The Japandi design style usually produces homes with calming interiors, but this $90K Japandi 5-room HDB resale renovation takes the cake as far as cosiness is concerned. Bathed in soft light, with some elements borrowed from wabi-sabi, the entire apartment is one for those looking to slow down and appreciate the finer things in life.
Window seat feature with Japanese tea room & zen garden
Image credit: Intheory Design
The sheer honeycomb blinds are arguably the most important factor in setting the mood here, diffusing the light that comes in. It enhances the contrast between the dark wood and the lighter textured wallpaper, making for a cosy environment with enjoyably muted ambient light.
Hanging over the dining table are what looks to be irregularly-shaped paper lanterns from Akari, adding an organic wabi-sabi quality and also contributing more of that soft filtered light into this space.
But what really brings the whole place together would be the bouclé sofa, emphasising the restful nature of the living room. Its soft bouclé texture not only adds to the visual intrigue, but also simply begs for you to take a seat and lounge for a while.
Image credit: Intheory Design
Honeycomb blinds may set the stage in this living area, but the real star here is the window seat feature by the bay window. It’s a great intimate space, with a pair of seats that encourages soulful heart-to-hearts, or even companionable silences. One would imagine that the homeowners would also spend mornings here, coffee in hand, quietly living in the moment.
There is also an earthy quality to the home, one that manifests most prominently in the miniature zen garden. Its diminutive size makes it an endearing decorative detail, and is honestly an ingenious way to incorporate a traditionally expansive feature in an HDB flat.
Image credit: Intheory Design
The bouclé zaisu-style chair and table set helps to create consistency and harmony with the rest of the living area.
Image credit: Intheory Design
Another prominent feature would have to be the wood slab coffee table. Although not often seen in Japandi-style homes, the dark tone of the coffee table does give the place a certain air of understated elegance.
Image credit: Intheory Design
Form does not replace function in this home either. In spite of the relatively minimalist design and abundance of open space, there is plenty of built-in concealed storage under the settee by the window. By using recessed handles, they’ve kept it so visually sleek that one might not even notice the storage areas.
Relaxing bedroom that looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel
Image credit: Intheory Design
In the bedroom, you see something a lot more traditionally Japandi, with sleek furniture, wood-heavy design and minimalist aesthetics. But by using ash-coloured wood and employing warm lighting, the homeowners have given the place a sophisticated flair that would not feel out of place in a boutique hotel suite.
The simplicity of the design and the warm tones help turn this bedroom into a sanctuary that one looks forward to retreating into at the end of each day.
Image credit: Intheory Design
Creating a nook to act as the bedside counter is a nice detail that keeps the place feeling sleek. Besides, you’ll also get to have more wardrobe space this way.
Image credit: Intheory Design
For a luxurious boutique suite, its attached bathroom certainly does not disappoint. The ridges of the fluted accent wall are accentuated by the backlit mirror, creating an Art Deco-like effect reminiscent of a mid-century skyscraper.
Image credit: Intheory Design
A closer inspection will net you more exquisite details, such as the natural stone vanity. Its organic finish is a nice contrast to the fluted wall, but pairs with the organically shaped mirror to create a bit of the wabi-sabi style here.
Sleek, modern kitchen
Image credit: Intheory Design
The minimalist kitchen, with its open shelving, is made more attractive with the strip lighting for a touch of modernity.
It is interesting to note the completeness of the wood theme here; even the backsplash and countertops are done up in a wood laminate that matches the rest of the kitchen space. The grain of the laminate also creates an illusory effect that visually elongates the kitchen.
$90K 5-room HDB flat’s Japandi-inspired renovation
Warm, gentle and subtle, this $90K Japandi 5-room HDB renovation is one that plays its role well as a refuge from the bustle of daily life. Moreover, with its use of soft natural lighting and a minimalist design with decorative features in just the right places, this is also a great Japandi home to reference for your future reno plans.
For more home inspiration:
- This shophouse-style landed home hides an element of wonder
- Inside a $75K reno designed to be a couple’s “personal art gallery”
- These homeowners spent $60K on their BTO flat reno
Cover image adapted from: Intheory Design
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
