Renovating a home in Singapore can be quite the challenge, especially when you’re faced with space constraints. After all, we wouldn’t usually associate a 95 square metre (or less) apartment with the word spacious. Thankfully though, we’ve learnt to get creative with interior design! Not convinced? Perhaps these following 10 hacks might change your mind.
1. Skip False Ceiling
False ceilings look good but can easily overwhelm a small space. Why not focus on the lighting and simple décor like this apartment? Not only do pendant lights look good, but they are also incredibly functional. With drop down pendant lights that hang inches from the table, replacing light bulbs (or cleaning) will no longer be a problem.
Interior Designer: Green and Lush
Location: Tampines (EC, 79sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $30,000
2. Use Simple Colour To Brighten Up The Space
From the light colours that make the room feel open and airy to the customized TV console that’s sleek and functional, the homeowners of this apartment prove that sticking to a simple colour scheme and making smart furniture choices can make all the difference to their apartment.
Interior Designer: Habit
Location: The Vision (Condo, 76sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $56,000
3. Make Every Inch Count
This house is the perfect example of a multifunctional space. Compartmentalization not only reduces clutter but it is also one of the simplest ways to give the impression of extra space. The dining area doubles up as a cozy corner to have private conversations over tea while the platform bed comes with shelves for extra storage.
Architect: Studio JP
Location: Telok Kurau (Condo, 60sqm)
4. Furniture With Exposed Legs Is Key
When you have a small living room, it’s best to give bulky and cumbersome furniture a miss. Instead, opt for small pieces of furniture with exposed legs. The exposed legs give the illusion of spaciousness and allow light to filter through, creating a sense of lightness as the tables and chairs look like they are floating on air.
Interior Designer: OMUS Living
Location: Sunshine Garden (HDB, 96sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $27,000
5. Use Glass Wall
If you like the idea of using partitions to demarcate spaces without having to visually divide the rooms, why not use glass walls? Not only do they bring a sleek modern feel to your home, but they also allow more light to flow in, making your place seem much larger than it really is!
Interior Designer: Fifth Avenue Interior
Location: Edgefield Plains (HDB, 92sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $50,000
6. Hack Down A Room And Combine Into Living Space
Go ahead. Hack away! OMUS Living turned this clean Scandinavian abode into an open concept home by hacking down a room and combining the living room space with the study room. What was formerly two rooms is now an open loft area and the result is a super spacious social area where your friends can hang out all day long.
Interior Designer: OMUS Living
Location: Senja Road (HDB, 96sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $18,000
7. Use Mirrors To Strategically Enlarge The Space
A well-placed mirror can do wonders to a small apartment! This house by EHKA Studio has several half-length mirrors placed strategically in the living room that reflect light and brighten the room, giving the illusion of a bigger space.
Architect: EHKA Studio
Location: Pinnacle@Duxton (HDB, 92sqm)
8. Maximise Storage / Use Platform Bed As Extra Storage
In a small apartment like this, hidden storage is your best friend. Why not opt for a platform bed that provides extra storage for all your nitty gritty items? The sleek wooden platform conceals huge drawers that add aesthetic value, a unique bedroom design and plenty of storage, all at the same time!
Interior Designer: Co. Prozfile
Location: Ang Mo Kio (HDB, 95sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $50,000
9. Have An Open Kitchen
It’s an open secret that living spaces tend to look more spacious with an open kitchen. A practical design solution for small homes, hacking the dividing kitchen wall not only opens up the area, but the homeowner’s decision to choose a colour scheme that complements the living area makes the kitchen look like a continuation of the living room. After all, who could say no to a larger kitchen?
Interior Designer: Neu Konceptz
Location: Altez (Condo, 72sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $80,000
10. Extend Your Living Room To The Balcony
Room extensions can dramatically change the way your house looks by adding a few extra inches to your cozy apartment. In this case, the extension of the living room to the balcony creates a perfect space for you to relax or entertain friends and family during large gatherings. The foldable glass balcony doors not only invite light to the interiors, but are also super chic and modern.
Interior Designer: 82
Location: Parkland Residence (DBSS, 85sqm)
Cost of Renovation: $52,000
Sometimes it’s not about how much space there is but what you do with the space. With all these neat tips, a spacious house is definitely within your fingertips. Get connected with an interior designer who will be able to guide you in your interior journey You can also request for a complimentary quote request and get started. Download our app, available free on the App Store and Google Play to find out more.
