The Chic Home: Subtle, serene Japandi abode in Sengkang East

SINGAPORE – Designer Valerie and her husband Zhi Yuan looked to Japandi design for their marital home, a 1,185 sq ft five-room HDB flat in Sengkang East.

The newly-weds – who did not give their full names – liked the Japanese and Scandinavian combination of functional living and tasteful minimalism.

With the help of Mr Effie Jamal of Singapore-based interior design firm DistinctIdentity, the trio brought this vision to life.

Stepping into the flat, visitors are immediately struck by a sense of calm. The foyer that leads into the living and dining areas sets the tone with wood textures and minimalist detailing.

A built-in storage unit, set flush against the wall, offers practicality without sacrificing style.

This sleek design continues through the living area, where the eye is drawn to a long feature wall clad in light wood panelling.

A low floating shelf runs along this clean feature wall, sparsely adorned with a curated display: a modern lamp, a decorative bird and a few well-placed books and vases.

“A minimal canvas also means that our colourful memorabilia scattered all over the home get to have their moment and shine,” says Zhi Yuan.

The living area is anchored by a cream-toned sofa, with a textured throw adding a subtle pop of colour. Large windows framed by black timber detailing allow natural light to flood the room.

In the kitchen, light wood cabinetry stretches from floor to ceiling, providing some storage while maintaining an uncluttered appearance. A black faucet and stovetop add contrast.

The door to the dry pantry, which is adjacent to the kitchen, opens up to a well-organised space with a compact coffee station and wine chiller.

In the bathroom, the use of dark and light tones is again evident.

A black-framed glass partition separates the shower area, its stark lines softened by the light, stone-textured tiles that cover the floor and walls.

The vanity, topped with a sleek white basin, is complemented by a floating shelf below.

Valerie says: “We looked into the placement and use of both fixed and loose artificial lighting to enhance the experience of the space. With light, we can play with space and surfaces, and it completely changes how a room feels.”

The bedroom features a custom-built closet that seamlessly blends with the wall.

A few personal touches – a framed print propped against the wall, a vase with dried foliage – add warmth and personality without being disruptive.

In smaller spaces, such as the corridor leading to the bedroom, the design remains consistent.

A single accent chair by Danish brand Please Wait To Be Seated and a playful print of a beckoning cat inject a sense of whimsy.

“This red chair was our first find. When we aren’t hosting, it sits near our wardrobe as either the chair to pile clothes on or something to sit on when we are drying our hair,” says Valerie.

The renovation, which cost $70,000 and took just 10 weeks to complete, has transformed the flat into a serene abode, a world away from the bustling world outside.

The couple, who moved into the home in December 2023, suggest other home owners take their time to amass their furniture. They themselves have yet to find a side table for their armchair and coffee table for the sofa.

Zhi Yuan says: “We are quite sentimental people and everything in our home tells a story.”