Article Category: Design Trends

Industrial interior design is a popular design trend that creates an ‘unfinished’ look to your home’s interior. With its interesting and beautiful look, this style might be something you want to consider for your next home renovation idea. 

In this article, we talk about the important characteristics of industrial interior design. We’ve also gathered a list of different room inspirations in a HDB that embraces this beautiful design style! 

• History of industrial interior design
• Characteristics of industrial interior design
• Industrial interior designs for different HDB rooms
• Different genres of industrial design
• Advantages of industrial interior design
• Disadvantages of industrial interior design

History of industrial interior design

So, how exactly did industrial interior design start? Well, it takes inspiration from the factories built during the late 19th and early 20th century. 

These factories were eventually left vacant with the advent of globalisation. In order to not waste such valuable space, innovative architects decided to refurbish these buildings into residential spaces.

They celebrated the building’s infrastructure by leaving their raw elements untouched and exposed, thus giving birth to this interior design trend. 

Characteristics of industrial interior design

Raw textures and materials 

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

A key characteristic of the industrial design style is the exposure of materials. Rather than concealing the materiality or infrastructure, it celebrates and even enhances it.

The theme often highlights materials such as metal, wood, stone and bricks. Raw elements, such as exposed pipes and ducts, wooden or steel beams and unfinished walls, all serve as part of the aesthetic. 

Warm and neutral colour palettes

Designed by Sky Creation

Similar to the contemporary design style, industrial interior design features both warm and neutral hues. Common colours are shades of grey, black, brown and white. 

If you want to go bold, rich warm-toned colours such as brick red, burnt orange and dark green are excellent choices. 

Polished concrete flooring 

Designed by Inspire ID Group

Polished concrete flooring is a relatively affordable flooring option that requires low maintenance. The material is both clean yet natural-looking, and complements the industrial style perfectly. 

Vintage or modern furniture

Designed by Dots N Tots

The awesome thing about industrial design is how fluid it is. Depending on the look that you’re going for, you can incorporate either modern or vintage furniture, or make use of both!

For example, this particular space has an adorable bright red vintage floor chair while also hosting a comfortable and stylish bean bag. 

Accent decorations

Designed by Ciseern 

As industrial interior design often makes use of neutral tones, decorations such as abstract art or photographs can be added for a pop of colour. 

Plants are also a great way to bring life and vibrance into your space. Place them in some quirky pots to further spice up your interior! 

Open plan spaces

Designed by Design 4 Space 

An open floor plan refers to how a bigger space is formed through the removal of partition walls. 

Homes in the industrial style typically do better with this floor plan as the openness helps to prevent the space from looking too overwhelmed by the multiple textures and exposed elements. 

Themed lighting 

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

Industrial-themed lighting is a customary fixture in such homes. Exposed bulbs, and metal, wire or wooden cages are common features of this lighting style. 

Industrial interior designs for different HDB rooms

Industrial interior design: living room

HDB 3 Room

Designed by Fineline Design 

This 3 room HDB showcases the industrial design through brick walls, lights attached to steel beams and the use of wood. 

The beautiful clock on the television console also follows the theme closely with its factory-style gears. 

HDB 4 Room

Designed by Inspire ID Group

The living room appears spacious through the use of natural light. This has been creatively accomplished with ceiling high windows and mirrors. 

The fun red vintage sofa and plants prevent the space from looking too bare. In addition, the television console against the brick wall makes the apartment look like it’s situated in New York!  

HDB 5 Room

Designed by Carpenters 

This industrial HDB design employs dark grey tones and the use of stone to elicit raw textures. The designer also went for an open and uncluttered floor plan by removing the partitions between the main living area and one of the rooms. 

The dining room’s lights will immediately capture your attention with its unique trapezoid shape.  

Industrial interior design: dining room

HDB 3 Room

Designed by U-Home Interior Design

This HDB dining room looks effortlessly sophisticated with its deep brown and solid black palette. The interesting light fixtures and curved chairs add more dynamic forms to the space. 

HDB 4 Room

Designed by Weiken.com Design

This design puts a lighter twist on the typically dark industrial theme. Colourful books and a vintage clock are used to include a hint of colour to the white brick feature wall. 

The usage of steel pipes along the ceilings and hanging of light bulbs fits the theme and gives this dining room a cafe-style atmosphere. 

HDB 5 Room

Designed by Fineline Design

The contrast of the light wooden furniture to the black brick wall gives this dining room a dynamic and elegant look.

The sleek black chairs padded with deep brown cushions complete the entire set and create a restaurant-like setting.  

Industrial interior design: kitchen

HDB 3 Room

Designed by United Team Lifestyle 

This HDB kitchen design adds a hint of rustic styles with its aged yet charming wooden cupboards. This kitchen showcases a perfect harmony between natural and industrial elements. 

HDB 4 Room

Designed by Design 4 Space

To spice an otherwise simple-looking kitchen, the designer made use of bold royal blue cabinets to complement the subtleness of the marble grey walls. 

HDB 5 Room

Designed by Sky Creation 

The use of wooden textures on the cabinets helps to add an extra dimension to the kitchen’s black accents. 

While it’s an open kitchen concept, there’s a clear distinction with the rest of the house with the use of colour and lighting. 

Industrial interior design: bedroom

HDB 3 Room

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

The first thing that you’ll notice about this bedroom is the unique wooden pattern on the cupboard. To make the room even brighter, lights are installed behind the bed and in the false ceiling.

HDB 4 Room

Designed by Weiken.com Design

The bedroom makes use of cool grey and black tones to bring out the wooden textures. The bed is positioned on a platform that separates the sleeping area from the closet, helping to create the illusion of more space. 

Lights under the platform bed are used to create a warm and comforting ambience. 

 HDB 5 Room

Designed by Design 4 Space 

This bedroom design showcases a couple of interesting visuals. Firstly, the unique pattern on the black cupboard resembles an aged concrete wall. The designer also included hexagonal mirrors, a shape that’s not commonly seen. 

With the cushioned bed frame and red velvet curtains, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into your personal hotel room.  

Industrial interior design: toilet

HDB 3 Room

Designed by Fineline Design

With its use of brick and wood, this HDB bathroom design is reminiscent of a rustic chalet. The circular shape sink also adds more character to the room. 

HDB 4 Room

Designed by Inspire ID Group

The golden sink acts as an elegant centrepiece to this bathroom, while the colourful patterned tiles create an interesting visual. Lastly, the exposed pipes tie the industrial design together.  

HDB 5 Room

Designed by Fineline Design

This industrial-style bathroom keeps in line with the theme by focusing on neutral shades of grey, black and brown. The pure black sink and exposed pipes complete the sophisticated design of the room. 

Different genres of industrial design

One of the best things about industrial design is its versatility. It can be cleverly mixed with elements from other design themes, such as rustic, contemporary and retro. 

To illustrate these unique combinations, here are some beautiful HDB interior designs! 

