifically for them.
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Easy maintenance, minimal grout lines, spaciousness and hotel feel designs are some of the key words given to us upon our initial meeting with Zhi Hong and Eileen. They also showed us their frustration on the limited kitchen counter space with appliances taking up the whole stretch and their desire for storage with the amount of toys their kids have. With all the pointers in mind, we craft out a design concept that best suits their needs - A Sophisticated Japandi Home.
A Home for Everything
In our design philosophy, every space is shaped with intention and every object is given a purposeful place. Much like the calm, clutter-free appeal of a hotel room, we set out to bring that same sense of ease and order into this home. Thoughtful storage solutions were seamlessly woven into the design, creating an environment that feels refined yet effortlessly practical. To resolve the challenge of limited kitchen counter space, we introduced a tall, streamlined unit to discreetly store daily-use appliances, keeping surfaces clear and functional. At the kitchen entrance, another tall storage unit was designed to house frequently used dry goods and snacks, previously scattered across the dining table — a detail that instantly enhanced everyday convenience.
Spaciousness for Comfort and Child Play
At the dining area, we created an extendable dining table for maximizing space in a home. As both Zhi Hong and Eileen’s parents visit from time to time for dinner, it can be expanded outwards to accommodate more guests, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. When not in use, the table can be kept in to free up valuable floor space, making the dining or living area feel more open and uncluttered. This extra space is especially beneficial for their boys, as it provides a safe and spacious area for play, creativity, and movement.
The deliberate use of glass blocks in the study room is intended to create a more open and spacious atmosphere. Unlike solid walls, they allow natural light to filter through, brightening the space and reducing any sense of confinement. Additionally, they provide a visual connection to the surrounding areas without compromising privacy, which is particularly beneficial for frequent Zoom calls. Their reflective surface further enhances the perception of depth, making the study room appear larger. Placing the glass block walls near the entrance also maximizes natural light flow through the main door, creating a welcoming feature upon returning home.
Seamless & Timeless Design​
To ensure that the design withstands the test of time, we picked out natural textures and finishes, incorporating touches of modernity for finesse. Seamless and timeless design is achieved through the thoughtful integration of natural materials like stone, limewash paint, and wood, creating spaces that feel both effortless and lasting. We also added modern touches such as stainless steel details, LED ceiling details and subtle pop of colours around to elevate the overall aesthetic while maintaining a balanced and cohesive look. These contemporary elements complement the natural textures, adding a refined contrast without overpowering the timeless appeal. The result is a space that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly sophisticated, where classic materials and modern accents coexist in perfectly.
With the structural beam running through the new living area, we explored creative ceiling designs and incorporated details to conceal it. By intentionally slanting the ceiling around the beam and integrating soft lighting that casts an ambient glow, we introduced architectural interest that enhances the space—making it feel more dynamic, inviting, and visually engaging.
