January 6, 2021
These heartland homes look just as good – or even better.
In Singapore, HDB flats are like the Toyotas of cars, the NTUCs of supermarkets, the Nescafe of coffees: functional, affordable, and everywhere. (Not the best comparisons we admit, but you get the point.) And considering how there are more than 1 million apartments spread across 24 towns and 3 estates, it’s no wonder that some people have the impression that HDB flats are nothing but cookie-cutter homes.
Well, they couldn’t be more wrong. As with everything, there are exceptions to the norm – these 5 HDB homes were designed to stand out from the rest, and it shows not just in their aesthetic, but also their interior features, which put them on par with luxe condominium apartments!
View this project by Mr Shopper Studio
If there’s something to be said about this resale DBSS flat at Boon Keng, it’s that it looks absolutely sublime. Here, a variety of elegant fixtures – including a ribbed living room feature wall and an elongated marble slab that stretches all the way from the front entrance – come together to create a space that’s almost regal.
To balance out the opulence of its finishes, the designers from Mr Shopper Studio were also inspired to include clean lines that bolster the home’s aesthetic as a grand, yet sleek abode.
View this project by Habit
Due to its simplicity and timelessness, the white-and-wood aesthetic is a classic favourite of many Singapore homeowners. Taking the concept one step further is this minimalist 5-room Tampines HDB flat, which features an optimised floor plan that was conceptualised and subsequently brought to life by Habit.
In addition to a side-by-side kitchen/dining area set-up for daily convenience, the home also has an external vanity sink in the master bedroom to free up space within the master ensuite for a more open vibe.
View this project by 13th Design Studio
Conceptualised as a space that’s conducive for both work and play by 13th Design Studio, this family-friendly HDB home in Kallang features a living room that has both a study and a play corner for its young occupants.
Additionally, for a kid-friendly look, the home was primarily decorated with neutrals as well as pops of high-contrast accent colours that make things look fun yet chic. For instance, in the living room, a wood feature wall creates the perfect backdrop for darker furnishings like a blue plush sofa and an olive green coffee table.
View this project by Meter Square
In case you’re wondering: Yes, this two-storey home in Queenstown is indeed an HDB flat. Located within the SkyTerrace@Dawson development which was completed in 2015, it’s one of the few HDB flats that combines a studio apartment and a loft unit for multi-generational living.
Fittingly, Meter Square’s concept for this family home features a cosy communal setting with warm accent lights as well as neutral hues that complement its bright, spacious surroundings. Meanwhile, a marble-look TV feature wall, which is almost as tall as the home’s loft windows, breaks the monotony of an expansive surface and draws the eyes upwards.
View this project by Happe Design Atelier
What gives this monochrome home in Queensway homely vibes are its choice accents. In the living room, the subtle speckles of a terrazzo floor bring a dose of liveliness to what would have been otherwise been a monotone interior filled with black and whites.
The same goes for the TV feature wall, which Happe Design Atelier designed as a centrepiece of the home’s communal spaces – in particular, the choice of a raw wood frame brings much-needed warmth to a (condominium-like) home that exudes class with its bold contemporary look.
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