holiday home

Inspired by the land of the rising sun, a globe-trotting couple created a “home base” to rejuvenate in between their adventures.

- JOYCE YANG

a holiday home is a distant dream for most Singaporeans. But one couple, who are abroad more often than they are home, has transformed their 4-room BTO flat in the East into something of a getaway.

“The clients requested something less traditional, compared to the standard BTO layouts in the neighbourhood. They wanted it to be a space they can look forward to returning to and which guests can anticipate visiting,” said Jay, their interior designer from Right Angle Studio.

Aptly, they named their flat Gēn, inspired by the concept of genesis and the Chinese word for “roots.”

The homeowners travel often for work and Japan, in particular, has captured their hearts. Having fallen in love with the country’s heritage, design, and nature, they hoped to bring these qualities into their new home.

These are expressed through clean lines, organic textures, and natural lighting, imbuing the space with both Japandi and Wabi-sabi sensibilities. In the living room, the latter is embodied by a statuarioplanted feature and slab of marble, specifically sourced for its ragged edges.

To complement these features and the laminates throughout the home, the adjoining sofa set is customised with grey upholstery and an oakwood finish. The expansive seating area faces the dining table, making the living room a dream for hosting.