Rustic industrial design

Designed by U-Home Interior Design

The rustic industrial style is a beautiful marriage between the modern and rural. This HDB flat design incorporates warm earthy tones to give the rustic look, while metal pipes and factory-style lights show the industrial side. 

Contemporary industrial design

Designed by Fineline Design

The contemporary style is one that continuously morphs as time passes. Common characteristics of this theme include the use of both straight and curvy lines, as well as random bursts of colours. 

This contemporary industrial HDB design combines brick and steel textures with interesting geometric patterns. The bright yellow sofa and potted plant add more life to the space. 

Retro industrial design

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

The aged aesthetic of the industrial design works especially well with vintage furniture and quirky pop culture references. 

This HDB flat design combines industrial and retro themes and the end result is worthy of a conversation starter. The designer included exposed pipes and industrial-styled lamps, while highlighting the owner’s colourful anime collection. 

Advantages of industrial interior design

Easy to pull off

One huge advantage of industrial interior design is that it’s generally easy to execute. It comprises mostly neutral or warm tones and the usage of raw materials. 

There’s no need to go over the top for this theme. Even the infrastructure of your house can become part of the overall design. 

Versatile 

The industrial style is pleasingly flexible and can be easily combined with other styles of interior design. With the variety of textures, mixture of lines and the neutral colour palette, other designs can easily merge with it without having any clashes. 

You can choose what styles to incorporate based on your own preferences and lifestyle. 

Environmentally friendly 

You don’t have to splurge on expensive decorations for this design style! You can simply recycle objects that no longer serve their purpose. 

An old suitcase could be repurposed as a coffee table and it would fit right in! As a bonus, this pointer makes the industrial design style cost-effective as well. 

Disadvantages of industrial interior design

Requires consistency

While you’re able to mix industrial design with other styles, you shouldn’t drastically contrast rooms. This means that you shouldn’t have one room in industrial and another room in a minimalist style. 

With the distinct look of industrial design, design inconsistency can easily turn a beautiful home into a confusing mess. 

May look dirty if not maintained properly

A central characteristic of the industrial design is the exposure of elements. However, if your exposed pipes and ducts aren’t cleaned up, your sleek home could end up looking cheap and dirty. 

To prevent this, you have to put time aside to clean your exposed surfaces.  

Might not work in smaller houses

This design style usually works better with bigger houses that have open spaces, because it features a lot of factory-inspired design elements and exposed textures. 

Thus, it might not fit with smaller houses as it can make them look cluttered if not done properly. 

Achieving the industrial look in your HDB flat 

The industrial design is all about exposure of materials and the charm of having an unfinished look. It’s both simple to achieve and versatile enough to combine with other interior designs. 

If you’ve decided to go with industrial interior design your new HDB flat, engage our interior designers! 

Call it a reaction to the pandemic – or a natural backlash to decades of austere minimalism. Trending online, the new décor concept known as Cluttercore (#cluttercore) can be described as artfully organised clutter. Read this – before you ‘declutter’ and live to regret it.

Personality and colour are everywhere you look in this HDB 4-rom flat at Choa Chu Kang, designed by Ideal Design Interior Pte Ltd

Photo courtesy of HomeRenoGuru Annual 2021

Origins of Cluttercore

Cluttercore first surfaced on Tumblr in February 2020 when it popped up in a user’s hashtag. It had a precedent in ‘cottagecore’ – a cute, cosy, cottagey vibe heavy on the pastels and florals, and it gained traction in July 2020, after Cluttercore videos were posted on TikTok and attracted thousands of likes. Mainstream media picked up on the term and championed the trend.
 

Minimalism – The Beginning and the End

Minimalism as we know it emerged from the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s, which originated in Germany and was exemplified in the works of the Post-WWI architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. He famously put function before form, and embraced the beauty of simplicity. It took on all over the world, and its influence soon spread into art, design, and every aspect of human expression. Pick up any current model handphone and you are probably beholding minimalist product design – a streamlined form pared down to its essential functions.

In space-short Singapore, minimalism made sense. It still makes rational sense, but – is it leaving us emotionally starved? HomeRenoGuru CEO, Dan Tay, thinks so.

“The Marie Kondo moment has passed. Though most Singaporeans may not enjoy the luxury of space that Americans or Australians do, we are not as constrained as the Japanese,” said Dan. “Yes, monochromatic minimalistic interiors have their place, but they should not be the automatic default option of homeowners and designers. That’s just lazy and unimaginative. Where’s the colour and the creativity? Where’s the heart and soul? There can be beauty and style in organised clutter.”

Beauty and style flourish among organised clutter

Dawn of the Age of Cluttercore

Dan’s appeal for freedom of creative expression is not so much a defence of Cluttercore as a plea for Individuality. Actually, whether it’s a conscious design choice or an inevitable by-product of simply spending more time at home, it’s happening anyway.

Since COVID-19 turned us all into homebodies, our homes have become our safe places and hopefully our happy places. In some cases, the entire effects of our office desk or cubicle have been simply packed up and moved home. The more stuff with which we surround ourselves, the more personalised and ‘Cluttercore’ our homes will become.

Comfort in the Familiar

Much has been written about the phenomenon of ‘cocooning’ – hunkering down at home and surrounding yourself with sentimental things. Certainly, it doesn’t hurt to be surrounded by framed photos of distant loved ones, or travel souvenirs from vacations past. These fond, familiar objects can trigger happiness and hope – two things the world most definitely needs now.

Every photo triggers a happy memory in this landed property at Sennett Avenue, designed by Third Avenue Studio Pte Ltd

Thriftiness and Environmentalism are In Again

Another factor that is fuelling the rise of Cluttercore is an unstable local and global economy. Just like our grandparents, who would rather hoard seldom-used stuff than throw it away (because you just never know when it might come in handy), we are becoming thriftier. On top of the economic factors driving Cluttercore are the environmental ones. It’s terribly unfashionable to be a conspicuous consumer these days, and mindlessly contributing to landfill is rightly considered shameful.

Instead of ditching that old wicker chair you inherited from your parents’ old house, you might consider spray-painting it a cheerful aqua blue. Rather than euthanising those almost-dead house plants, you might want to lovingly coax them back to life and cultivate an indoor oasis in your grandpa’s old suitcase… It takes time, of course.

Motivated by thriftiness or environmental awareness, repurposed and found items add vintage charm to Cluttercore interiors

By Design, Not by Accident

While some of us are simply cluttering our homes due to practical circumstances, be it working from home or having adult children moving back home, others are consciously embracing Cluttercore’s messy aesthetic. When it works, it’s eclectic, possibly a little eccentric, and delightfully detailed. When it fails, it’s claustrophobic, chaotic and stressful just to look at.

The difference between a Cluttercore room that works and an eccentric hoarder’s junkyard comes down to one thing – planning and design. Cluttercore happens by design, not by accident. 

