The Muji Hotel in Ginza, Tokyo might have described itself as “anti-gorgeous” and “anti-cheap,” but it’s clear as day that its interior design is anything but. After all, the chokehold that Muji’s minimalistic and wood-heavy aesthetic has on Singaporeans is a phenomenon that needs to be studied. Case in point, this Bukit Batok HDB flat that looks eerily similar to the Muji Hotel.
Designed by D5 Studio Image, this 5-room flat has all the trappings to make it feel like the residential wing of a Muji Hotel in Singapore. Here’s a closer look at our favourite parts of this Japanese-inspired home.
Cladding every surface in wood and natural hues
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
One of the signature elements of the Muji Hotel is how the walls, floors, ceilings, and surfaces are all clad in wood. This Bukit Batok flat did the same, with nary a corner spared from this dominance of oak.
Image credit: Muji
What makes each wooden installation unique is the mixture of use between smooth wooden laminates and the fluted panels that are positioned in eye-catching spots. For example, the TV feature wall, corners of the room, balcony doors, dining table legs, and ceiling are all layered with fluted panels to add depth and visual interest to the home.
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
The entryway was given a curved shape with wall slats to make the space feel cohesive whilst maintaining privacy from the front door.
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
Turning the balcony into a zen nook to lounge
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
One thing I’m sure most of us can appreciate is a cosy corner with the most zen vibes for us to relax and unwind anytime. This was something that D5 Studio Image did for this family by transforming the balcony into a space for calm thoughts.
The Muji Hotel’s library nook.
Image credit: Muji
Of course, any balcony or reading nook can be a haven to retreat to at home. But what makes this Bukit Batok flat encapsulate the Muji and Japanese vibe is the use of tatami mats.
So no one is expected to pad every single floorboard with straw flooring, especially not in Singapore. This is why the interior designers only put the tatami mats in one section of the balcony.
Installing a bathtub into the onsen-inspired bathroom
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
Just like sushi and Don Don Donki goods, Singaporeans are in love with the concept of onsens. Maybe it’s because most of us grew up bathing in a cramped shower with no bathtub, but the joy of being able to soak in an onsen tub is superior to jacuzzis. The interior designers for this Bukit Batok Flat decided to reconfigure the layout of the bathroom for the addition of an onsen-esque tub.
First off, the sink was moved to the walk-in wardrobe outside so there’s more room in the bathroom. The shower area was then closed off with another door and split into 2 parts: the bathtub by the wall, and a standing shower by the entrance. Niches were also built into the wall for soap and shampoo to stay without taking up extra space with a rack.
A walkway connecting the rooms & the perimeter of the house
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
This Bukit Batok flat has one unique design, which is its arrow-shaped floor plan. This means that inside the home there’s no real corridor or walkway that other HDB flats or a hotel might have. That was set to change during the renovation process.
The designers knocked down 2 bedrooms as part of the home’s reconfiguration, giving way for a larger living and communal space whilst enabling the building of a walkway along the perimeter of the home.
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
This new walkway served not only as a connection between all the rooms of the house – it stretches from the balcony to the master bedroom – but storage cabinets were also put along the walls to make up for the lack of a store room.
The walkway also lets the family soak in the views from their windows as they’re traversing from room to room.
Transforming a resale HDB flat into a Muji Hotel dupe
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
It might not be logistically feasible to relocate to Japan and live in a Muji-inspired house. But there’s always the option of bringing Muji into your home in Singapore just like this family did for their home in Bukit Batok. The minimalism and neutral palette of the home is definitely in line with the Japanese brand whilst still having a touch of Scandinavian elements.
Oh, they have a word for that style: Japandi.
Check out other similar Japanese-inspired homes:
- 7 other Muji-themed homes
- A flat that looks like a Japanese hipster cafe
- This 3-room modern Japanese apartment has an onsen
Cover image credit: D5 Studio Image
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