A young couple with simple needs – here’s how we designed their kitchen

Creating homes, one house at a time.

Adam and Noor weren’t looking for their dream kitchen — not yet. As young, first-time homeowners, their focus was on building a home that matched this chapter of life.

They didn’t need space for dinner parties, full-height cabinets, or showpiece appliances. What they wanted was a kitchen that supported their everyday routines: quiet mornings with coffee, takeout dinners after long days, and the occasional weekend spent working side by side.

Their needs were simple — not because they lacked vision, but because they were clear about what mattered: comfort, practicality, and not overcomplicating the space they’d use most casually.

Adam and Noor didn’t need that much storage. Most nights, they ordered in. They weren’t stocking up on ingredients or appliances. What they needed was a kitchen that could serve a few key purposes without taking too much space..

Their priorities were simple:

A smaller footprint
They wanted a smaller kitchen since they don’t cook often.
Room for shared routines
A space where they could sit together with breakfast or wind down with their favorite drama in the evening.
Smart decisions, not oversized upgrades
With this being their first home, they were budgeting carefully.The goal was to make decisions that fit their current phase of life.

Thoughtful planning for their phase of life

Adam and Noor were moving into their first home. It wasn’t meant to be their forever space — it was a practical step in their larger plan. They wanted something modest, easy to manage, and comfortable to live in, so they could continue saving for their next chapter.

That meant they didn’t need a large kitchen, oversized appliances, or features designed for a crowd. They needed a space that matched how they live right now — and how they plan ahead.

When we spoke to them about how they pictured life at home, their answers were clear:

A small island where they could have dinner together, mostly takeout, sometimes home-cooked
A spot to work side by side on laptops without feeling cramped
A clean, open layout that’s easy to maintain, even with busy schedules
A space that felt warm, but didn’t overcompensate with unnecessary design details

Simple needs, shaped by thoughtful intent. So that’s exactly how we approached the design — with clarity and restraint.

A compact island that does more than cook

At the centre of the layout, a marble-textured island becomes the most used surface in the home. It’s where Adam and Noor eat, work, and spend time together.

Designed for flexibility, it shifts roles throughout the day — a breakfast spot, a work desk, or just a place to pause with coffee. It doesn’t dominate the kitchen, but it’s where they naturally gather.

It’s not just for cooking. It’s a surface that adapts to how they live.

Just enough storage, right where they need it

We kept cabinetry to a minimum, focusing on deep drawers and hidden compartments that hold the essentials.

Without clutter, the space stays visually light and easy to clean — two things that matter when the kitchen isn’t used every hour of the day.

Simple finishes that keep things low-maintenance

Adam and Noor didn’t want to spend weekends polishing countertops or wiping down high-gloss surfaces. So we chose finishes that made day-to-day life easier — matte, durable, and forgiving to everyday mess.

The darker palette isn’t just a style choice. It hides smudges and holds up well over time, which means less upkeep and more time to enjoy the space. The materials are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance, which fits their lifestyle — practical, efficient, and low effort.

Building Your First Home Within Your Means

Not every kitchen needs to make a statement.

Some kitchens aren’t built to be the heart of the home — they’re simply meant to support it. This one gives them what they need, and nothing they don’t.

That’s what this kitchen does.

Whether you’re planning your next home renovation or just looking for design inspiration, stay connected with us. Visit our studio, explore our portfolio, or follow us on social media for the latest projects, design tips, and exclusive insights.

Let’s bring warmth and character to your home.

📩 Contact us for inquiries: +65 8224 2612
📍 Visit our studio: 625 Aljunied Road Aljunied Industrial Complex #02-02 Singapore – 389836
🌐 Website: janreno.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @jan_renovation

A young agency with big ideas – here’s how we designed their meeting rooms

Built with purpose. Designed for people.

Designing a space where meetings run smoother, not louder

Designing a meeting room that looks the part? That’s easy.

Designing one that actually works – that helps you focus, impress, and align as a team? That takes more thought.

Our clients weren’t after bells and whistles. They needed a dedicated space to pitch ideas, host client meetings, or align internally – all without stepping outside the office or whispering over background chatter.

The solution? Three compact meeting rooms for quick Zoom calls or one-on-ones. Plus a larger, central table where the team can huddle, pitch, or run through ideas together.

What wasn’t working

The original setup had a few long tables with chairs, and the kind of echoey acoustics that made every conversation feel too loud or not loud enough. There were no enclosed spaces for Zoom calls, no proper soundproofing, and not enough thought given to how the team actually used the space.

It wasn’t uncomfortable and impractical.

What the team needed

Dedicated rooms for calls. No more Zooms at the desk. They need spaces to take calls without disrupting the rest of the office.
A comfortable, central spot to meet. A larger table for team discussions and creative huddles – with chairs that are actually comfortable to sit in for more than five minutes.
Design that feels welcoming, not just polished. The goal was a space that softened the industrial edge – warmer lighting, thoughtful acoustics, and finishes that made the room feel calm, focused, and desirable to use.

Their goal was to turn a cold, industrial-style corner into something warmer, softer, and more intentional. No wasted corners, no awkward setups, just a better fit for how they collaborate.

A space to think, speak, and seal the deal

We added three dedicated meeting rooms. They’re made for quick Zoom calls, quiet one-on-ones, or whenever someone needs a moment away from the buzz of the office.

In the centre, a new meeting table anchors the space, finally giving the team a spot to align without squeezing into corners or speaking over noise.

Layered in warm lighting and softer textures, the space feels calmer, more inviting – a welcome contrast to the hectic buzz of agency life.

Since the redesign, the team has found that meetings move more smoothly. These meeting spaces have become part of their daily rhythm, from quick client calls to productive team huddles.

Good work comes from good ideas

What started as an underused corner of the office is now one of its most valued spaces. More than just a place to focus, it’s a space that encourages real connection – with teammates and clients alike.