Wabi-Sabi Japandi Open Concept Kitchen: Organisation and Reno Tips

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Japandi
HDB (BTO)
~1,000 sqft
3 br
Living with Family

Welcome to our kitchen, a space where functionality meets simplicity, designed to be practical yet timeless. This is where we’ll whip up delicious meals and create unforgettable memories. In this post, I’ll be sharing some key considerations when planning for a kitchen renovation, including the materials we chose, the reasons behind our design decisions, and how we’ve organized the space to keep it both functional and beautiful. Let’s dive in!
We decided to go with a chimney hood instead of a slimline hood because of its superior suction power. As heavy cookers with an open-concept kitchen, having a hood that effectively removes fumes and odors is absolutely vital. This choice ensures that the rest of the home stays fresh and free from cooking smells, no matter how intense the cooking session gets.
- #chimney
We decided to use the same sintered stone design for both the backsplash and countertop to create a seamless, clean look. The main reason we chose sintered stone over Quartz or KompacPlus is its low-maintenance qualities, which are perfect for heavy cookers like us. Since oil splatters are inevitable, the non-porous surface ensures that it won’t stain, making cleaning a breeze. Another great advantage of sintered stone is its heat resistance, so I don’t need to worry about placing hot pans directly on the surface. We also opted against tiles for the backsplash because we wanted to avoid the hassle of cleaning dirty grout lines. This combination not only looks sleek but is also incredibly practical for daily cooking.
- #stove
- #hobandstove
We chose to have a spice rack because it makes use of narrow spaces so well. It gives me plenty of room for all my spices, sauces, and oils, keeping them organized and easy to grab while cooking. I love how smooth this Blum pull-out is and how everything stays neat and within reach. It’s such a simple yet practical addition that makes my life so much easier in the kitchen.
Adding built-in drawers would have been an unnecessary extra cost, so for my bottom cabinets, I opted for these pull-out drawers from Taobao. They look great and make it super easy to retrieve items without any hassle. A simple and budget-friendly solution that works perfectly!
I added these organisers to my top cabinet to store all my instant noodles, and I love how neat and satisfying it looks. Each flavor has its own section, making it super easy to find what I need without digging through piles. It also saves so much space and keeps everything tidy. Now, every time I open the cabinet, it feels like I’m shopping in my own little pantry. It’s such a simple addition, but it makes a big difference in keeping the kitchen organised.
This compartment is perfect for storing canned goods and pantry items. I chose these stackable drawers to fully utilise the vertical space, and they fit so well inside the cabinet. The gunmetal color gives it such a sleek, modern look that matches the overall kitchen aesthetic. I also love how easy it is to pull out each drawer and access what I need without any fuss.
On this side, we positioned the sink opposite the stove to create more countertop space in the cooking area. This layout makes it so much more convenient for food prep and keeps the stove area clutter-free. We also hacked the service yard door to open up the space, which allowed us to extend the countertop for additional workspace. This setup feels so much more spacious, making it a joy to work in the kitchen.
We chose these subway tiles as the backsplash for the sink area, and we absolutely love the uneven surface that adds texture and character to the space. It gives a subtle yet unique look that pairs beautifully with the rest of the kitchen. We also added a countertop dish rack for practicality, keeping everything organized and within easy reach while drying.
- #u
We store all our dry dishes just underneath the countertop for convenience. The pull-out trays make it so much easier to access everything without having to squat or reach in awkwardly. I love the separate sections for plates, bowls, and other dishes. It keeps the cabinet tidy and making daily use a breeze!
This is our tall cabinet designed to conceal the pipes. To make it even neater, we added a plywood backing to fully cover the pipes and keep the space clean. We also installed an electrical point inside, making it a convenient spot to charge and store our vacuum. It doubles as a storage area for our cat’s food, keeping everything hidden away. And that’s our kitchen! Every detail was thoughtfully planned to create a space that’s functional, organised, and a joy to use. From the storage solutions to the design choices that balance practicality and aesthetics, we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. This is where we’ll be cooking, sharing meals, and creating memories for years to come. We hope this walkthrough gives future homeowners some inspiration and ideas for their own kitchens 💕