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

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
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