Coastal Breeze Kitchen
IKEA-Inspired Efficiency in a Punggol 4-Room HDB
I visited a 4-room HDB in Punggol that underwent a kitchen renovation guided by IKEA’s modular principles. The homeowners wanted a layout that handled daily cooking and weekend social gatherings without feeling cramped. Below is a detailed account of the project, including the design process, challenges, and final results.
IKEA-Inspired Efficiency in a Punggol 4-Room HDB
This renovation proves that even a small Punggol kitchen can benefit from simple IKEA systems. By balancing cost-effective solutions with local constraints, the design team achieved a compact yet functional layout that suits busy families. The result is a space that blends Scandinavian practicality with a breezy coastal vibe.
Location: 4-room HDB in Punggol
Design Theme: IKEA minimalist efficiency with coastal accents
Key Features: Parallel galley layout, smart pull-out storage, and a smoke-free cooking zone
The final design used IKEA’s modular systems, adapted for a tropical environment. The homeowners also wanted a cheerful coastal vibe, so the design team chose cool blues and sandy neutrals to tie the space together.
Client Background & Pain Points
A young family with children needed a highly functional 8 sqm kitchen. They observed three main hurdles:
- Cramped Workflow
The original L-shaped layout caused traffic jams during busy meal prep. Accessing cabinets or moving around became a chore. - Smoke Migration
Their cooking odors drifted into the living area due to poor ventilation. This caused discomfort and required extra cleaning. - Storage Deficits
They started with only three base cabinets for plates, cookware, dry goods, and small appliances. Their counters felt cluttered, reducing prep space.
After exploring various concepts, the homeowners and Livspace designers settled on a solution involving IKEA’s ENHET system, combined with a few custom elements.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Spatial Reconfiguration
- The team partially hacked an entrance wall (within HDB guidelines) to create a parallel galley workflow. This allowed movement along two facing counters.
- A 1.2m mobile island with locking casters was added for food prep. When not in use, it could slide aside to clear space.
IKEA System Integration
- VOXTROP base units (matte white) formed the lower cabinets, equipped with TUTEMO sliding drawers. These drawers offered quick access without requiring deep bending.
- EKBACKEN concrete-look countertops resisted humidity, which helped prevent warping and mold growth.
Climate-Smart Solutions
- The design team moved the main cooking station to the service yard. A custom exhaust chimney directed smoke outside.
- Antimicrobial SKÅDIS pegboards above prep areas stored utensils while resisting mold.
This approach preserved open sightlines and kept cooking odors out of the living zone.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Structural Limitations
HDB guidelines limited how much of the kitchen entrance wall could be removed. The designers used laser measurements to maintain a 60cm clearance for the mobile island. This ensured it could roll smoothly without hitting load-bearing sections.
Ventilation Engineering
Connecting the service yard cooktop to an existing bathroom exhaust line required careful planning. Custom aluminum ducts extracted cooking fumes, reducing smoke seepage by about 70% according to post-renovation tests.
Modular Customization
Standard IKEA cabinets come in fixed widths. The design team modified some 60cm modules to 55cm and used BORRBY legs to address uneven flooring. This adaptation minimized gaps and maximized usable cabinet volume.
Key Highlights & Features
Smart Storage
- KUNGSFORS pull-out spice racks filled tight gaps between cabinets (about 15cm wide). These racks kept essential items within arm’s reach.
- MAXIMERA soft-closing drawers offered separated inserts for utensils, preventing clutter.
Adaptable Zones
- A GRÖNLID bar table folded down from wall-mounted VIHALS brackets, turning the service yard into a casual dining spot for quick meals.
- The SUNNERSTA rail system let the owners reposition hooks and small shelves for pot lids, scrubbers, or measuring cups.
Coastal Touches
- The design team upholstered BEKVÄM stool seats with a marine-blue LERVANDE fabric. This color nodded to the sea, complementing the neutral cabinetry.
- VARMBLIXT LED strips under the wall cabinets produced a gentle glow, mimicking the reflection of natural light on water.
Cost Breakdown
Below is an overview of the renovation expenses in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| IKEA Cabinetry & Hardware | $8,200 |
| Custom Modifications | $3,500 |
| Ventilation Systems | $2,800 |
| Labour & Installation | $4,000 |
| Total | $18,500 |
To illustrate approximate spending by percentage (each “*” = 5% of total cost):
- IKEA Cabinetry & Hardware:
**********(about 44%) - Custom Modifications:
****(about 19%) - Ventilation Systems:
***(about 15%) - Labour & Installation:
****(about 22%)
The total figure, $18,500, stands around 35% below the average cost for a 4-room HDB kitchen renovation in this region. Using mostly pre-fabricated IKEA units helped reduce labor, while custom modifications ensured the design worked with local constraints.