Does Your HDB Have a Recessed Area? Here’s What You Can Do

Is your recessed area driving you up the wall? Make them less of a design eyesore with these genius ideas!

As much as you want a smooth wall, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it in the modern homes of today. Instead, what you’ll actually get is awkward cutouts in the living room or bedroom.

That being said, there are always ways to jazz them up and here are some awesome approaches!

1. Apply a wall treatment

The homeowners of this flat decided on something more unorthodox: applying a brick-like treatment onto the “exterior” pillars and beams. The end result? A stand out look that becomes the focal point of the living room.

2. Back to basics with paint

Painting your recessed walls in one similar shade gives it a more uniformed look. That being said, there’s no real need to stick to neutral tones. Explore different shades such as pink, green or blue to really give it that “wow” moment.

3. Fill it up with storage units

You may think that the recessed wall is… well, useless but it can house more storage solutions. Overlay with shelves, open cabinetry and store even your TV console to make the most out of your space. And, it can even become a unique feature wall (if you do it right).

4. Update the recessed portion

A polar opposite of point four, the hollow portion of this wall was given a fresh new update with a wallpaper while its exteriors were kept white. Though elegant, the contrast in colour and patterns makes for a visually arresting centrepiece!

5. Go for picture frame moulds

While simple and clean looks are popular, they can come off as a little flat at times. You can counter the monotony by introducing some texture through trims – take this bedroom recess for example, the picture frame moulds add visual impact to an otherwise plain look.

6. Combine two approaches to optimise its potential

Get your walls to go the extra mile by fusing two styles – coat it with paint to create that stand out moment then outfit with additional storage solutions that will allow you to showcase your memorabilia.

7. Hang up Pinterest-worthy prints

If you love making constant updates to your space, then paint may not be a good option. Consider hanging up some prints instead – this way, you can enjoy not only diversity but also spruce up your home within minutes.

8. Make it disappear by plugging it up

If you’re not a fan of the recess at all, you can plug it up with a fixture such as a container-like cutout for instance.

Create your very own unique home... starting with us!

Let us know if you need help designing your new home and get quick, personalised renovation quotes from five local interior design firms for free!

Also, when you engage an interior firm through our free recommendation service, you'll enjoy discounts from our Qanvast voucher kit and the Qanvast Guarantee - a free scheme that safeguards up to $50,000 of your renovation deposits.

Renovate with assurance, only on Qanvast. Find and meet interior designers verified by homeowners, with no hidden costs and no commissions involved. Find an ID