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Straits Times

The Chic Home: Japan-inspired HDB maisonette for a family of four

Retro window grilles, an original feature of the unit, lend this family's HDB maisonette an old-school charm. PHOTO: HAPPE DESIGN ATELIER The Chic Home: Japan-inspired HDB maisonette for a family of four SINGAPORE – When devising the brief for their home, the owners of this four-room HDB maisonette had just returned from a trip to Japan. Their designer, Mr Jacob Low of Happe Design Atelier, was heading to the Land of the Rising Sun the following week. Unsurprisingly , the couple, who are in their late 30s and early 40s , decided to adopt a Japanese-inspired theme for the 1,593 sq ft unit in Lorong Ah Soo. The husband and wife – he works in sales, she is an office manager – originally wanted a minimalist, wabi-sabi style. However, as parents to two young daughters aged three and six , they realised the look would be difficult to pull off with the girls' hotchpotch of toys and books. So, they settled for a Japanese style with neutral white walls, wood elements and a touch of retro inspired by some of the home's existing features. Mr Low says: 'The home owners emphasised the importance of creating a spacious communal area that would serve as a central hub for gathering and socialising, as well as a highly functional kitchen that meets their everyday needs. 'Additionally, they expressed a strong desire for a design that would leave a lasting impression on guests.' Left vacant for a while, the unit was derelict and overrun with pests. It underwent an extensive overhaul to the tune of about $150,000 for the renovation works, and $50,000 for the furniture and furnishings. Neutral white walls and wood elements are key elements of the design. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Inspired by the genkan, a traditional entrance vestibule in a Japanese home, the entrance foyer sets a welcoming tone with its dark tiles in deliberate contrast with the adjoining spaces. A built-in shoe-cum-display cabinet showcases the couple's collection of toys and memorabilia from their travels, offering not just storage, but also a glimpse of their personalities. A built-in shoe-cum-display cabinet showcases toys and travel memorabilia. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The entrance foyer transitions into a front-facing kitchen. As passionate bakers, the couple needed a kitchen that could accommodate simultaneous cooking and baking, says Mr Low. The entrance foyer transitions into a front-facing kitchen. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The spacious layout and expansive countertops provide ample room to manoeuvre and prepare food. Gold cabinet handles and a marble-like quartz backsplash complement the dark wood laminate to give the kitchen an aura of sophistication . The expansive kitchen can accommodate simultaneous cooking and baking. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Located right beside the kitchen is the dining space, the heart of the home. As avid hosts, the couple requested a versatile dining table that can cater to both large gatherings and intimate family dinners. They eventually found a convertible dining table from Castlery, which they paired with a wooden settee with rounded corners. These are juxtaposed against a backdrop of retro window grilles, an original feature of the unit, which lend the space an old-school charm. A vintage red slatted door opens up to reveal the powder room. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA One of the items on the couple's wish list was a visually striking powder room. The guest bathroom has a vintage red slatted door with old-school ventilation blocks above. The room's modest size belies the rich detailing , which transports its users to Japan. The powder room is reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA 'The carpentry integrates Japanese design principles, showcasing vertical lines reminiscent of traditional architecture. Thoughtfully designed niches offer practical storage solutions, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,' says Mr Low. The couple also converted the balcony into a dedicated play area for their daughters, where the whole family can enjoy the peace and serenity of the space . The master bedroom has two distinct zones: one for sleeping and one for the walk-in wardrobe. As the couple are light sleepers, this separation ensures that their rest is undisturbed , while addressing their needs for ample storage. The sleeping zone in the master suite. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA By integrating the bathroom vanity with the walk-in wardrobe, Mr Low freed up space within the master bathroom to accommodate a small, standalone bathtub. With the vanity now part of the walk-in wardrobe, the couple has more space in the en-suite bathroom. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The family moved into their new home in December 2023 after a four-month renovation. This article first appeared in Home & Decor Singapore. Go to for more beautiful homes, space-saving ideas and interior inspiration. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.