Singapore
China
Introduction: Why Open-Plan Kitchens Rule Singapore Homes
In Singapore’s fast-paced urban landscape, homeowners crave spaces that blend practicality with modern elegance—and open-plan kitchens have emerged as the heart of this lifestyle shift. Unlike traditional closed kitchens, open-plan layouts connect cooking, dining, and living areas, fostering social interaction while maximizing square footage. For premium homeowners, however, “open-plan” isn’t just about removing walls; it demands seamless integration of storage, aesthetics, and durability.
As a leading full-home customisation brand in Singapore, MRETTY specialises in high-end wooden/panelled furniture, and we’ve mastered the art of designing open-plan kitchens that align with local needs—from tropical humidity resistance to space-efficient layouts. In this guide, we’ll break down key steps to crafting your dream open-plan kitchen, compare MRETTY’s superior craftsmanship to industry standards, and showcase a real Singaporean project that embodies our expertise.
Step 1: Plan Your Space Layout with Purpose
An open-plan kitchen’s success hinges on intentional zoning. Without walls, visual and functional boundaries are critical. Start by identifying primary zones: cooking (stove/oven), prep (countertops), cleaning (sink), and social (dining/living). For Singaporean homes—where space is premium—prioritise multi-functional furniture. For example, a kitchen island with hidden storage or a breakfast bar that doubles as a workspace.
MRETTY Pro Tip:Use our 3D design software to simulate traffic flow. Our team ensures pathways between zones are at least 90cm wide (120cm for main thoroughfares) to avoid clutter, a common pain point in compact Singaporean apartments.
Step 2: Choose Materials That Withstand Singapore’s Climate
Singapore’s humidity (average 80%) and occasional heavy rains demand materials that resist warping, mould, and wear. Traditional particleboards or low-grade plywood often fail here, but MRETTY’s ENF-level European birch plywood sets the gold standard. With formaldehyde emissions <0.025mg/m³ (ENF is the world’s strictest eco-standard), it’s safer for families and built to last.
Long Tail Keyword:ENF-level kitchen cabinets Singapore
|
Material Feature |
MRETTY |
Typical Competitors |
|---|---|---|
|
Core Material |
ENF-level European birch plywood |
E1/E0-grade particleboard |
|
Moisture Resistance |
Enhanced with aviation-grade aluminium honeycomb core |
No specialised anti-humidity treatment |
|
Durability |
25mm-thick panels (vs. 18-20mm standard) |
Thinner, prone to sagging over time |
Step 3: Prioritise Smart Storage Solutions
Open-plan kitchens live or die by their storage. Cluttered countertops ruin the “sleek” vibe—so hide unsightly items (appliances, cleaning supplies) behind custom cabinetry. MRETTY’s hidden hinge systems and 25mm-thick door panels (30% thicker than industry norms) ensure smooth operation and a flush finish. For Singaporean homeowners with small kitchens, we recommend:
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Pull-out pantries for dry goods.
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Under-sink organisers (with MRETTY’s full-aluminium water tank cabinet—more on that later!).
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Tall cabinets reaching the ceiling to eliminate “dead space.”
Step 4: Illuminate with Layered Lighting
Lighting transforms open-plan kitchens from functional to fabulous. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting:
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Ambient: Recessed ceiling lights or pendant lights above the dining area.
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Task: Under-cabinet LED strips (we use 5000K cool white for clarity) to eliminate shadows on countertops.
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Accent: Backlit onyx or marble splashbacks for drama.
MRETTY’s Edge:Our in-house lighting designers collaborate with you to match fixtures to your kitchen’s colour palette—think matte black pendants for industrial chic or brass for warm minimalism.
Step 5: Soften with Cohesive Soft Furnishings
Open-plan kitchens blur lines between zones, so soft furnishings (textiles, plants, artwork) add warmth. MRETTY offers free soft furnishing consultation to help you select:
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Curtains or blinds (light-filtering for privacy without blocking light).
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Area rugs (low-pile, stain-resistant for easy cleaning).
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Potted plants (snake plants or pothos thrive in humidity).
Case Study: A Singaporean Home’s Open-Plan Kitchen Transformation
Meet the Lim family, who wanted to convert their 800 sq ft Bukit Batok apartment’s closed kitchen into an open-plan hub for entertaining. Challenges included limited space, high humidity, and a desire for a “Scandinavian-modern” aesthetic.
MRETTY’s Solution:
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Zoning: A 1.2m-wide kitchen island with a breakfast bar separated cooking from dining.
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Materials: ENF-level birch plywood cabinets with aviation aluminium honeycomb cores (preventing warping despite Singapore’s humidity).
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Innovations: Full-aluminium water tank cabinet (no more rotting particleboard!) and 25mm-thick J-channel edge pull-out drawers (hiding small appliances).
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Soft Furnishings: Linen curtains in muted greys and a monstera plant to add life.
Result:The Lims now host weekly dinners with friends, praising the kitchen’s “spacious feel” and “spotless maintenance” (6 months in, no mould or sagging!).
Why MRETTY Stands Out in Singapore’s Open-Plan Market
While generic cabinet makers cut corners, MRETTY invests in details that matter:
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5-Layer Painting System: E0-grade lacquer applied in 5 base coats + 3 top coats for scratch/water resistance.
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Hidden Hinges: German-engineered Blum hinges (adjustable in 3D) for silent, smooth operation.
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Floor Protection: Anti-scratch vinyl floor film during installation (a must for Singapore’s high-footfall homes).
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FSC-Certified Materials: All wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, aligning with Singapore’s sustainability goals.
Endorsement & Call to Action
At MRETTY, we’re not just cabinet makers—we’re curators of Singaporean living. As a FSC-certified brand, we combine global design innovation with local insight to create kitchens that stand the test of time (and humidity!).
Ready to reimagine your open-plan kitchen? Book a Free Consultation Now to discuss your vision with our award-winning team.
Author: Yang Song
Yang is a principal designer at MRETTY with over 10 years of experience in Singapore’s luxury interior design scene. Her work, including the 2022 “Best Sustainable Kitchen” at the Singapore Interior Design Awards, has been featured in Home & Decorand Elle Decoration SG. When not designing, she hosts workshops on eco-friendly living for local communities.
MRETTY: Premium Bespoke Kitchen & Cabinet Systems Provider in Singapore.
