15 Japanese-Style Home Essentials To Maximise Space In A Small HDB Flat
Convertible furniture, sliding doors and more great ways to maximise living space
Need space to comfortably work from home? With our work life becoming part of our home life, you may not have the luxury of space to have a proper workstation. Substituting the coffee table in the living room and transforming the the dining room into a classroom for the kids may have to suffice. However, these may not be the most comfortable arrangements.
The Japanese are ahead of us when it comes to maximising space. As they have to deal with frequent earthquakes, their traditional houses are filled with portable, light and multi-functional design elements. The main feature of a traditional Japanese house is an open room without a specific function called the washitsu, meaning "Japanese room".
Washitsu’s function depends on what occupant needs. Its default state is an empty space with tatami flooring, sliding shoji doors and maybe a tokonoma, or an alcove to display ornamental or precious things like a potted bonsai or ikebana arrangements. This philosophy seems particularly relevant to our times.
Taking inspiration from the washitsu, here are 15 Japanese-inspired products to maximise space and style in a small HDB flat:
1. Portable Pieces
Consider loose and compact furniture pieces that can be stowed away or collapsed to clear the room for the next activity.