7 Travel-Inspired Singapore Homes That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust

Potential side effect: a travel bug.

Inspiration for a dream home can be found in many places. For some, it’s a picture on social media or a page on a magazine. Others, however, may find it on their travels. Or more specifically, in the architecture of foreign buildings that possess both history and character.

In this article, we’ve picked out 7 homes in Singapore that are inspired by various countries and locations around the globe. No doubt they’re all wonderful, but – fair warning – also likely to trigger an itch to travel.

1. A Japan-inspired Hougang HDB flat that resembles a traditional ryokan

Taking its inspiration from Japan, this home is the perfect example of old meets new. While it’s clearly modelled after a traditional ryokan, it also incorporates elements of the popular Muji style to amp up the warm, cosy vibes.

Like many Japanese homes, this one utilises a tranquil white-and-wood theme. What makes it stand out, though, are the pops of colour from the plants and the seigaiha (a traditional Japanese wave-like pattern) motif that add visual interest.

Additionally, sliding shoji screens are used in place of normal bedroom doors – as is typical in Japanese homes. One of the junior bedrooms has even been furnished with tatami mats and a low table that guarantee an authentic Japanese experience!

2. A desert-themed Joo Chiat walk-up apartment that looks like a Moroccan riad

Many homeowners get inspired during their travels, and the owners of this walk-up apartment in Joo Chiat are no exception. While on a trip to Morocco back in 2018, the couple found themselves charmed by the riads (Moroccan villas) that they stayed in, so much so that they made their entire home look like one.

Of note is the earthy colour theme – which is reminiscent of the sand dunes in the Sahara Desert – as well as the archways and curved edges that soften the space.

But Morocco wasn’t the only source of inspiration for this home’s look. Look around and you’ll find rattan accents like the kinds you’d find in Bali, and a headboard inspired by those in the rooms of the Casa Cook hotel in Rhodes.

3. A lavish Thomson Road condominium with a dramatic European-inspired interior

The Renaissance period may be centuries ago, but that certainly didn’t stop the owners of this condominium home from turning it into a modern-day European ‘palace’.

European interiors from the 15th century are often noted for their dramatic and opulent details, and this home has them in spades, with wainscoted walls, antique carved furniture, and gilded fittings everywhere you turn.

Even the bathrooms aren’t spared from this lavish treatment. Apart from a richly carved mirror, there are also marble-look walls and Roman-style planters and columns that further emphasise the extravagant nature of this home!

4. A warm, homely Woodlands jumbo flat designed to look like a resort in Bali

Balinese interior design is best known for bringing the outdoors indoors, especially through the heavy use of natural materials and rich brown hues – which are design elements that are also found in this jumbo HDB flat at Woodlands.

To recreate the serene vibes of a Balinese resort, parts of the entryway were cladded with broken stone tiles, which are complemented by warm lighting and plants for a welcoming nature resort vibe.

Further in, you’ll find that the décor mostly comprises of furniture pieces made of stained wood, along with rattan details that add hints of rusticity to the surroundings.

5. An elegant Woodlands condominium penthouse resembling a loft in New York City

With its double-height windows and exposed brick walls, one would think that this is a loft apartment in New York City. But no – this is actually an old condominium penthouse situated in Woodlands.

Like an actual loft unit in the Big Apple, this house sports a sky-high ceiling and tall windows – so it’s no wonder that the designers eventually decided to replicate the look. Previously grey walls were given a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the space and give it a cleaner, more minimalistic feel.

6. A breezy Potong Pasir family home that’s reminiscent of an Australian beach house

No matter where you end up living, there truly is no place like home, which is why this couple – one of whom is Australian – wanted their 4-room HDB flat in Potong Pasir to embody the laidback lifestyle of the Land Down Under.

While the flat’s original layout proved to be tricky at the start, tearing down a few walls made it possible to replicate the seamless open-plan layout of coastal homes. Meanwhile, a choice combination of white walls, deep blue accents, and wood-look floors completes the look.

7. An Arabic-inspired Yishun HDB flat with a contemporary twist

Instead of paintings or sculptures, it’s patterns that reign supreme in this Arabic-styled home: a 4-room flat in Yishun, where mashrabiya panels, Persian rugs, and patterned lampshades create an air of understated elegance.

However, while Arabic homes typically use bright, warm colours, these homeowners took a more contemporary approach by embracing black and navy for the living room, as well as a deep forest green for the kitchen to create a cosier mood indoors.

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