15 Transformation of Old & Small Resale HDBs

November 28, 2016

City dwellers around the world are embracing minimalism and conscious consumerism, and at the heart of it all, small space living is now embraced wholeheartedly worldwide.

Singaporeans are no strangers to living in small homes, and here are 15 beautiful examples of how compact spaces can also look more impressive than you can imagine!

Casual Chic

1. This home’s laidback charm is built mainly upon a few simple décor choices – trendy furniture, black-framed doors, and an open-concept kitchen. These exhibit the homeowners’ keen sense of design, and come together to form a well-decorated dwelling.

Interior Designer: Chapter One
Location: Strathmore Avenue (85 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $32,000

2. The earthy palette is elegantly uplifted by the shades of blue on the feature walls. These subdued yet arresting hue served well as gorgeous backdrops for wood furnishings.

Interior Designer: Meter Square
Location: Towner Road (84 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $80,000

3. Classic with a hint of nostalgia, this renovation is done with such finesse that this apartment could pass off as a colonial black and white bungalow! Things are kept simple and classy here, with funky details such as the monochrome floor tiles and kopitiam dining chairs to add some flavour to the interiors.

Interior Designer: Aiden T
Location: Holland Village (56 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $47,000

4. While the floor area of this one-bedroom apartment is just 56sqm, it looks twice as big after replacing solid walls with glass! The result is a scaled-down version of a snazzy loft apartment that’s decked out with a well-picked set of handsome furniture and accessories.

Interior Designer: Bowerman
Location: Circuit Road (56 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $50,000

5. The open living area of this old walk-up apartment oozes an effortless grace that’s achieved by the curation of knick-knacks mainly made up of artworks and statues. The home’s textural accents, such as the bare concrete wall in the bedroom, also add character to the space.

Architect: Asolidplan
Location: Eng Hoon Road (80 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $115,000

Clean Cut Lines

6. Large expanses of light wood and white surfaces work together to form a bright and breezy apartment that looks larger than its 79sqm floor area. The uncluttered spaces and clean lines also add to the effect.

Architect: FOMA Architects
Location: Potong Pasir (79 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $60,000

7. Space planning was the key to this apartment’s clean-cut appeal. Folding doors help merge the study corner, as well as the entire bedroom, with the walls. So a sleek space is achieved when the doors are closed.

Architect: Studio JP
Location: Dakota Crescent (65 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $66,000

8. Simple does it in this compact two-bedroom apartment, which goes back to basics in terms of colour scheme and functional features. Decorative elements such as a cowhide and grey tiled feature wall help spice things up while keeping in line with the décor scheme.

Interior Designer: Mr Shopper Studio
Location: Toa Payoh North (69 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $80,000 (including furniture)

9. The hide-and-seek concept was executed wonderfully here, especially with the bedroom’s hideaway bed that demonstrates the true potential of small homes! Space is also maximised in the kitchen and wardrobe area by building cabinets into the wall.

Interior Designer: Vegas Interior
Location: Yishun Ave 5 (67 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $86,000

10. Whitewashed walls and ceilings create the illusion of wider and taller spaces, and this effect made the living area and open kitchen feel airier. On the flipside, darker tones, which tend to feel a little more closed in, were picked for the bedroom to create a sense of cosiness.

Interior Designer: Rhiss Interior
Location: Telok Blangah Crescent (90 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $80,000

11. This home’s large expanses of white surfaces are aptly broken up by the black accents that not only frame the interior, but help unify the different areas as well. Having glass accordion doors for the bedroom is an unconventional choice, but one visually expands this chic industrial space.

Interior designer: Chapter B
Location: Mei Ling Street (72 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $48,000

A Home Like No Other

12. By embracing the original features of old HDB homes, such as exposed pipes and cable tracks, this renovated home has a charisma that adds depth to its gritty industrial-retro décor scheme.

Interior Designer: Ace Space
Location: Lor Liew Lian (64 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $34,000

13. Unabashedly eclectic, this unusual home is decked out in a fun mish-mash of styles. The different industrial and Scandinavian notes come together to create a distinct look that mirrors the homeowner’s personality well.

Interior Designer: Studio 99
Location: Yishun Street 11 (92sqm)
Cost of renovation: $48,000

14. Equal parts cosy and sensual, the warm palette in this home immediately puts one at ease. The dark walls and chic furnishings give the home a swanky appeal, transforming this resale HDB flat a slick makeover.

Interior Designer: Fatema Design Studio
Location: Tampines (67 sqm)
Cost of renovation: $46,000


Hiring the right designer can turn your flat from blah to great. If you are to renovate within the next six months, we can help you to match with 5 interior firms based on your design style and budget. Send in your request here and we will match you for free!

Not ready to renovate yet? Download the free Qanvast app from the App Store or Google Play to browse and save home ideas, costings and even reviews of more than 200 designers on the go!

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