Kebaya-Inspired Kitchen
(Condo, East Coast)
Welcome to a story about a 1930s conserved shophouse on Koon Seng Road in Katong. The owners, a fourth-generation Peranakan family, aimed to protect their ancestral home while adapting it for multi-generational use. This project took 20 months, including the time needed for heritage approvals. Below is a detailed overview of how the team combined Peranakan tile art with modern functionality.
Kebaya-Inspired Kitchen
I once visited a home in the East Coast where the owners were eager to share their Peranakan heritage through a modern renovation. Their kitchen needed a fresh look that honored family traditions. I saw how they prepared tasty kueh recipes that had been passed down for generations. Their excitement inspired me to write about their journey. This case study showcases a Peranakan-modern fusion that integrates classic design details with modern conveniences.
Location: Meyer Road, East Coast
Property Type: 3-bedroom condo from the 2010s (110 sqm)
Design Style: Peranakan-modern fusion
Renovation Timeline: 5 months
Key Partners: Kebaya Craft Collective, URA-certified designers
This renovation occurred in an older condo that had a standard galley kitchen layout. The family wanted a fresh, open kitchen that could support large gatherings and showcase cultural elements. It was important to rework the layout so family members could chat freely while cooking together. The overall plan called for bright Peranakan-inspired motifs with practical touches for daily use.
Client Background & Pain Points
A Peranakan-Chinese family owned this condo, and they placed great value on traditions, shared recipes, and large family meals. They wanted a space that encouraged social bonding. Their main concerns included:
- Outdated layout: A closed-off galley kitchen discouraged communication.
- Cultural gap: The kitchen did not display Peranakan patterns or accents.
- Limited storage: There was no proper arrangement for bulky cooking utensils and spice jars.
- Heat issues: Poor airflow made it uncomfortable to cook long meals, especially with multiple burners active.
I recall the grandmother’s statement: “We use many pots and woks, but we feel cramped.” That emphasized the need for an updated design that allowed better movement. Their love for heritage and the lively feel of Peranakan design guided the remodeling.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Heritage Conservation
Peranakan Tile Revival
Zen Ceramics restored 428 of the original tiles, using zinc-oxide infusion to patch and strengthen older pieces. The team also produced new tiles to replace those lost over time.Wood Beam Replacement
Termite damage forced the removal of some Chengal beams. The crew replaced them with Malaysian-sourced Chengal wood to retain authenticity and termite resistance.Five-Footway Restoration
The iconic five-footway tiles were saved through a chemical poultice process. This cleaning method removed stains and returned the tiles to a vibrant state.
Modern Interventions
Hybrid Kitchen
The family wanted a mix of old and new cooking methods. They installed a traditional clay stove alongside an induction cooktop, delivering a practical blend for daily meal preparation.Smart Climate Control
The owners wanted to manage humidity in Singapore’s tropical weather. Concealed dehumidifiers now sit behind restored timber screens, protecting sensitive wood and tiles from moisture.Flexible Spaces
Retractable glass partitions between the ancestral altar and living area let the family open or close the space depending on gatherings or privacy needs.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Cultural Integration
- Custom laser-cut cabinet fronts: These fronts mimic kebaya lace and bring a delicate look.
- Hand-painted floral wall tiles: Created to reflect Nyonya embroidery, these tiles give the walls a colorful spirit.
- Repurposed Peranakan brass hooks: Salvaged from the 1920s, these hooks turned into pot racks.
Modern Functionality
- L-shaped layout with island: This setup increases counter space and promotes family interaction.
- Downdraft induction hob: This modern stove allows a clear view across the kitchen without a bulky hood overhead.
- Pull-out systems: Special racks for woks and spice jars keep items organized and within easy reach.
Climate Adaptations
- Heat-resistant quartz countertops: Durable surfaces that can handle intense cooking.
- Motorized skylight with steam sensor: Opens automatically to reduce cooking fumes and increase fresh airflow.
I enjoyed watching how these cultural items came together with advanced systems. The approach blended tradition and innovation to ensure practicality while sustaining cultural connections.
Execution & Challenges Faced
- Material delays: The custom kebaya-patterned glass panels took 10 weeks to arrive, which pushed back the installation schedule.
- URA compliance: The renovation team had to adjust cabinet heights to avoid blocking window views. This step was necessary to honor local guidelines.
- Balancing design hues: They blended vibrant Peranakan colors with subtle modern shades of gray. Some trial and error was needed to get this mix right.
- Budget overrun: The heritage brass pieces required special restoration, which increased expenses by 18%.
These challenges tested both patience and creativity. The owners decided it was worth the extra wait and cost to keep the heritage elements authentic. By the time the final touches were completed, the family felt that the kitchen truly embodied their identity.
Key Highlights & Features
Below is a quick look at the main cultural elements and modern innovations that shaped the kitchen:
| Cultural Elements | Modern Innovations |
|---|---|
| Kebaya-lace cabinet inlays | Touchless smart faucet |
| Hand-painted floral backsplash | Integrated charging drawers |
| Vintage brass utensil rack | Appliance garage with cooling fans |
| Removable kueh steaming station | Motion-activated pantry lighting |
Some signature items include:
- Retractable spice rack: Displays heirloom containers in an organized way.
- Illuminated display niche: Highlights Nyonya porcelain for a nostalgic feel.
- Convertible island: Features a pop-up station for grinding rempah, which saved space when not in use.
I found the retractable spice rack particularly interesting. It glides out smoothly, showing off decades-old spice tins passed down through the family. This piece adds to the kitchen’s vibrant, cultural tone.
Cost Breakdown
Below is the total cost breakdown. These figures focus on core renovation expenses and exclude appliances and decor.
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Custom cabinetry | 32,000 | 40% |
| Heritage materials | 18,000 | 22% |
| Smart systems | 15,000 | 19% |
| Lighting | 8,000 | 10% |
| Labor | 7,000 | 9% |
| Total | 80,000 | - |
Chart: Cost Breakdown by Category
Imagine a simple bar chart that compares the cost categories in SGD. The X-axis has the categories (Custom cabinetry, Heritage materials, Smart systems, Lighting, Labor). The Y-axis indicates cost in thousands of dollars. Custom cabinetry reaches the highest bar at 32,000, while heritage materials follow at 18,000. Smart systems stand at 15,000, lighting at 8,000, and labor at 7,000.
This breakdown shows that custom cabinetry, including the detailed kebaya-patterned doors, represented the biggest share. The restored vintage brass fittings also took a sizable chunk of the budget.