No doubt, some people possess a flair for nonchalantly throwing things together and making it look ‘put together’. Whether it’s an outfit or a room setting, a table setting or even a meal on a plate, they make it all look so effortlessly artistic. But don’t be fooled. They are styling their lives on the go.

If you do not belong to that gifted minority, fret not. There are people out there who can help – interior designers. 

Ideate, Redecorate, Renovate

Now that Cluttercore has legitimised organised chaos, why not wipe the slate clean and start from scratch? Get the fundamentals right, then stamp your own style all over the place. Load the shelves, cover the walls, fill the cabinets… what fun!

But before you embark on your own Cluttercore adventure, remember that it can be a dangerous path to tread alone. The best results come from collaborating with an experienced interior designer who can help birth your Cluttercore vision and create a home that is both utterly ‘you’ and totally liveable. Besides, you only live once so be good to yourself!

If you’re flirting with the idea, visit HomeRenoGuru.sg, Singapore’s undisputed No. 1 renovation portal, and get obligation-free competitive quotes from well-established, homeowner-rated interior design companies. You can trust the ‘Guru’.

We’ve all been spending more time at home than usual, for obvious reasons. Here’s how local homeowners and interior designers are fighting the grim headlines with feel-good designs.

This condominium in District 13, designed by Linear Space Concepts Pte Ltd, sports a trending pastel palette. Photo courtesy of HomeRenoGuru Annual 2021

Home Sweet Home

Sweet pastel interiors, pops of colour, multi-coloured mosaic tiles and laminates, and confetti-like terrazzo-inspired surfaces are popping up in homes around Singapore and beyond. The popularity of drab monochromatic interiors and ‘griege’ (grey meets beige) is fading. International design oracles have even predicted the demise of all-white kitchens.

Since happiness is a choice, to a large degree, it’s not so surprising. Around the world, people are choosing to make home their happy place by choosing cheerful colour combinations.

Blue Skies and Smooth Sailing

Blue is trending, rivalled only by green. These two uplifting colours are reminiscent of nature and laden with symbolism. In fact, Nippon Paint Singapore’s Colour of the Year is aptly named ‘Smooth Sailing’. According to Singapore’s favourite paint brand, “… it embodies our hope that 2021 will be smooth sailing, full of optimism and positivity, after a turbulent 2020.”

Nippon Paint Singapore’s Colour of the Year 2021 – Smooth Sailing

Together, Divided

Three years ago, every homeowner wanted an open concept living space, where the kitchen, dining and living areas are seamlessly merged. Today it’s a different story. Designers from Milan to Melbourne are churning out funky and stylish room dividers, movable partitions and screens.

The pandemic has even birthed a new room – the ‘Zoom room’. Spare bedrooms are doing double duty as home offices, and even storerooms are undergoing clever conversions with fold-down desks.

Comfort is King, Minimalism is Dead

It is stating the obvious to say that our homes have become our sanctuaries during Covid-19. Hence, comfort is of paramount importance. Homes that look like sleek showrooms with hard-edged modern furniture-as-sculpture are out. Pillows, throws, books, footstools and side tables are in. Though it may have crept in without your permission, while you were working from home in your pyjamas, or spent the entire weekend with Netflix and Deliveroo, comfy clutter is in.

Minimalism is so last decade.

The comforts of home abound in this cosy Beach Road condominium, designed by LS2 Design & Construction Pte Ltd. Photo courtesy of HomeRenoGuru Annual 2021

House plants have gone nuts

Fun fact: In 2020, house plants were ‘Googled’ more often than shoes.

Throughout this ongoing pandemic, progress in so many areas of our life has been stalled or stopped. Plants are symbols of hope and regeneration, and visible proof of progress. If we can’t grow our careers, at least we can grow mother-in-law’s tongue, a monstera or even a money plant. (If only money really grew on trees…)

House plants enliven this HDB 4-room flat at Whampoa, designed by Rooot Studio Pte Ltd. Photo courtesy of HomeRenoGuru Annual 2021

Travel is Out, Home is In – Why Not Renovate?

Now is a great time to divert your snowballing travel fund to a home renovation. After all, a change is as good as a holiday, as the saying goes. Delay no more. Visit HomeRenoGuru.sg, Singapore’s unrivalled No. 1 renovation portal, and get obligation-free competitive quotes from reputable and homeowner-rated interior design companies. You can trust the ‘Guru’.

 

Designed by Design 4 Space

A false ceiling, also known as a dropped ceiling, is an extension of your original ceiling. It’s typically suspended by metal or wooden frames and comes in a variety of designs. 

A false ceiling is a popular added feature in home renovation projects, as seen from a poll conducted with 574 members of Facebook group Budget Reno (Singapore) and Telegram group Singapore Renovation, where 249 respondents (43.4%) shared that they have a false ceiling installed at home.

Thus, in this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of installing a false ceiling at home and share some design and lighting ideas that you can use!

Materials Used For A False Ceiling

Gypsum

Gypsum boards are lightweight, fire-resistant and easy to install. They are also a more environmentally friendly option.

However, they are typically more expensive than their plasterboard counterparts.

Plasterboard

Plasterboard and gypsum share similar features.

However, it’s cheaper and less durable than the gypsum alternative.

POP

POP, otherwise known as Plaster of Paris, is a flexible and durable material that can be used to create unique shapes and designs. 

While it is relatively cost-effective, it is time-consuming to install.

Wood

Although wood is often used to create a warm and natural aesthetic for the room, it’s not suitable for places with high humidity as the material could become damaged.

Metal

Metal is a strong and durable material that’s easy to install. However, the downside is that it’s prone to corrosion and not commonly used in residential interior designs.

Advantages Of A False Ceiling

Improved aesthetics

Designed by DC Vision Design

False ceilings are often used to enhance the appearance of the room. They are commonly employed in modern, contemporary and Scandinavian designs.

This feature is versatile and can be installed in various shapes and sizes to suit your design preferences.

Sound insulation

False ceilings are great for sound proofing as they can absorb the sound waves coming from your neighbour living above you.

Thus, it’s ideal for your study room and bedroom. False ceilings are also commonly installed in home theatres as they promote better acoustics within the room.

Hides wires and trunking

If you wish to create a clean, sleek look for your home, installing a false ceiling is the perfect way to hide the wires and trunking that run across the roof of the house.

More lighting options

Designed by DC Vision Design

Building a false ceiling opens up additional lighting options that you can explore including spotlights, cove and recessed lights.

Thus, you can personalise your room’s lighting without having to worry about fixtures or wiring.

Energy efficient

Air that’s trapped between the original and extended ceiling helps to lower the temperature in the room.

Furthermore, it reduces the area that’s to be cooled by your air conditioner. Thus, it promotes greater energy efficiency and lowers electricity bills.

Disadvantages Of A False Ceiling

Lowers the ceiling height

Designed by Design 4 Space

False ceilings can make the house look smaller as it lowers the height of the roof. This may be undesirable for certain homeowners.

However, this issue can be mitigated by installing a partial false ceiling like the L-box or one bar false ceilings.

