Space is a form of luxury on our densely-populated sunny island. With shrinking square feet in new homes, we take a look at how these HDBs and condominiums effectively incorporate design, colours and nature to make a small space seemingly larger at pocket-friendly prices.
1. Natural Light
Let natural light seep in to create depth. Take a step further and replace the curtains with blinds or shades if you need privacy.
ID: DHOME STUDIO
Location: Toa Payoh (Condo)
Cost of renovation for entire house: $40,000
ID: Designer Guy Group
Location: Lower Delta Road
Cost of renovation for entire house: $78,000
If your house isn’t blessed with a good layout in capturing solar energy, opt for glass partition to allow light to permeate and light up the darker corners of the room.
ID: Mofasis
Location: Shunfu Road
Cost of renovation for entire house: $90,000
ID: FSI
Location: Bishan (HDB)
Cost of renovation for entire house: $95,000
2. Mirrors
A common method is to make use of mirrors and other reflective surfaces to create the illusion of a bigger space. Opt for large full-length mirrors or position smaller mirrors opposite windows or in front of a light source to amplify the lighting.
ID: DHOME STUDIO
Location: Bishan (Condo)
Cost of renovation for entire house: $50,000
ID: Dezzo
Location: Kim Tian
Cost of renovation for entire house: $36,000
3. Trade overhead lights for smaller lamps
Top-down lighting can be harsh and draws attention to one space. Instead, set up smaller lamps at different corners of the house to spread light around the area and draw the eye around the room. Then select warm lightings to add on to the cosy factor.
ID: Boon Siew D'sign
Location: Tampines
Cost of renovation for entire house: $37,000
ID: Space Sense Studio
Location: East Coast (Condo)
Cost of renovation for entire house: $130,000
4. Show some legs
...for your furniture that is. As boundaries between rooms blur, reduce the chunk by choosing less bulky furniture with their sleek legs and contoured body.
ID: Dezzo
Location: Telok Blangah
Cost of renovation for entire house: $17,000
ID: Space Matters
Location: Boon Keng
Cost of renovation for entire house: $190,000
5. Get rid of clutter
Clutter is the nemesis of space. Minimise the sight of clutter with multi-purpose furniture or hidden storage display; or try disposing off your unused items for a cheaper alternative.
ID: Z L Construction
Location: Punggol (Condo)
Cost of renovation for entire house: $25,000
ID: The Design Practice
Location: Joo Chiat (Condo)
Cost of renovation for entire house: $85,000
6. Light-coloured walls and floorings
A no-brainer; light-coloured floorings and walls are common ways to make the room feel airy as opposed to dark colours. If pristine white isn’t your preferred choice of palette, add a dash of colours in your furniture or try pale-coloured wallpapers or tiles.
ID: Idees Interior Design
Location: Upper Boon Keng
Cost of renovation for entire house: $55,000
Product Merchant: The Wall Society
Cost: Wallpaper costs $49/roll, excluding installation and delivery
Product Merchant: RICE
Cost: Price upon enquiry
Get a budget estimate before meeting IDs