Welcome to a contemporary kitchen in a 3-room BTO flat for a retired couple

Tony is a retired hotelier who has spent many years overseas in senior management roles. His wife, Cheryl, comes from a Peranakan family and carries a deep passion for culinary arts. Together with our Home design specialist Shikin, we had the privilege of partnering Tony and Cheryl to co-design and furnish their new 3-room BTO flat at Pasir Ris.

A contemporary style kitchen in a 3-room BTO flat in Singapore, owned by a retired couple, designed by IKEA Home design service

Where their dream kitchen comes to life

Kitchen is the heart of the home for Cheryl, who grew up in a Peranakan household. Being able to cook heritage dishes for her family is something Cheryl cherishes deeply. It’s a joy Tony shares as well, especially when he gets to indulge in her home‑cooked favourites.

When Shikin was planning for their kitchen, a lot of emphasis was placed on finding a practical cooking workflow between storage, food preparation, cooking and washing. The sink, hob and refrigerator are spaced within a working triangle that creates efficiency and convenience for cooking.

Read on to find out more about the design approach and project value at the end!

IKEA Singapore Home Design Service Testimonial - Kitchen 2D Render — A 2D floorplan render of Cheryl and Tony's kitchen

How we designed the space

The IKEA METOD kitchen system is highly modular and allows for customisation to fit and achieve these core functions. An additional kitchen counter is added for the air fryer, rice cooker, steamer and baking equipment.

In the render, the slim counter sits neatly along the left wall, keeping the kitchen entrance open and unobstructed. The overhead cabinets add storage, while the open underside of the counter keeps the space visually light. Together, these elements create a functional, organised layout that maintains easy movement around the kitchen.

IKEA Singapore Home Design Service Testimonial - Kitchen 3D Render — A 3D floorplan render of Tony and Cheryl's kitchen

Key design elements of the kitchen

Drawers were chosen for the base cabinets instead of door fronts. This allows easy access to the back of the cabinet and fully maximises storage space without having to squat while trying to reach for items.

Cheryl also opted for the handle-less VOXTORP door front, keeping a clean look while staying easy on maintenance, as a simple wipe down after cooking will do the trick.

A RÅSKOG trolley also offers easy access to extra kitchen storage, and it comes with lockable castors for high stability.

A wide view of an IKEA METOD kitchen system with grey door fronts and cabinets, along with the hob and hood extractor. On the bottom left corner sits a grey-blue RÅSKOG trolley filled with various sauces and seasonings.

A top view of a pull-out drawer in the base cabinet of IKEA METOD kitchen system along with the hob. On the bottom right corner sits a grey-blue RÅSKOG trolley.

A closer look at the details in the kitchen

A pull-out drawer in the base cabinet is thoughtfully planned next to the hob, allowing easy access to different sauces while keeping them neat and hidden when not in use. The soft closing mechanism ensures each drawer glides shut silently, adding a sense of calm to daily kitchen routines.

Even when fully loaded with cookware, tableware, or pantry items, the drawers remain easy to pull open thanks to their sturdy, high‑quality hardware.

A close up look of a pull-out drawer in the base cabinet of IKEA METOD kitchen system, filled with different bottles of sauces and seasonings for cooking.

A close up look of a blum soft-closing hinges located in pull-out drawer in the base cabinet of IKEA METOD kitchen system.

Subtle and seamless: Good design meets great lighting

Notice how the integrated lighting sits discreetly under the cabinets? This is a subtle way to brighten work surfaces while adding an inviting glow to the kitchen. Paired seamlessly with METOD fittings, the lights create a well‑lit environment for cooking that carries through the space day and night.

A wide view of an IKEA METOD kitchen system with grey door fronts and cabinets, installed with integrated lighting. On the kitchen counter sits various appliances such as an air fryer, mixer, steamer, pressure cooker and other kitchen equipment.

A close up view of integrated lighting installed within an IKEA METOD kitchen system with grey door fronts and cabinets.

Why Tony and Cheryl chose IKEA

Service was a key consideration for Tony, who once hailed from the hospitality industry.

“We made an appointment at IKEA Tampines and met with Shikin. She is a very professional and patient designer who listens to our needs and recommends the right solutions,” explained Tony.

“Some of the renovation companies don’t do a very good job and I don’t want the headache. I’m also concerned communication is an issue. IKEA is very reputable and is known for their service,” added Cheryl.

IKEA Kitchen Specialist Shikin doing on-site measurements with another IKEA co-worker — Kitchen Specialist Shikin doing on-site measurements with an IKEA co-worker

IKEA Kitchen Specialist Shikin having on-site discussions with another IKEA co-worker — Shikin having on-site discussions with an IKEA co-worker

Their home design journey with IKEA

The IKEA showroom played an important part in their decision making. “Instead of just looking at drawings or renderings, you can touch and feel the products before you make the decision. What you see is what you will get, no surprises,” said Tony.

Tony was also impressed by the aftersales service. “I was advised the project can be completed within 10 working days and the team finished with 2 days to spare. This reduced my waiting time and allowed me to move in quickly after key collection.”

“My friends are impressed that my home is designed by IKEA. It was tastefully done and I will highly recommend this home design service to all new homeowners.”

From possibility to reality

What begins as an empty space becomes a personalised, functional home with IKEA Home design service. Our designers help you visualise the possibilities, plan every detail, and create a space that fits your lifestyle — from storage solutions to the finishing touches.

The result is a home that works beautifully every day, and feels unmistakably yours.