Difficult to repair

According to handyman Dmitri Kara, if there are problems with the electrical wiring or trunking hidden within the false ceiling, the electrician may have to remove a portion of the ceiling to conduct the repair works.

Difficult to clean

Cleaning a false ceiling can be challenging and tiring as you’ll need to constantly move up and down a ladder.

Additionally, certain types of lighting such as cove lighting may require you to reach deep inside the extension to clean it.

As you may have difficulties seeing the dirt and dust, the cleaning may not be thorough.

Potential for pests

After your false ceiling is installed, it’s essential to check that the ceiling is properly sealed on all sides. 

This will prevent any pests from slipping into the false ceiling and turning it into a breeding ground.

Types Of False Ceiling Designs

A separate poll was conducted with 145 members of Budget Reno (Singapore) and Singapore Renovation. This poll allowed for multiple responses and gathered 151 votes in total.

L-box

Designed by Design 4 Space

The L-box design is one of the most popular among homeowners (49%), possibly due to the simplicity of its design.

It’s built along the perimeter of the original ceiling, typically on 2 sides (image above). 

Designed by Design 4 Space

However, it can also be built on all 4 sides of the ceiling.

Flat

Designed by Design 4 Space

The flat false ceiling is another popular design featured in many Singapore homes (41%).

Unlike the L-box and one/twin bar designs, a flat false ceiling conceals the entire roof. This may be ideal if your original ceiling is uneven.

Additionally, this design helps to distribute lighting more evenly across the entire room without compromising the aesthetics of your home due to additional wires or trunking.

Cornices

Designed by Interior Diary Pte Ltd

Cornices are a type of false ceiling installed along ceiling joints. It’s one of the least common types of false ceiling designs (7.3%) and is typically used in vintage interior design.

While cornices help to enhance the appearance of a house, it can also be used to conceal water damage or cracks located at the ceiling joints.

One bar/twin bar

Designed by Design 4 Space

The one bar (image above) or twin bar (image below) false ceiling is a minimalistic design adopted by some homeowners in Singapore (0.66%).

As it’s located on either 1 or 2 sides of the ceiling’s perimeter, there’s sufficient space to install other additional decor or furniture such as ceiling fans.

Designed by U Home Interior Design

This false ceiling design also creates a perception of a longer or wider room, depending on where the bar is located.

Types Of Lighting For False Ceilings

Recessed Lighting

Designed by Design 4 Space

Recessed lights, also known as can lights, are cost-efficient light fixtures installed into false ceilings.

They can serve as ambient or task lights depending on your preferences.

Cove Lighting

Designed by Design 4 Space

Cove lighting utilises LED lights to emit light towards the ceiling and create a cosy ambience.

It diffuses illumination and can be used to bring attention to a design on the wall or ceiling of the home.

Cove and Recessed Lighting

Designed by Weiken.com Design

To enjoy the benefits of the 2 above-mentioned types of lighting, you may choose to install both cove and recessed lights onto your false ceiling.

This maximises the overhead lighting in your room without utilising additional space on your ceiling.

False Ceiling Design Ideas

Living Room

Designed by Weiken.com Design

This monochromatic living room utilises the L-box ceiling design with recessed lighting on all sides to illuminate the room.

Designed by Design 4 Space

This 4-room HDB flat features both cove and recessed lighting to complement the contemporary design of the home and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The lights are installed onto an L-box false ceiling, where parts of the original ceiling are left exposed.

Bedroom

Designed by U Home Interior Design

This bedroom showcases a twin bar false ceiling design with cove and recessed lights. 

The design is coupled with modern and sophisticated decor to add an element of warmth.

Designed by Sky Creation

This bedroom features a one-bar false ceiling design located above the wardrobe.

The cove and recessed lights help to highlight the uniquely-designed wardrobe doors and the white light used contrasts the warm ambient lighting behind the bed frame.

Bathroom

Designed by Design 4 Space

False ceilings can also be installed as part of your toilet design to spruce up the overall look.

For example, this bathroom features a flat false ceiling with white recessed lights, which matches the elegant white marble walls.

It also helps to spread the light evenly throughout the bathroom especially during the night where natural light is lacking.

Kitchen

Designed by U Home Interior Design

This minimalistic kitchen design features an L-box false ceiling with rectangular recessed lights.

As the false ceiling is installed along the perimeter of the room where the stovetop, cupboards and fridges are located, the lights help to illuminate the working areas of the kitchen.

Designed by Ciseern by Designer Furnishings

This open kitchen showcases both square and double head recessed lighting.

The double head lights are equipped with warmer toned bulbs while the square lights are equipped with white bulbs.

Installing A False Ceiling

False ceilings can complement a variety of interior design styles and home decor.

You can contact our interior designers for advice on the type of false ceiling to install or check out our article on renovation ideas for some inspiration for your next home renovation project!

FAQs

Do I need a minimum ceiling height to install a false ceiling?

The false ceiling is suspended at least 0.2m below the original ceiling. Thus, the height of the original ceiling should minimally be 3.35m in height.

This is typically not an issue for houses in Singapore as they follow the respective heights:

• HDB: 2.5m – 2.6m
• Condominiums and Executive Condominiums: 2.8m – 3m

Which material is the best for false ceilings?

A popular material used for false ceilings is gypsum. It provides some thermal insulation and soundproofing and is also fire-resistant.

Plasterboards, which share similar properties to gypsum, is also a commonly used material due to its cost-effectiveness.

What should I take note of when installing false ceilings in wet zones like the kitchen and bathroom?

You should ensure that water-resistant plasterboard is used instead of a standard plasterboard as the latter isn’t water-resistant.

How long do false ceilings last?

If well-maintained and properly installed, a false ceiling can typically last up to 20 years.

How do you clean false ceilings?

To remove any dirt, you can simply clean the false ceiling with a smooth, dry cloth or broom.

It’s crucial to ensure that the false ceiling doesn’t come into contact with water as the majority of such installations aren’t resistant to water.

Designed by Areana Creation

Contemporary interior design is often confused with modern or minimalist designs. However, the flexible nature of contemporary design sets it apart from the two aforementioned styles. 

While this style focuses on keeping up with the current trends and evolving with the times, some of its characteristics include:

• The use of geometric shapes
• The use of straight and/or curved lines
• A mix of dark and earthy colours
• An occasional burst of bright colours
• The use of space

In this article, we’ve put together a list of different rooms in an HDB apartment featuring a contemporary interior design for your next home renovation project. 

Take a look below!

Contemporary Interior Design: Living Room

HDB 3 Room

1. HDB 3 Room ($23,000)

Designed by Weikencom Design

This 3 room HDB apartment uses wood as its main element. It adds a touch of contemporary design with the use of rectangles for its cabinets and ceiling design.

2. HDB 3 Room ($23,800)

Designed by Areana Creation

This living room is big on geometric shapes as its pillow covers feature unique patterns and designs. The decorative furniture placed on the table also comes in different shapes and sizes to complement the contemporary feel of the room.

