At first glance, it’s hard to pinpoint what goes into creating the look of the typical Singapore home. Sure, there are a couple of cookie-cutter layouts that HDB follows, but even those differ from neighbourhood to neighbourhood – and that’s not even counting the myriad of décor styles that today's homes are inspired by.
However, look hard enough and you’ll find some common threads (read: everyday design features) that tie Singapore homes together. Keep reading to find out what they are!
1. L-shaped Wardrobes
View this project by Free Space Intent
Although freestanding storage options are always welcome for their portability and aesthetic appeal, you’ll find that L-shaped wardrobes (or just about any form of fitted cabinetry) are often a better fit for small homes, and even smaller rooms.
Plus, you get to kill two birds with one stone with them: keep your home neat and make use of tricky corners – it’s no wonder then that these fixtures are an everyday sight.
2. Brick
View this project by Space Atelier
Quite literally the building block of every home, brick needs no introduction as a material. However, if you want these rectangular blocks of clay to last long, it’s important for them to be properly sealed and cared for (just like cement screed floors).
On a related note, most of the ‘brick’ walls that you see in Singapore homes aren’t the real deal, but are actually veneers, tiles, or even wallpaper, because of their ease-of-maintenance. Still good for that rustic, cosy feel though.
3. Mirrors
View this project by HIFA Design Studio
What’s shiny, sleek, and capable of ‘opening’ up a room? No prizes for guessing, but it’s these qualities that make mirrors a popular design feature in Singapore homes.
Plus, they make for surprisingly flexible décor options. Hang them up in a compact bathroom as a functional fixture; or outfit your living room with these reflective add-ons for an overall brighter look.
4. Folding Doors
View this project by Hall Interiors
Collapsible, partition, folding, or whatever you wish to call them, these doors are fast-becoming a common sight in Singapore homes.
Like fitted cabinetry, the benefits of having them are two-fold: On one hand, you get privacy whenever you need it; and on the other, you get a wider entryway. Having an unimpeded line of sight between rooms is a plus too!
5. Track Lights
View this project by Aart Box Interior
Have you ever found yourself wishing that some areas of your home were better lit?
If you do, possible solutions to this problem would be installing extra recessed lighting, getting a standing/table lamp; or better yet, maximising your overhead real estate with a row of flexible track lights that you can adjust to shine anywhere you please.
6. The Colour White
View this project by Goodman Interior
Some call it the ‘crisp canvas’ to bright accent hues, and they aren’t wrong. It’s precisely for this reason that white is a mainstay in Singapore homes, and fittingly, the best choice to go with a perky shade of millennial pink, calming pastel blue, or just about any trending colour.
7. Wooden Surfaces
View this project by Ascenders Design Studio
Like fries to burgers (yes, we know, it’s not the best analogy), white and wood are two design elements that are commonly found together in Singapore homes.
That said, the latter is capable of holding its own as the ‘main course’ due to its versatility and the wide variety of home materials – from vinyl floor tiles to laminate sheets – that mimic its au naturel look and texture.
8. Accent Walls
View this project by Story of Us
Traditionally, accent walls (or feature walls, if you prefer) are used to draw attention to a specific part of a room, but these design features have taken on a new identity lately: as stylish backdrops for TV screens.
While this may seem sad, it’s also important to note that these decorative structures are receiving more attention than ever. If recent trends are any indication, expect more elaborate accent walls that incorporate useful storage functions and avant-garde materials in the future.
