Cosy and Functional Hybrid Kitchen: Tips & Tricks

Japandi
HDB (Resale)
~1,000 sqft
3 br
Couple Living

Designing a kitchen is more than just choosing appliances and countertops; it’s about creating a space that reflects personal style while serving as the heart of the home. When it came to designing my own kitchen, I wanted a space that felt both inviting and highly functional—a place where I could cook, entertain, and enjoy the everyday tasks of life. Each element was chosen with purpose, blending practicality with a modern aesthetic.
One of the standout features of my kitchen is the hybrid open-concept design, which allows for seamless interaction between spaces. We have glass doors and windows that can be closed to allow heavy cooking, yet we leave them open most of the time for the spacious aesthetic. It was important to us that the kitchen didn’t feel closed off but rather integrated into the flow of the home.
The centerpiece of this open layout is the curved island, which at 900cm high, is customized to fit my height. This detail enhances my comfort while cooking or hosting, ensuring that the space caters perfectly to my needs. The island is not just functional, though; it’s a design statement. I opted for white sintered stone for the surface, chosen for both its durability and its sleek, clean look. The smooth, pristine surface serves as the ideal contrast to the warmer wood tones of the cabinetry.
Speaking of cabinetry, I decided on warm wood tones to create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. The rich wood contrasts beautifully with the clean, white countertops, striking the right balance between warmth and modernity. I love how the wood adds texture and depth to the kitchen, making it feel grounded and inviting. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the cabinetry is also incredibly functional, offering ample storage space for kitchen essentials, ensuring the space remains clutter-free.
One of my non-negotiable features was the inclusion of a gas stove with an open flame. While induction stoves are becoming more popular, I find that cooking with an open flame offers a level of control that can’t be replicated. The gas stove not only adds a professional edge to the kitchen but also makes cooking more enjoyable for me, especially when experimenting with different recipes.
The secret to having a functional kitchen is to ensure the spaces are designed to your needs. I have consolidated the details of the kitchen in another post as it's much too long. Please check it out in that post instead and let me know if you have any questions on my instagram @jomyhome.
For reference, this was the kitchen design of the previous owner.
They did not have any stoves or much cooking here, as it is mostly for storage.