Irasshaimase!
There’s just something about Japanese homes that appeals to the masses. Think clean, minimalist designs with thoughtful planning and functional furnishings that embrace the concept of ‘less is more’ – one that’s extremely relevant to most homes in Singapore where space is a constraint.
But despite these basic principles that each Japanese home is rooted in, designs can vary. Whether you fancy the iconic MUJI aesthetic or a more traditional ryokan-inspired look, these 7 homes will show you how to incorporate Japanese design into your home in Singapore.
1. This massive 178sqm jumbo flat in Woodlands
Combining the Japanese concept of a genkan and zen garden, this jumbo flat’s pebble stone entryway gently invites visitors to slow down from the hustle and bustle of city life.
At the same time, its owners are reminded to leave the day’s worries at the door as they remove their footwear while seated on a thoughtfully placed bench.
Inside, a display panel in the living room cleverly conceals the store room entrance. Meanwhile, shoji-style doors open up into a study room which, like the entryway, has a round smart glass window (that can be turned from opaque to translucent as required!) reminiscent of traditional marumado.
2. This condo inspired by Japan’s donburi restaurants and Airbnbs
Instead of replacing walls (which is costly and not always structurally feasible) with actual shoji screens, this next home mimics the look with light wood panels on its white walls.
And because the owners love how donburi restaurants in Japan display everyday objects like teacups and bowls, they decided to do the same thing with a recessed shelf built between the living area and kitchen.
These teacups aren’t just for show though. They’re used to serve guests tea, which is often enjoyed on a tatami-style platform built for this very reason.
On the other hand, the circular wall feature here doesn’t serve any practical purpose. Rather, it’s a sculptural element and visual anchor the owners wanted after seeing similar features in multiple Japanese Airbnbs they stayed in.
3. An interior designer's MUJI-esque condo in Woodlands
This condo embodies Japanese interior design in more ways than one. Firstly, its white-and-wood look leans heavily into the MUJI aesthetic.
Appearances aside, its owner (who happens to be an interior designer) really drilled down into the Japanese principles of functional minimalism and space maximisation — which explains why there’s a loft to fully utilise its height of 3.5m.
But the pièce de résistance is the spare room that was converted into a full-height library and dining area. It was intentionally created as a space for family bonding — over meals where meaningful conversations take place, game nights, and enrichment activities planned specially for the kids.
2. This Geylang HDB flat modelled after a nagaya (Japanese longhouse)
Paying homage to Edo Period architecture, this nagaya-inspired abode features extended shoji doors and tatami mats against a dark, moody backdrop.
With the prudent inclusion of built-ins, each space becomes flexible in that it can be used for a variety of purposes from entertainment to exercise. Plus, it makes the large 141sqm property look larger than it already is due to the lack of visual clutter.
Speaking of looks, the lighting and material choices (like stone and glass) add a sense of modernity that makes the space look right at home in the 21st century despite its clear references to an era gone by.
5. This executive apartment based off Aman Kyoto
Why pay exorbitant amounts of money for a holiday home overseas when you can experience the same thing right here in Singapore?
Modelled after the Aman Kyoto, this luxurious home possesses similar features to the world-renowned hotel – like light wood tones, latticed surfaces, and eye-catching black accents.
Here, each space is well-thought out to evoke emotion, tell a story, or achieve a practical purpose.
For example, the entryway was designed with darker tones so that there’s a strong visual contrast as you walk further into the house, making visitors go “wow”. Read more about the stories behind its makeover here.
6. This small 2-room BTO flat that looks straight out of a MUJI catalogue
At 47 sqm, this 2-room BTO flat isn’t the biggest home around – but it looks anything but crammed thanks to its uber-clean, seamless look, with light wood textures cladding just about every surface (including the walls and ceilings).
To make full use of the space, the homeowner opted to rely on carpentry to integrate the TV feature wall and the dining area seating for a more streamlined design.
Meanwhile, a faux bay window seating area pulls double duty; it’s the owners favourite spot for enjoying a cup of tea while enjoying the view, and also has storage units underneath. Chic and practical, what’s not to love?
7. This Sengkang HDB flat with a ‘modern ryokan’ design concept
As self-professed “homebodies”, the owners of this resale flat had a clear vision for their home’s makeover: a space to relax, and one that feels like a Japanese resort. To that end, their ID at Intheory Design suggested taking on a modern interpretation of a traditional ryokan by using darker wood tones and organic materials.
For example, the walls of the communal area are also coated with limewash for ‘visual texture’, while the bathrooms’ walls and floors are clad in stone-look terrazzo tiles that are actually textured, to reminisce outdoor showers in Japanese onsens.
And by playing with light and shadows throughout, the result is a soothing ambience that lends a sense of calm the owners wanted for their home.
(This article was originally published on 5 May 2020 and last updated on 3 February 2026.)