3. HDB 3 Room ($30,000)

Designed by Renozone Interior Design

The circular design of the mirror on one wall and trapezium-shaped door at the opposite wall captures the essence of contemporary interior design, which focuses on geometric shapes.

4. HDB 3 Room ($35,000)

Designed by Absolook Interior Design

The shape of the hanging lights adds a contemporary flair to the clean and spacious interior of this living room.

5. HDB 3 Room ($50,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This HDB apartment features the perfect marriage of earthy hues with darker gradients. The grey furniture and upholstery is complemented by the wooden lines, furniture and flooring.

6. HDB 3 Room ($50,000)

Designed by DC Vision Design

The living room uses wall designs and furniture that highlight strong lines and varying colours. This contrasts the wooden design of the dining area adjacent to the living room.

7. HDB 3 Room ($50,000)

Designed by Absolook Interior Design

Geometric shapes and pops of colours are front and centre in this living room. The rug and bright colours in the room add vibrancy and life to the apartment.

HDB 4 Room

8. HDB 4 Room ($30,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

A good balance between lines and shapes is achieved in this 4 room HDB flat through the choice of furniture. It’s also spacious without looking too bare.

9. HDB 4 Room ($35,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

White and wooden elements are a key feature of this living space. The interior designer (ID) achieves a contemporary feel with the help of lines and rectangles that run across walls of the room.

10. HDB 4 Room ($40,000)

Designed by Image Creative Design

This house places a strong emphasis on shapes and textures, as evidenced by the brick wall behind the television, the round hanging light and coffee table.

11. HDB 4 Room ($40,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This is another HDB home that is big on geometric shapes and textures with its hexagonal tiled floors and red brick feature wall. It also adds a pop of colour with its light blue sofa upholstery.

12. HDB 4 Room ($72,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The straight lines that cut across the living room help to draw attention to the walls. Conversely, the curved lines separating the wooden flooring add a special touch to the overall design.

HDB Executive Apartment

13. HDB Executive Apartment ($32,000)

Designed by Posh Living Interior Design

This home is transformed from a modern to contemporary interior design with the brilliant use of lines and a mix of colours.

Contemporary Interior Design: Bedroom

HDB 3 Room

14. HDB 3 Room ($25,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

Aside from the use of lines on the wardrobe, subtle lines also run diagonally across the TV panel. Bright blue bed sheets are then used to create some vibrancy in the room. 

15. HDB 3 Room ($30,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

Strong, bold lines are evident in this room and can be found on the wardrobe, bed headboard and bedsheets.

16. HDB 3 Room ($50,000)

Designed by U Home Interior Design

The style of this bedroom focuses on neutral colours like black, grey and white for its furniture. Shades of brown are instead highlighted through the curtains and flooring.

17. HDB 3 Room ($86,000)

Designed by Starry Homestead

This contemporary-style bedroom highlights the presence of each furniture through the use of space. Each piece of furniture also complements one another with their varying shades of brown.

HDB 4 Room

18. HDB 4 Room ($40,000)

Designed by Lome Interior

The design of this room is kept simple and uncluttered. The wall is left bare for the wall-mounted TV, which gives prominence to the horizontal and vertical lines of the TV panel.

19. HDB 4 Room ($50,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

In line with a core characteristic of the contemporary style, the main feature of this bedroom is the distinct lines that decorate the exterior of the wardrobe.

HDB 5 Room

20. HDB 5 Room ($30,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This stunning bedroom highlights the use of geometric shapes, colours and bold lines through its bed sheets and wardrobe. Attention is drawn to the wardrobe, which is designed in shapes of irregular quadrilaterals and shades of brown, black and grey.

21. HDB 5 Room ($48,000)

Designed by Sky Creation

The interior style of this bedroom focuses largely on lighter colours that brighten up the room. Rectangular photo frames are hung on the wall to highlight the use of lines and shapes in the overall design.

22. HDB 5 Room ($50,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

This stylish bedroom highlights the use of prominent lines above the headboard of the bed. The combination of white, grey and brown is also well-balanced and not overpowering.

23. HDB 5 Room ($80,000)

Designed by Fineline Design

This bedroom features clean lines and simple design. The curtain blinds then further add to the contemporary style of the room.

HDB Executive Apartment

24. HDB Executive Apartment ($19,000)

Designed by Areana Creation

Attention is drawn to the thick, striking black lines that run across the large TV panel in the room. Curved lines on the ceiling lamp add a touch of uniqueness to the room together with the bright blue bed sheet covers.

Contemporary Interior Design: Kitchen and Dining Room

HDB 3 Room

25. HDB 3 Room ($27,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

While this dining room has a modern feel, the designer brings a contemporary touch to the design with an array of geometric shapes found on the lamp, chairs and wall fixtures.

26. HDB 3 Room ($28,999)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The curved back of the dining chairs and the interesting shape of each lamp creates a stylish and fun look to the home.

27. HDB 3 Room ($30,700)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This kitchen design features a sleek yet homely design with its black marble countertops and wooden cupboards. The effortless combination of the two makes the design look incredibly chic.

28. HDB 3 Room ($34,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The unusual design of the hanging lights above the table serves as a centrepiece that draws attention to the otherwise simple dining room.

HDB 4 Room

29. HDB 4 Room ($30,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

This 4 room HDB home combines the use of wood with dark, solid colours like black. The walls separating the kitchen from the dining area are transformed into windows to create an illusion of spaciousness.

30. HDB 4 Room ($35,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

While this kitchen features clean, white furniture with a neutral marble countertop, the ID jazzes up the room with a bright yellow backsplash for a pop of colour.

31. HDB 4 Room ($52,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The interior design of this dining room emphasises the use of lines on both its walls and furnishings. In particular, the hanging lights are uniquely shaped in a trapezoid frame.

32. HDB 4 Room ($56,000)

Designed by Carpenters

This home uses lines to accentuate its furniture as seen from the hanging lamp and wall divider. The messy layering of lines also helps to create an array of shapes on the divider.

HDB 5 Room

33. HDB 5 Room ($60,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The bold red chairs add a pop of colour to the neutral hues of the dining room and the square frame of the lights illustrates the contemporary theme.

34. HDB 5 Room ($98,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The trapezoid shape of the table legs and funky structure of the lights makes the dining room of this 5 room HDB apartment stand out from the rest of the house.

HDB Executive Apartment

35. HDB Executive Apartment ($40,000)

Designed by Absolook Interior Design

A striking element of this executive apartment is the wall partition separating the corridor from the dining room, which is made up of overlapping rectangles.

36. HDB Executive Apartment ($62,000)

Designed by Absolook Interior Design

This home highlights a blend of cold furnishings with a warm, homely style. The textured wall of this dining room and kitchen also adds an element of surprise to the design.

Contemporary Interior Design: Toilet

HDB 3 Room

37. HDB 3 Room ($14,380)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This bathroom design features solid black furniture and accessories which draw focus to the various horizontal and vertical lines. The small, hexagonal-shaped tiles also add to the overall contemporary design.

