Blending Both Organic And Wood Elements At 18C Holland Drive
In this case study, we explore the redesign journey of a family home crafted to meet the needs of a small family. Our main goal is to revitalize the overall aesthetic while enhancing functionality in key areas. This includes creating a more spacious and welcoming kitchen, improving airflow, and seamlessly blending functionality with the family’s preferred Japandi design style.
Client Background:
Our clients, a husband, wife, and adult son, cherish their morning coffee and toast routine and seek improvements in the flow of their living space and decluttering their current space.
Removing the Original Divider and The Introduction Of A Settee:
Our first step involved removing the current living room divider, typically implemented for privacy and storage. Since the unit’s main door was at the end of the corridor, having a screen was no longer a concern. Consequently, we integrated the shoe cabinet, settee, and TV console into a full-height carpentry along the living room wall. This alteration visually expanded the living room upon entry, offering a more welcoming ambience. The rounded design of the settee softens the visual impact upon entering, complemented by a nearby mirror for last-minute checks before leaving home.
Enhancing Kitchen Ventilation by Opening Up the Space:
The removal of the kitchen wall and the introduction of an island with barstools have a dual purpose. Firstly, it significantly improved airflow from the living area to the kitchen, and the unit was constantly breezy. Secondly, it provided a cosy spot for the family’s morning coffee and toast ritual. The transformed wall adjacent to the island now serves as a dry pantry, housing various essentials, including a display cabinet for their collection of Starbucks mugs from all over the world. A specially hand-crafted pendant light with wooden elements adds character to this space. For a touch of coordinated design, the barstools were specifically chosen to complement the hardware on the pantry’s top cabinets and the cabinet’s laminate.
Seamless Integration and Functional Design:
To create a cohesive flow, the pantry extends along the kitchen wall and continues into the yard area. Cleverly open and closed shelving units conceal the household shelter door while providing easy access to frequently used cooking ingredients like garlic and onions and household appliances like a handheld vacuum. This arrangement maximises storage space and keeps essentials close at hand.
Innovative Solutions for Kitchen Ventilation:
Instead of an enclosed kitchen, which could disrupt airflow, we opted for a one-directional fan to mitigate odours and heat during cooking sessions.
Streamlined Utility in the Yard:
A sintered surface countertop with accessible storage beneath was installed adjacent to the washing machine, streamlining laundry tasks, including ironing.
Artistic Touches and Cohesive Design In The Kitchen
The kitchen cabinet features laminate with realistic wood grain, complementing the equally wood-like vinyl flooring. A limewash effect graces the backsplash to evoke the natural imperfections of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. A streamlined approach to the dishrack was essential since the sink sits beneath an open window. We opted for an open pull-down model that integrates seamlessly with the top cabinets to achieve functionality and visual appeal.
Wabi-Sabi Continues Along Into The Living Area.
The TV placement in the console area is deliberately asymmetrical, defining the living space in line with the dining area wall and creating a rectangular layout. A strategically placed Japanese Andromeda branch (along with the Starhub and wifi boxes) on the fluted panel balances the asymmetry, while hidden cable management and a dedicated soundbar location ensure a clean aesthetic. A bay window provides easy accessibility to the family’s bowling balls. To minimise bulk, the TV console uses a unique limewash laminate, contrasting with the warm white shoe cabinet. The traditional coffee table is replaced with imported Hinoki stumps, centring the TV and adding a touch of nature with their naturally occurring lemon scent.
Defining Asymmetry In The Dining Space
The dining area, positioned directly across from the TV console, undergoes a similar asymmetrical treatment. We achieve a sleek aesthetic without sacrificing the overall asymmetry by employing angled lines to create varied shapes across the wall. Both sides of the mirror wall feature fibreglass panels that emulate natural stone, infusing an organic ambience by enhancing the distinction between the dining and living spaces. To further delineate individual elements, black inlay accents the mirror wall, adding definition. A meticulously chosen clock with wooden hands and a pendulum is a subtle nod to the wooden elements in the space.
Instead of pendant lighting, a false ceiling with recessed downlights is installed above the dining area, offering flexibility for table positioning. Cove lighting along the ceiling provides indirect illumination for the living area, complemented by a ceiling fan. Korean combi blinds are utilised to easily adjust light and ventilation, ideal for the unobstructed views from the 25th floor.
Natural Elements In The Bathroom
To infuse the master bathroom with an organic, natural ambience, we opted for two distinct tile designs resembling natural stone, each in a unique colour tone. This deliberate choice enabled us to delineate between the upper and lower cabinets while accentuating both areas.
Master Bathroom
We applied a fluted panel treatment to the upper cabinet in the common bathroom, seamlessly integrating it with the top-hung window. This design element complements the Hinoki wood bath stool, which echoes the natural scent in the living room through the use of the same wood type and allows the homeowner to mimic the scene of showering under the rain shower sitting on the bath stool.
Common Bathroom
Common Bathroom Shower
Different Wardrobes. Different Treatments
In the walk-in master bedroom wardrobe, we maintained consistency using the same warm white and wood-like laminate found throughout the house. Conversely, the wardrobe in the common room was designed with a unique approach. We framed the door and utilised a lime wash laminate similar to Washi, a traditional Japanese paper. This design choice not only mimics the appearance of a Japanese sliding door but also camouflages the wardrobe’s purpose, visually enlarging the room and creating the illusion of an open space.
Master Bedroom Wardrobe
Common Bedroom Wardrobe
Common Bedroom Wardrobe
Efficient Workspace in the Son’s Room:
Understanding the importance of a dedicated workspace for young adults, we positioned the study desk strategically between the bed and the wardrobe. A top cabinet above the desk provides convenient storage for everyday essentials. To visually define the workspace and create a sense of spaciousness, a contrasting grey accent wall sets the desk apart from the rest of the room and draws the eye upwards, making the ceiling appear higher.
Through thoughtful design choices and attention to detail, we’ve transformed this home into a haven that reflects its occupants’ unique lifestyles and preferences.
A Japandi Home With Highly Functional Spaces Complemented By Organic Elements
Designing a home is much more than drawing inspiration from a magazine or social media; it requires careful consideration of every detail. Each project is guided by understanding lifestyle needs, functionality, and a personalized approach to create a truly unique space. We’re thrilled that this 5-room HDB at 18C Holland Drive has become the perfect home for this close-knit family. We know they’ll cherish their morning coffees and create lasting memories here for years.
Article contributed by ProjectGuru
ProjectGuru is a Singapore-based interior design firm focused on creating personalized spaces that reflect each client’s unique story. Founded in 2014, it offers bespoke design services for residential and commercial properties. ProjectGuru stands out with its award-winning design expertise, including recognition from Qanvast Supertrust and SIDA awards. Known for fostering collaborative relationships with clients, the firm combines modern aesthetics with functional designs to bring dream homes and inspiring workspaces to life.
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