Singaporeans are high-key obsessed with cafes, and this obsession is something that has bled into every aspect of their lives – including the interior design of their personal refuges. One home that can make us believe that it’s a Japanese hipster cafe is this 1,614sqft executive apartment designed by Authors Interior & Styling.
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
Equipped with a budget of $120,000, the homeowners gave the design firm the opportunity to transform the apartment into one that would not look out of place on the streets of Tokyo’s hipster enclave, Shimokitazawa.
Here’s a peek into the house post-renovation:
Wooden furniture & carpentry everywhere
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
One principle of Japanese interior design is the prevalent use of wood throughout the space, and this project stuck to that ethos steadfastly. The main dining area sports a dining table and chair in warm walnut tones, and there’s a custom-made bench in a matching shade occupying the space next to the table.
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
Another feature that stood out to us was the use of windows inside the house. One of the bedrooms was converted into a studio for the homeowner’s tailoring passions. Wooden windows were installed on the surrounding walls, making it look like the outside has been brought in. It also lets in a lot more natural light stream through the house, giving the illusions of a bigger space.
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
The mixed use of clear and reeded glass makes the living room blend into the balcony while still maintaining a small separation. Furthermore, the use of the same laminate of surfaces around the home from the window frames and sliding doors to the chimney hood and floating shelves of the kitchen, give the home a seamless look.
An open-concept kitchen that looks like a cafe
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
Open-concept kitchens are not new, but what makes this home’s kitchen stand out is the seamless blend of where the kitchen ends and where the dining area begins. The long island counter spills over to become the dining room’s bench, and we can already picture the homeowners beginning their day in the kitchen making a matcha latte.
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
The drawers and cabinets all sport a calm, muted shade of green that follows the same earthy elements present throughout the house. A series of track lights also help illuminate the space properly.
Guest bathroom with mirrors for memorable selfies
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
The one thing that all chic cafes have in common is a bathroom that makes for great, Instagram-worthy selfies. This home in Tampines is no exception.
Before you enter the bathroom itself, there is a little corner for the homeowners and their guests to wash their hands and check themselves out in the curved mirror.
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
But there’s fun to be had inside as well. A cute sink sits at one corner of the bathroom with a triangular vanity for space-efficiency purposes. The carpentry frames the mirror – and all faces that step into the frame – whilst the singular wall lamp gently lights up the cosy space.
The details like the zellige tiles, mismatched mosaic tiles, and hollow wall bricks at the top are immaculate and add to the charm of the bathroom.
Tampines executive flat that looks like a Japanese hipster cafe
Image credit: Authors Interior & Styling
It’s not often that a homeowner goes to an interior designer with a request to transform their house to look like a cafe. However, Singaporeans take cafe culture seriously, and there’s always the subconscious desire to fill our surroundings with things that feel comfortable to us. If you would like to make your home look the same, give Authors Interior & Styling a shout.
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Cover image adapted from: Authors Interior & Styling
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