38. HDB 3 Room ($87,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This bathroom features a balance between dark and neutral colours. While the walls and sink celebrate different shades of brown, it is contrasted with the dark metal colour of the showerhead and grey pipes.

HDB 4 Room

39. HDB 4 Room ($34,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

Despite being relatively small, this bathroom enlarges its space visually with the help of the glass divider. The tiles on the walls make straight lines the main focus of this toilet design.

40. HDB 4 Room ($36,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The cold black marble of the walls is disrupted by a calming wooden design that runs from the ceiling to the floor. The golden showerhead then complements the marble walls with a hint of elegance.

41. HDB 4 Room ($40,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This stunning design showcases two distinct walls – one wooden and one tiled. The circular shape of the mirror then adds to the contemporary interior design of the bathroom.

HDB 5 Room

42. HDB 5 Room ($44,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This interior design incorporates the contemporary style using the curved shape of the sink. It serves as the main focal point of the bathroom.

43. HDB 5 Room ($60,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

The lighting and strong lines on the mirror draw attention to the unique pattern on the wall. The bathroom is also designed to be spacious and uncluttered.

44. HDB 5 Room ($70,000)

Designed by Lome Interior

A geometric shape feature wall is used to highlight the contemporary design of the toilet and add a quirky vibe to the bathroom.

HDB Executive Apartment

45. HDB Executive Apartment ($120,000)

Designed by Posh Living Interior Design

The clean and light colours used in this bathroom helps to create an illusion of spaciousness and simplicity.

Creating Your Dream Contemporary Design HDB Apartment

If you’re trying to create the perfect contemporary look for your apartment, you can speak with our interior designers for advice. Also, do check out other HDB renovation ideas for more inspiration!

4 Room HDB Designed by U Home Interior Design

Renovating your home soon but don’t know where to start?

In this article, we’ll showcase a range of different HDB renovation ideas sorted according to various interior design styles to help you get inspired.

Let’s get started!

• Scandinavian interior design
• Minimalist interior design
• Modern interior design
• Industrial interior design
• Japanese-style interior design
• Eclectic interior design
• Retro interior design
• Monochrome interior design
• Chinese-inspired interior design
• Country interior design 
• Classical interior design 
• Nautical interior design

Scandinavian Interior Design Renovation Ideas

Scandinavian interior design is arguably the most popular design style among Singaporeans. With a focus on simplicity, decluttering, and functionality, this design style pays homage to the simplicity of life in the Nordic countries.

It’s characterised by the following features.

• Light, muted colours
• Natural elements like wood
• Clutter-free spaces
• White walls
• Natural lighting

Here are some Scandinavian themed homes to get you inspired.

1. Scandinavian-style 3 Room HDB Renovation ($33,500)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

This 3 room HDB flat captures the essence of Scandinavian interior design with its white furniture and wooden finishes.

2. Scandinavian-style 3 Room HDB Renovation ($55,000)

Designed by Fineline Design

This stunning home plays up the importance of natural lighting in Scandinavian interior design. It uses a sheer, white window treatment that allows maximum sunlight to pour into the home.

3. Scandinavian-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($40,000)

Designed by Absolook Interior Design

The combination of white and wood instantly brightens this beautiful 4 room HDB, making it appear more spacious than it really is. 

4. Scandinavian-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($44,000)

Designed by Sky Creation

This home integrates the main features of Scandinavian design through white and wood surfaces. 

It also makes use of a mirror to increase the amount of natural light in the living room – an essential part of this theme.

Get a No Obligation Free Quote Now and Get a Free Gift

5. Scandinavian-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($48,000)

Designed by Carpenters

Featuring open spaces and the classic white and wood combination, this home offers a distinctively Scandinavian aesthetic. 

6. Scandinavian-style 5 Room HDB Renovation ($40,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

Natural light, white surfaces, and wooden furniture are the main features of this Scandinavian-themed home. 

To add some colour to their space, the homeowners have also included some plants and a painting.

Minimalist Interior Design Renovation Ideas

Minimalist interior design uses the bare essentials to create a simple, uncluttered space. It’s known for its clean lines and other features such as

• Monochromatic colour schemes
• Clean, open spaces
• Use of materials for texture and personality

Check out some of these minimalist-themed homes below if you’re interested in adopting this design style in your home!

7. Minimalist 4 Room HDB Renovation ($30,000)

Design by Weiken.com

This minimalist-themed 4 room HDB uses a conventional minimalist colour scheme consisting of white and black. It also makes use of a wooden dining table as a nice contrast to the monochromatic colour palette.

8. Minimalist 4 Room HDB Renovation ($45,000)

Designed by DC Vision Design

Over here, the world map wall art helps to prevent the home from looking bare and adds a subtle artistic element to it. 

It also serves as the focal point of this minimalist-designed space, creating visual interest and adding a touch of personality into the design.

9. Minimalist 4 Room HDB Renovation ($54,000)

Designed by ID Gallery

This interior style is about simplicity and learning how to scale down on unnecessary furniture and fittings, just like this project above.

This 4 room HDB features a simple built-in TV console and grey couch, giving the space a calm and attractive feel.

10. Minimalist 5 Room HDB Renovation ($49,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This minimalist home plays with colours and textures to inject a feeling of fun into the living area. Additionally, this space is brightly lit by the sun rays, making it feel warm and inviting.

Modern Interior Design Renovation Ideas

The modern interior design style was born out of the design movement that began at the end of the late 1800s. This design style often features 

• clean, simple lines,
• functional furniture,
• a lack of clutter, and
• bold, accent colours.

Not sure how to design a modern HDB flat? Take a cue from these HDB flats!

11. Modern 3 Room HDB Renovation ($30,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This amazing HDB flat utilises neutral colours like white and grey to make the space look more modern. The dark wooden dining table and cage ceiling light also helps to round off the stylish look of the home.

12. Modern 3 Room HDB Renovation ($58,000)

Get a No Obligation Free Quote Now and Get a Free Gift

Designed by Fineline Design

This 3 room HDB uses a variety of colours and textures to make things interesting. The wooden and grey furniture and the geometric accent wall add a pop of colour in the space and contrast against the otherwise dull grey walls.

13. Modern 4 Room HDB Renovation ($50,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

The mix of the marble feature wall and sleek furniture takes this living room to a new stylish level. Additionally, the gold-legged coffee table gives the space a pop of colour, livening the mostly neutral-toned room.

14. Modern 4 Room HDB Renovation ($64,000)

Designed by DC Vision Design

The patterned rug in the middle of the room adds visual interest to the space while complementing the neutral colour scheme. Similarly, potted plants are placed around the living room to add a splash of colour and texture to the room.

15. Modern 5 Room HDB Renovation ($38,300)

Designed by Starry Homestead

The stylish dark blue accent wall stands out in this modern 5 room HDB flat. Additionally, the combination of the black shelves and grey upholstery creates a sleek, sophisticated feel that adds to the style of the room.

