Mind Blown: 7 Genius, Secret Ways to Hide Everything at Home

It makes for a good mystery guests have to solve too.

Maybe you’re looking to cover something unsightly. Or, you simply want to keep prying eyes from invading your private space. Whatever your reasons, hidden features are a fun (and functional) way of spicing up an otherwise predictable layout.

So, don’t just wow guests with jaw-dropping décor; from swivelling walls to camouflaged doors, these 7 ‘secret’ spaces will keep them on their toes – and perhaps get them wondering, ‘Where's everything?’.

1. Use camouflaged doors

Opposite the bold and rusticated TV wall is a fluted panel feature – or is it? While it looks clean and continuous on the surface, a closer look reveals a rectangular ‘cut out’.

Completely camouflaged, a concealed door opens up into this home’s kitchen area, effectively keeping smells from wafting out. An added bonus is that it helps cover up any mess inside!

Here’s one for the wannabe detectives – can you find the hidden door to the ‘secret’ passageway?

Passing off as part of the dark wall accent, the concealed doorway is almost impossible to discern at first sight, save for the subtle handle and slight gap.

This home’s feature wall was done up with a similar concept – but it’s more than a mere gimmick.

By building over the door, the extended wooden panel feature helps to visually elongate the dining area in this 67 sqm flat.

2. Opt for pocket doors to enclose spaces

Clutter certainly leaves an impression – but not a very good one. With pocket doors that can be slid neatly into a ‘pocket’ or gap in the adjacent wall/carpentry, you can hide away whole sections of space for an immaculate disguise.

One example is this fixture that looks like any other storage cupboard when closed off.

But lo and behold – when you open it up, you’ve got a full study set-up that can be easily tucked away when necessary.

In a similar vein, this washer-dryer set is neatly concealed behind a pocket door in the kitchen.

And the possibilities don’t end there, as evidenced by this dry pantry that can be hidden away when needed.

As you might’ve already noticed, one advantage to using pocket doors is that they don’t get in your way like swing doors do when you’re working on tasks.

3. Cover up spaces with wardrobe/cupboard doors

Proving once again that wardrobe doors do not have to (actually) enclose wardrobes, this unassuming piece conceals a neat dressing area, complete with a down-lit mirror and door shelving for makeup and other items.

A smart alternative, we think, to getting a loose vanity which would take up considerably more space.

You could even cover up ‘eyesores’ that don’t quite fit in your interior theme, like this fridge that is concealed with dark fluted panels.

4. Or, try swivel doors for a fun surprise

Fascinating light features and textures aside, this contemporary BTO flat even has its own ‘hidden’ room.

While it’s not an elaborate revolving door like those you see in mystery shows, this sleek accent wall doubles as a swivel door that connects the living room and master bedroom.

If you need more inspiration, have a look at this swivelling TV wall between the master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe space.

Not only does it make for a unique highlight in the spaces, but you can also catch up with your favourite shows or check your fit whichever side of the room you’re in!

5. Try an ‘invisible’ pull-out design

Looks can be deceiving: what looks like an ordinary kitchen peninsula in this 5-room HDB flat actually doubles as a pull-out dining table – a handy space-saving solution if you’re tight on space, or if you simply prefer to have a clutter-free open space when not in use.

6. Mask nooks with slat doors

This display shelf/bookshelf is definitely among the impressive finds in this maisonette, given it’s higher than usual thanks to the high ceiling.

That’s not all though! Once you pull the slat doors to either side, you’ll realise that the TV is set up there too.

This partial see-through design of the slat doors also helps with making the fixture feel more ‘airy’, as opposed to solid doors that would feel more imposing and visually heavy.

7. Go for sliding doors to hide different ‘sections’

Here’s another ‘spot the hidden door’ feature that’s downright genius. That cabinet door by the refrigerator? It does not open up to any sort of pantry storage.

Instead, it’s a sliding door that leads to the wet kitchen area and further in, a washbasin built outside the common bathroom.

Another handy feature is how the sliding door covers the sink in the dry area for a seamless look. This way, you only see one section at a time, reducing visual ‘clutter’.

Get that sleek, streamlined aesthetic with clever carpentry ideas

From hidden surprises to thoughtful layouts designed around your lifestyle needs, an interior designer can bring out the best in your home with the right design.

Not sure where to look for one? Get in touch with us – we can match you up with interior designers based on your budget, style and requirements!

This article was originally published on 10 July 2018 and last updated on 9 January 2024.

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