Joshua Choo and Marilyn Lim’s visit to a distinctive loft in Niseko, Japan, left an impression that influenced the look and feel of their four-bedroom home in Singapore. Their Eunos apartment channels the cozy contrasts and raw textures from a winter stay at Suiboku, creating a unique retreat in the city.
- Inspired by a Japanese loft known for raw textures and understated luxury
- Blends Brutalist architectural concepts with soft, sculptural design features
- A spacious and cozy apartment designed for family living in Eunos
What happened
Joshua Choo and Marilyn Lim first experienced the warm, modern aesthetic of Suiboku’s lofts in Niseko during a snowboarding trip years ago. Suiboku’s interiors famously combine industrial elements like bare concrete, steel, and timber with softer Japanese touches such as paper lamps and straw mats. This thoughtful blend of rugged materials and clean finishes left a lasting impression on the couple.
When it came time to design their home in Eunos, Singapore, they used their memories from Suiboku as inspiration. They sought to recreate the apartment’s inviting atmosphere and understated luxury rather than directly copying the design. They commissioned interior designer Sherman Chua, a longtime friend, to incorporate these sensibilities into their new four-bedroom apartment, making it warm, spacious, and tailored to their growing needs.
Why it feels good
The final design skillfully reimagines Brutalist architecture’s hallmark features—such as bold materials and monolithic forms—through a softer lens. Rounded edges on cabinetry, curved walls, and bespoke sculptural furniture create a cohesive flow throughout the home, blending modernity with comfort. This approach provides a unique balance of sophistication and approachable warmth.
Natural light floods the living and dining spaces thanks to an open balcony design, enhancing the cozy ambiance reminiscent of the snowy lodge atmosphere that first inspired the couple. Combining darker timber veneers with lighter neutral tones furthers the inviting contrast that makes the home feel like a restful sanctuary after a busy day.
What to enjoy or watch next
Explore homes and design ideas that blend industrial sensibilities with warmth and livability, drawing inspiration from travel experiences and meaningful places. This Eunos apartment shows how personal memories can shape beautifully functional spaces.
For those interested in interior design, consider how architectural movements like Brutalism can be interpreted creatively for contemporary homes. Softening typically stark elements can produce inviting, timeless environments ideal for family life while celebrating bold forms.