16. Modern 5 Room HDB Renovation ($45,000)

Designed by Fineline Design

This living room features clean lines, functional furnishings, and a neutral colour scheme that blends harmoniously with the modern interior style.

17. Modern 5 Room HDB Renovation ($57,000)

Designed by Starry Homestead

The unique fan-shaped light acts as a centrepiece, drawing attention to its quirkiness.

Industrial Interior Design Renovation Ideas

The industrial style is an interior design trend that takes clues from industrial spaces such as factories or warehouses.

Some key elements of industrial interior design include:

• Exposed pipes and ducts
• Warm, neutral colour palettes consisting of white, grey, and black
• Wood and metal surfaces
• Brick walls
• Vintage accessories or decoration

18. Industrial-style 3 Room HDB Renovation ($36,300)

Designed by Areana Creation

This 3 room apartment embodies the classic features of the industrial interior design – exposed pipes, brick walls, and neutral colours. 

19. Industrial-style 3 Room HDB Renovation ($60,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

This home adopts a more rustic industrial feel by including a distressed leather couch and opting for an exposed brick wall.

20. Industrial-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($26,150)

Designed by Spacious Planners

Track lights are a distinctive feature of industrial-style interiors. Unlike most projects, this home stands out by using rows of hanging light bulbs to create a design feature to emulate the industrial interior design style.

21. Industrial-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($30,000)

Designed by Renozone Interior Design

The kitchen is designed to mimic the look and feel of an industrial setting, with its wooden bar table and black barstools.

In addition, the finishes of the kitchen cabinets are made to mimic cement screed surfaces, making the industrial style more apparent.

22. Industrial-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($46,000)

Designed by Posh Living Interior

A combination of materials like leather and wood was used to achieve a textured look. On top of that, they are also key to making this industrial-themed living room feel cosy and warm.

23. Industrial-style 5 Room HDB Renovation ($26,000)

Designed by Starry Homestead

This home makes use of a white brick feature wall to bring out the industrial interior aesthetics.

The cement screed half walls also help to exude a more industrial feel to the overall design of this house, giving it a raw, unfinished look.

Japanese-style Interior Design Renovation Ideas

If you’re a fan of clean, open spaces, then a Japanese-style interior design might just be the design style for you.

Apart from uncluttered spaces, neutral colours and modern furniture made out of natural wood are also some hallmarks of a Japanese-style interior design.

24. Japanese-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($30,000)

Designed by Weiken.com

This thoughtfully designed home is decked in minimalist wood furniture and uses a Japanese style screen to bring out the theme of the space.

Eclectic Interior Design Renovation Ideas

Eclectic interior design is characterised by a variety of styles. It typically consists of elements from a range of different decorating styles and cultures. 

However, this doesn’t mean that eclectic interior design is completely random; the elements of the interior must work to complement each other and create a cohesive whole.

Get a No Obligation Free Quote Now and Get a Free Gift

Here are some common characteristics for you to take note of when pulling off this decor style at home.

• Mismatched furniture
• Neutral background colours
• Contrasting styles and design elements
• Properly positioned furniture for a well-balanced look

25. Eclectic-style 3 Room HDB Renovation ($40,000)

Designed by Weiken.com

This HDB incorporates modern and vintage elements into the space through the use of a retro-era divider and wall art made up of vinyl records.

26. Eclectic-style 5 Room HDB Renovation ($25,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

With its white walls and wood elements, this home gives off an undeniably Scandinavian-esque vibe.

However, unlike the conventional Scandinavian interiors, this home injects personality into the space with its blue and red barstools, couch, and coffee table. These quirky pieces blend with the surrounding decor, making this eclectic interior design work.

27. Eclectic-style 5 Room HDB Renovation ($60,000)

Designed by Absolook

The thought of including a checkered rug, wood elements, and striking red couch into a living room may seem like the ultimate mismatch. 

However, much to our surprise, these elements go well with each other, and the result of this strange combination is a fun, eclectic space!

Retro Interior Design Renovation Ideas

Retro interior design contains a mix of old and new design styles influenced by trends from different eras. The term “retro interior design” is most commonly used to describe the design styles inspired by elements stemming from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Some main features of this visually appealing decor style include

• unusual retro decor,
• bright colours such as green, brown, black, and red, and
• the use of textures.

28. Retro-style 3 Room HDB Renovation ($50,500)

Designed by Design 4 Space

Keeping to the theme, this retro home features elements of the past such as the old-fashioned tiles and a vintage sound player. The addition of classic items like an old-school camera lamp and standing fan also adds to the retro look of the home.

29. Retro-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($41,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This retro home features vintage scooters that have been repurposed into a shelf rack for wine and a quirky living room ornament. 

To further enhance the nostalgic look, the homeowners have also selected a vintage-looking floor lamp and lined the walls with old-school tiles.
Get a No Obligation Free Quote Now and Get a Free Gift

Monochrome Interior Design Renovation Ideas

The monochrome interior design style needs no introduction. This visually stunning theme is popular among young Singaporeans since it’s easy to achieve – all you need are 2 contrasting colours.

Here are some helpful tips for you if you’re looking to implement this trendy  style.

• Play around with monochromatic patterns
• Go for white with accents to create an illusion of an airier space
• Use calming neutrals like grey to break up the monotony of the colour scheme

30. Monochrome 4 Room HDB Renovation ($28,000)

Get a No Obligation Free Quote Now and Get a Free Gift

Designed by Weiken.com

The adoption of a grey and black monochromatic colour scheme helps to make this living room appear more warm and cosy. 

Besides that, decorations such as the potted plant help to add colour to the space, making it feel more welcoming.

31. Monochrome 4 Room HDB Renovation ($32,000)

Designed by Design 4 Space

This monochromatic space is charmingly designed, featuring a marble accent wall that helps to enhance the look of the room effectively.

32. Monochrome 4 Room HDB Renovation ($40,000)

Designed by Lome Interior

The eggshell white walls and black accents of this living room creates a simple yet stylish space. Cove lights have also been installed to make the space feel warmer.

Chinese-inspired Interior Design Renovation Ideas

Chinese-style interior design is great for homeowners who prefer a more traditional look. Some core characteristics of a of this interior design style include

• Wood elements
• Separating screens
• Latticework
• Chinoiserie wallpaper (wallpaper featuring pagodas, floral designs, exotic creatures, and more)

33. Chinese-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($59,400)

Designed by Carpenters

Featuring sleek, dark wood surfaces, intricate lattice work and a chinoiserie wallpaper, this project is the classic depiction of the Chinese-style interior. 

Country Interior Design Renovation Ideas

A country interior theme uses design elements from rustic and vintage design styles to create an authentic and unique look.

A country style home isn’t complete without

• the use of wood and natural materials,
• neutral colours like white, beige, and brown,
• flowers and greenery to bring the outdoors inside, and
• country home decor like vintage glassware.

