Arguably the yummiest destination within The Standard Singapore, Kaya offers a bold reinterpretation of the classic Japanese izakaya experience—one that surprises and delights at every turn.
Designed by Colin Seah of Ministry of Design, the restaurant’s interiors are anchored by American white oak flooring, manufactured by timber specialists World of Wood Floors (WOW). This richly textured surface sets the tone for the space, complementing the hotel’s signature aesthetic: a blend of biophilia and mid-century modern influences, intensified through custom furniture, dramatic greenery suspended from the ceiling, bespoke feature lighting, and an immersive mural that envelops the room.
Mohammad Zain Bin Abdul Hamid, managing director of WOW, speaks passionately about the material at the heart of the project:
“There’s something deeply personal about wood. It has warmth, texture, and character that you don’t get from other materials. Every board tells a bit of a story through its grain, its natural markings, even its imperfections. When we use wood, especially American hardwoods, we’re not just thinking about how it looks, but how it feels in a space. It softens a room, makes it more inviting, and adds a kind of quiet depth. People instinctively connect with it. It grounds the design and gives it soul.”
For Kaya, WOW selected American hardwoods to evoke a sense of quiet sophistication and lived-in charm. “The vision was all about warmth, connection, and a kind of quiet sophistication,” Zain explains. “We focused on creating a finish that felt worn-in, welcoming, and a little storied, like it had already lived a few good years. We hand-worked the wood to bring out its natural texture and gave it just the right amount of distressing so it felt authentic, not manufactured. Everything was tailored to the restaurant’s palette and lighting, so the floor doesn’t just sit there; it helps shape the mood. It’s the kind of space where you want to stay a little longer, and we love that the floor plays a role in that.”
To achieve this effect, WOW employed traditional techniques such as hand-brushing, enhancing the character of the oak and giving each board a unique, aged appearance. The process revealed the wood’s natural grain, highlighted subtle imperfections, and amplified its tactile quality—bringing warmth and authenticity to the modern interior.
The final result is flooring that carries the charm of old wood while being crafted from sustainably sourced new American hardwood. It’s a deliberate blend of old-world soul and modern precision—perfect for a space that demands both beauty and a strong narrative of craftsmanship. WOW’s experience with American hardwood species is extensive, and Zain is quick to point out the distinct personalities each one brings to a project:
“Walnut is rich and elegant, hickory is tough and full of contrast, and maple has this soft, subtle charm. One of the things we really value about American hardwoods is not just their beauty, but their reliability and sustainability. They’re responsibly sourced, incredibly durable, and they age beautifully. Compared with some other timbers we have available to us, American hardwoods just have this solid, time-tested feel that fits perfectly with our approach to craftsmanship.”
- To learn more about American Hardwoods, click here for Wood Central’s exclusive interview with Rod Wiles, Regional Director for the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) in Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania.
