This 3-Bedroom Flat Has A Japanese-Inspired Zen Theme With Traditional-Style Dining Nook & Sakura Motifs

By Rachel Yohannan on 04 Jul 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

Some of us Singaporeans are crazy for all things Japan-related, and so we flock to the few onsen bathhouses and Kyoto-style coffee houses our little red dot has to offer. And then there are people who love the Land of the Rising Sun so much that they transform their entire home into a Japanese-themed paradise.

We chanced upon this zen Japanese-inspired flat design by Singapore-based interior design company Renostud.io (@renostud.io), and we’re blown away by how it looks like a modern ryokan. It even has a traditional horigotatsu dining nook in the living room!

P.S.: If you love all things Japanese, check out this new onsen at Jurong with cafe serving Hokkaido milk desserts!

Read on to check out this Japanese-inspired home for HDB renovation inspiration!

Photo from Renostud.io

While Renostud.io has an office in Singapore, this apartment in question is actually located in Malaysia, with its design commissioned by Sunway Property for a show unit in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a 3-bedroom flat, so one can say that its space and layout could be akin to that of a 4-room HDB’s - time to take notes for your own BTO design inspiration!

Photo from Renostud.io

They call this concept “Urban Zen”, which combines modernity with minimalist, zen elements often found in Japanese homes - thus bringing a relaxing vibe amidst the busy concrete jungle.

Photo from Renostud.io

The bamboo plant might come as a bit of a surprise, but the big jaw-dropper here is the Japanese moon gate, which serves as the entryway to a cosy horigotatsu dining space. Unlike tatami seating, where diners sit cross-legged on a thin mat on the floor, horigotatsu has a hollow space for your legs so it’s more comfortable.

Photo from Renostud.io

In this nook is a magical-looking light feature on the wall, depicting the moon and clouds. Woven straw blinds keep the sun out while complementing the rest of the zen aesthetic.

Photo from Renostud.io

It’s almost like having a private cafe space in your own home - just imagine chilling out here with a pot of tea and some snacks! Pure bliss.

Photo from Renostud.io

The kitchen is kept simple and practical, while keeping to the same woody, earthy tones. Instead of fully closed cabinets, the shelves are left open with a translucent sliding screen for partial coverage, creating the illusion of more space.

Photo from Renostud.io

The washing machine is cleverly incorporated into the built-in shelves and kitchen counter, which helps save space and keep everything looking neat and compact.

Photo from Renostud.io

Moving on to the bedrooms, these also stay in tune with the minimalist Japanese style, but each one has its own unique touches.

Photo from Renostud.io

Interestingly, one of the bedrooms here comes with its own sink and induction stove. It’s not a common element to have in one’s room, but it certainly brings convenience if you’re someone who loves brewing your own tea blends! If you’d rather not go through the trouble of getting all that plumbing settled, you can simply purchase a tabletop induction cooker or something similar to this LINE FRIENDS multifunction cooker we previously featured.

Photo from Renostud.io

A unique circular mirror - with a segment seemingly “cut off” - fixed into a corner of behind a wall-mounted table serves as a small vanity area.

Photo from Renostud.io

Ladies who love all things pink will adore the next room, which has a dusty pink wall decorated with sakura motifs. While this wall has woodwork resembling traditional Japanese shoji, it’s juxtaposed against modern rose gold pendant lamps - an unlikely combination that somehow works.

Photo from Renostud.io

Similar to the kitchen shelves, the wardrobe here is minimalistic with a partial open concept. It’s eye-pleasing for sure, but perhaps not for those with a ton of outfits in their possession! Plus, you’ll have to make time to vacuum or sweep regularly to prevent dust from settling on your clothes.

Photo from Renostud.io

The final room is a little more vibrant in nature, with colourful wall art behind the bed featuring what looks to be a bright orange sun - a nod to the Land of the Rising Sun itself. This is contrasted with cherry blossom motifs against a navy blue background.

Photo from Renostud.io

More space-saving tricks are at play here, including wall-mounted shelves and a multi-purpose bar used to hook fashion accessories and sports rackets.

Photo from Renostud.io

This flat was designed by Husna Awang, Renostudi.io’s Malaysia-based interior designer who specialises in MUJI-style home concepts. If you’re interested in having a similar vibe for your own HDB in Singapore, visit Renostud.io’s website here to find out more.