34. Country-style 5 Room HDB Renovation ($30,000)

Designed by Absolook

In this project, the design of the cabinet doors are made to imitate the look and feel of barn doors – an essential item in any country style interior.

35. Country-style 5 Room HDB Renovation ($40,500)

Designed by Carpenters

The usage of wood flooring and furniture in this home is a fabulous way to implement the country look. 

To enliven the interior, a set of elegant pendant lights have been installed to inject some modernity into the space.

Classical Interior Design Renovation Ideas

This design style is deeply influenced by traditional Western interior design dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. 

To pull off this sophisticated design style, stick to softer colours and try to keep things symmetrical. 

36. Classical-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($30,000)

Designed by Swiss Interior Design

This home uses a victorian-style TV console and a classical-style sofa and ceiling fan to create the sense of an earlier time. Additionally, it also features gold pilasters and cornices that are often used in classical styles.

37. Classical-style HDB Executive Apartment Renovation ($60,000)

Designed by U Home Interior Design

This home uses ornaments and furniture like the hanging wall decor and TV console to create a sense of this traditional design style.

Nautical Interior Design Renovation Ideas

The nautical interior design style is a timeless design style that never goes out of trend. Apart from that, it also brings a sense of calmness and comfort into your home.

This interior design style is mostly paired with white colours, decorative elements like anchors and marine creatures, striped patterns, and more.

38. Nautical-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($40,000)

Designed by Renozone Interior Design

Aside from the sea-coloured wall paint, decorations such as the ship wheel clock, boat-shaped shelves, and fishnet wall art can be found in this home. These elements fall in line with the home’s interior style and help to amplify the nautical theme.

39. Nautical-style 4 Room HDB Renovation ($80,000)

Designed by Icon Interior Design

This is the home of Singapore’s OG influencer Xiaxue. Featuring a TV console wall made to mimic the look of a cabin, a beach wallpaper, and nautical-themed elements, this home is a beach lover’s dream come true!

Renovating Your Dream Home

If you’re renovating your home and need some expert advice, contact us to speak with interior designers today!

We’ve all heard of ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’), the Danish concept that loosely translates as ‘cosiness’. But what is it, exactly? And how is it being applied in local homes? We went hygge-hunting in Singapore.

What is ‘hygge’?

Hygge is a way of life, a design ethos and a global export. It basically describes any situation, be it a time or place or a combination of both, that is conducive to calm, contentment, convivial company and cosiness (the ‘5Cs of hygge’). No doubt a bi-product of the long cold Scandinavian winters, hygge homes are characterised by light coloured wood, white walls and pastel accents, throw rugs, candles, cushions and pot plants.

 

 Condominium 1 Jalan Jintan | Leef Deo Pte Ltd

Hygge essentials

An integral part of the hygge life is hanging out with family and friends at home. In truth, the democratic socialist system in Denmark means that most working adults do not have the buckets of spare cash that are required for dining out in the expensive capital of Copenhagen, so eating in is the norm. Living spaces are used for eating and and lounging around. A dining table, a comfy sofa – with cushions, and a coffee table are hygge must-haves.

 

 HDB 4 Room Compassvale Lane | Renozone Interior Design House

Plants, naturally

A hallmark of hygge and Scandinavian design in general is a love of nature and natural materials. Hence hygge homes almost always house pot plants. Especially in the dead of a Danish winter, a splash of green enlivens a space and adds vibrant colour to pale interiors. In Singapore, indoor pot plants pay tribute to our lush green garden city and purify the air for free.

Condominium Thomoson Impression | Sky Creation

Wooden it be nice…

Another trait of hygge design and Scandinavian design in general is the abundant use of wood. With sustainability on everyone’s mind, the solid pine and oak that are typically seen in Scandinavian homes are being replaced with more eco-friendly and affordable wood veneer and wood-lookalike laminates.

HDB 4 Room | Rezt & Relax Interior Design

Seeking the light

Hygge homes typically invite natural light in, with bare or lightly dressed windows that open onto uplifting scenes of nature. In Singapore, though we may not gaze out onto snow-frosted fir trees, homeowners are waking up to the many merits of natural light. Many of them are enclosing balconies with windows or sliding doors that can be opened in the cool of the evening and closed in the heat of the day.

Condominium 592 Yishun Ring Road  | Areana Creation Pte Ltd

Get comfy with your ID

When renovating a home, it’s important to feel comfortable with your interior designer. If you’re planning a renovation, it’s a great idea to cosy up with HomeRenoGuru. There is no better way to research both designs and designers. You can browse thousands of photos from real-life projects, and obtain no-obligation quotes from a shortlist of reputable, screened and rated companies. Visit the website or download the app today.

A quick scan of online trend forecasts the end of the all-white kitchen craze. It’s about time we embraced colour in the kitchen. See how some style-savvy Singaporeans are doing it.

Pops of Primary Colours

White is a wonderful canvas for pops of bright blue, red and yellow. For a crisp, clean look that is quirky not clinical, start with white, isolate a cabinet or two and clad them in different colours of bright glossy laminate. Add coordinated accents with bar stools, light fittings and small kitchen appliances.

 HDB 5 Room 889D Woodland | Design 4 Space Pte Ltd

Rad Red Retro

Passionate, playful and attention-seeking, red is a universally popular colour in the kitchen and the go-to hue for fast food restaurants. Why not build a kitchen around an iconic retro red fridge, complete with curved corners and chrome handles?

HDB 4 Room Toa Payoh | Great Oasis Interior Design

Moody Blues

Somewhat surprisingly, since blue is among the least common naturally occurring colours in food, there is a blue kitchen micro-trend emerging. From navy blue to moody teal blues to cheerful aqua, blue is popping up in kitchens all over the little red dot. Denim apron optional.

HDB Executive Apartment Woodlands Ave 6 | Swiss Interior Design Pte Ltd

Eat Your Greens

Imagine serenely peeling and prepping your greens for a plant-based feast in this cheerful kitchen, which has been enlivened with the bold choice of grass-green interior paint. The cuckoo clock and colonial-inspired lamps add a touch of tradition to an otherwise modern kitchen. Pretty fresh indeed.

The Gardens @ Bishan | Ciseern by Designer Furnishings

Orange Crush

The ‘in’ colour of the 70s, orange is back again. Orange is both toasty-warm and citrus-fresh – a great colour for a kitchen. Add high-contrast black for a dash of sophistication.

HDB 5 Room Jurong West Street 65 | Lome Interior

Some Things Should Be Black and White…

There is no room for shades of grey in a contract with an interior design firm, for instance. If you are renovating your home, make sure your job scope, your deadline, your payment details and the terms and conditions of your agreement are all outlined in black and white, unambiguous terms. Not sure which company to engage? Check out HomeRenoGuru, Singapore’s leading online renovation marketplace. Better still, enter your house type, theme and budget and receive no-obligation quotes from highly rated, reputable and recommended interior design firms. Happy renovating!