MRETTY Custom Cabinet Layout Planning Singapore: The Complete Guide for BTO Homeowners

Designing a kitchen for your BTO flat in Singapore isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a quiet yet powerful declaration of how you want to live. With compact layouts, modern routines, and the fast-moving rhythm of city life, the kitchen must be practical, beautiful, and deeply personal. This is where MRETTY custom cabinet layout planning Singapore shows its true value—transforming limited BTO spaces into intuitive, efficient, and emotionally comforting kitchens tailored to each homeowner’s lifestyle.

Many renovation journeys begin with standard packages. But as countless BTO owners eventually realise, a templated kitchen rarely understands how your family cooks, moves, or lives. MRETTY approaches every home differently. Instead of “selling cabinets,” the design team listens to daily habits, anticipates future needs, and shapes a kitchen that feels tailor-made from the inside out.

To explore how MRETTY plans kitchens with both precision and personality, let’s follow the four pillars that define a thoughtful custom layout: knowing your needs, choosing the right structural layout, enhancing everyday comfort, and selecting materials that endure Singapore’s climate.

1. Start with You: Understanding Needs and BTO Kitchen Realities

 

Every successful kitchen layout begins before any sketch is drawn. It starts with understanding the people who will use it.

Lifestyle Reflection

MRETTY designers guide homeowners to examine the heartbeat of their kitchen routines:

  • Do you cook daily or prefer quick meals?

  • Are you a fan of Chinese-style stir-fry with large woks and strong heat, or do you cook Western-style with smaller appliances?

  • Do you store many dry goods or rely on fresh groceries?

  • Is the kitchen a solo workspace or a place where partners cook together?

These questions reveal how storage, countertop space, and appliance placement should be prioritised.

Accurate Space Measurement

In compact BTO homes, millimetres matter. Precise measurements prevent installation errors and ensure long-term comfort.

MRETTY takes detailed notes on:

  • wall-to-wall dimensions

  • window and door positions

  • plumbing and gas pipe routing

  • electrical point locations

  • ventilation paths

This meticulous approach avoids awkward cabinet gaps, blocked drawers, or unusable corners—common issues in non-custom layouts.


2. Choosing the Right “Skeleton”: Layouts for BTO Kitchens

 

Singapore BTO kitchens typically fall into several shapes. Each has its strengths, and MRETTY adapts cabinet planning to bring out the best in them.

I-Shaped Layout: The Minimalist’s Friend

Perfect for narrow kitchens, this layout arranges all key zones along one wall.
MRETTY maximises its efficiency by:

  • extending storage vertically through tall and overhead cabinets

  • designing a clear workflow: fridge → prep area → sink → stove

  • using custom-depth cabinets to gain more working space

The result is a long, streamlined visual that feels neat and modern.

L-Shaped Layout: The Most Popular BTO Solution

This is the true “all-rounder” layout. It fits most BTO flats and offers excellent movement flow.

MRETTY enhances L-shaped layouts by:

  • transforming corner spaces using rotating baskets or pull-out drawers

  • creating designated zones for appliances like air fryers and rice cookers

  • balancing upper and lower cabinet proportions to keep the kitchen breathable

This layout keeps everything within reach and supports both light and heavy cooking styles.

U-Shaped Layout: For Larger, Square Kitchens

When space allows, U-shaped kitchens feel luxurious and powerful.

MRETTY’s design approach includes:

  • abundant countertop space on three sides

  • cabinet zoning for dedicated food prep, cleaning, and cooking

  • ensuring the center walkway remains 1.2–1.4m wide for comfortable movement

This layout is ideal for families who cook together or require extensive storage.

Island Layout: The Social Kitchen

For open-concept BTO units, an island turns the kitchen into the heart of the home.

MRETTY designs islands that work as:

  • dining counters

  • prep stations

  • appliance hubs

  • social points for guests

The planning includes safe power routing, ergonomic spacing, and coordinated cabinet continuity.


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3. Human-Centered Details: Where Comfort Meets Customisation

 

While layout shapes the kitchen’s bones, human-focused details bring it to life.

Optimised Countertop Heights

Forget the standard 85–90cm height. MRETTY personalises heights based on actual user measurements.

For example:

  • Washing area: slightly higher to reduce bending

  • Cooking area: slightly lower for better pan control

  • Prep area: customised for long sessions of comfortable chopping

These adjustments reduce fatigue and elevate daily comfort dramatically.

Enhanced Counter Depth

Standard counters are 60cm deep. MRETTY expands depth to 65–70cm wherever possible. Benefits include:

  • more working space

  • the ability to lower wall cabinets for easier reach

  • improved visual openness

  • fewer chances of bumping your head

This small change creates a huge upgrade in usability.

Cabinet Interior Engineering

In custom design, what’s inside matters just as much as what’s outside.

MRETTY integrates smart storage such as:

  • soft-close deep drawers

  • oil-resistant pull-out trays

  • tiered spice drawers

  • tall pantry cabinets

  • hidden appliance garages

  • lift-up dish racks

  • corner carousels

This ensures every whisk, pot, and bottle has a home—making the kitchen feel intuitive and stress-free.

4. Materials and Aesthetic Harmony Built for Singapore’s Climate

 

Singapore’s humidity is unforgiving. This is why MRETTY selects materials engineered for long-term durability.

Moisture-Resistant Boards

MRETTY uses ENF-grade board materials with excellent stability against moisture and heat—ideal for compact, enclosed kitchens.

Premium Finishes

Depending on style, homeowners can choose:

  • matte or textured laminates

  • engineered wood

  • aerospace aluminum honeycomb panels

  • E0-level coatings for safety

Each finish is chosen for resilience, easy maintenance, and elegant aesthetics.

Coordinated Style and Hardware

Cabinet colours, handles, lighting, and trims are selected as a cohesive visual story. Whether you prefer:

  • Scandinavian natural warmth

  • Modern minimalist silhouettes

  • Italian-inspired luxury

  • Soft neutral palettes

MRETTY ensures every detail feels intentionally curated.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Ideal BTO Kitchen with MRETTY

 

A dream kitchen is not built from catalogues. It emerges from thoughtful observation, precise planning, human-centered detailing, and durable materials that respect Singapore’s climate. MRETTY custom cabinet layout planning Singapore brings these qualities together—turning small spaces into personal sanctuaries of efficiency and style.

With FSC-certified materials, advanced engineering, and a design philosophy rooted in individual lifestyles, MRETTY continues to set the benchmark for high-end whole-house custom cabinetry in Singapore.

Book a Free Consultation Now — and begin building the kitchen that truly understands you.

Author: 杨松
Award-winning Senior Cabinetry Designer at MRETTY

  • Winner, Asia Interior Design Craftsmanship Award 2023

  • Lead Designer for “Skyline BTO Luxury Kitchen Series,” showcased in the Singapore Interior Living Expo

MRETTY: Premium Bespoke Kitchen & Cabinet Systems Provider in Singapore.

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