From Niseko to Eunos: How a snowboarding trip inspired this Singapore home

A stay at the Suiboku lofts in Japan's Niseko region inspired Joshua Choo and Marilyn Lim to infuse their Singapore apartment with a similar atmosphere of warmth, raw textures, and understated design. The couple found the lodge's blend of industrial aesthetic and Japanese elements, featuring materials like bare concrete, steel, and timber softened by paper lamps and straw mats, particularly memorable.

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What really stood out was the contrast between the raw textures and the feeling of modern luxury. The apartment had this beautiful balance of rugged materials with clean, contemporary finishes. It made the spaces feel unique and timeless.

"What really stood out was the contrast between the raw textures and the feeling of modern luxury," Choo said. "The apartment had this beautiful balance of rugged materials with clean, contemporary finishes. It made the spaces feel unique and timeless." The cozy atmosphere, especially felt during winter after a day of snowboarding, left a lasting impression.

When designing their current four-bedroom apartment in Eunos, Suiboku served as a key reference. However, instead of direct replication, the couple focused on recreating "the same sense of warmth, comfort and understated luxury." The open layout of the living and dining areas, along with contrasting finishes, helps define each space visually.

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Since we were there in winter, the apartment had this incredibly cosy atmosphere that made you want to come back after a day out in the snow and just relax. That feeling stayed with us.

This apartment is the couple's second home, a move prompted by the need for more space after their previous one-bedroom unit proved insufficient, especially post-COVID. They also plan to expand their family. The Eunos location was chosen for its proximity to both their families. Interior designer Sherman Chua, a long-time friend of Choo's, was engaged to bring their vision to life.

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the same sense of warmth, comfort and understated luxury

The reworked layout addresses the compact nature of original living and dining areas in many newer apartments, while maximizing natural light from the balcony. The design contrasts with the developer's standard finishes of light wood-and-white carpentry and glossy white flooring.

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Space was a consideration. Our first home was a one-bedroom unit. After COVID, we realised it was not big enough. We also plan to grow a family.