How did we design our place?
Here I present 5 steps in what we did prior to and even during our renovation:
1. *Knowing your style*
From the outset, we knew we wanted the earthy, neutral tones of the Japandi aesthetic. Some may think it's too common these days, or may be bland, but it's popular for a reason - amidst the chaos of the world and the hectic life out there, we just want something calming, grounding and peaceful of a home to return to.
2. *Follow IG accounts that reflect your theme*
Social media algorithms are useful in this case, once it knows the type of style your preference lies, it'll be an easy access to many accounts and companies that carry out design works of those themes.
3. *Youtube channels I recommend*
- Design Anthology (formerly stacked homes)
- Build Built TV
- Chengyi Interior design
- The interior lab
4. *Create your detailed mood board*
Many of the "key design" features were not originally from me nor my ID. These ideas came from specific projects across a range of ID firms that got my attention. For example, the fluted ceiling in my entryway, the curved dining wall, the organic shaped niche and many others. Liking those features and compiling them into our mood board didn't mean automatic implementation into our space as it was important to know how it'd fit with our layout. Many times it was out of necessity in flushing out the awkward hdb beams that provided the opportunity to implement certain unusual partition design works. Perhaps I'll create a detailed post on what we did with the strange protruding beams and how we worked around them.
5. *Collaborate with your ID*
This is where the selection of our ID was important. After meeting a handful of them and while considering a myriad of other factors, we didn't go with those who were: pushy with their own ideas, especially when I had my strong design preferences. We also didn't go with one who was agreeable to everything. Instead, we took the middle ground with someone who would analyse our ideas first and consider if they were workable before turning our vision into something real.
When embarking on a home renovation journey inspired by the Japandi flow, one of the most valuable steps is embracing the uniqueness of your space while blending style and functionality. I found that using microcement, like Salt Microcement mentioned in the design, truly elevates the calm, earthy tones typical of Japandi interiors. This material provides a seamless and durable finish that complements neutral palettes beautifully. Beyond aesthetics, creating a realistic and detailed mood board proved indispensable for visualizing how specific features like fluted ceilings or organic niches could harmonize within our layout. Issues such as irregular beams or space constraints can be creatively addressed by integrating them into the design rather than avoiding them. For example, unconventional beams can inspire innovative partition or ceiling designs that add character rather than detract from the space. Social media platforms combined with trusted YouTube channels not only offer inspiration but also practical advice from professionals, which helped inform our decisions. Collaborating closely with an interior designer who respects your vision but provides constructive feedback avoids common pitfalls. It’s essential to find someone who balances creativity and feasibility, ensuring your ideas are well-executed without compromising on design integrity. Finally, patience and flexibility during renovation are key. Unexpected challenges arose that initially felt frustrating but ultimately pushed us to discover better design solutions. Embracing these moments allowed us to create a retreat that is intentionally calm, grounded, and authentically ours—a true Japandi flow home to unwind after the chaos outside.