Earlier this month, we asked our readers on Instagram what burning questions they had about interior design and renovation. (Check out the full Q&A session in our Instagram Highlights, here!) And one topic that dominated our feed? Surprise (or not so surprise): 4-room HDB renovations.
Just some of the many questions we received...
From questions about budgeting to affordable design ideas - we definitely hear you! So here, we've rounded up 8 stunning, 4-room makeovers to provide you with some handy inspiration for your own HDB overhaul. Best part? They all cost less than $40,000 to pull off - further proof that a well-designed home can still be had without breaking the bank:
1. While a 4-room flat is bound to be generally more expensive to renovate than say, a 2 or 3-room, you can still keep costs reasonable by focusing on select areas to build up. Instead of going all out with head-to-toe carpentry or fancy materials, this clean yet calming home manages to look ‘decorated’ using subtle details like black track lights, painted walls and wooden finishes to create visual contrast.
Interior Designer: Author’s Interior and Styling
Renovation Cost: $30,000
2. Here's a renovation tip - invest on the right materials and colour scheme, which can help to make your space look more expensive than it really is. Case in point? This earthy abode. Despite its simple aesthetic, smart use of wood grains and matching, neutral hues creates an upscale look that belies the flat's $27,000 renovation price tag.
Interior Designer: Charlotte’s Carpentry
Renovation Cost: $27,000
3. Sure, a budget of $40,000 or less won’t get you a makeover worthy of Architectural Digest, but that doesn’t mean it has to look cookie cutter! Put your spin on things, like this 4-room BTO in Keat Hong. While it does have a bright, easygoing Scandinavian aesthetic going on, it takes things up a notch with quirky accents, from the sliding powder-coated iron kitchen door, creeping floor tiles to the cute, button-like hooks in the converted guest-room/walk-in wardrobe.
Interior Designer: KDOT Associates
Renovation Cost: $35,000
4. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again – odd or complicated carpentry shapes can translate to higher renovation costs, thanks to the sheer amount of work needed to fabricate it. So, if you’re on a limited budget, go for classic, linear built-ins, which can still look amazing (not boring), as this elegant 4-room HDB proves. Set in pale taupes, greiges and creams, the resulting effect is a sleek-looking space that gives off major condo vibes.
Interior Designer: erstudio
Renovation Cost: $32,950
5. Wall hacking might incur additional costs, but they shouldn't cost a bomb, unless you’re completely rearranging your home’s layout. So, don’t be afraid to go open-plan, like this modern industrial abode. By opening up the kitchen, study and extending the master bedroom, a sense of spaciousness is carved out of this otherwise compact space.
Interior Designer: Ethereall
Renovation Cost: $35,000
6. We wouldn’t say that retaining your HDB tiles will help to save a chunk (since it is kind of paid for…) but it’ll certainly allow you to indulge a little more in other ‘optionals’! Think suspended armchairs, a ‘secret’ gaming den or a quaint little dining nook, complete with French-style windows by the kitchen – as seen in this cheery, Scandi-themed home.
Interior Designer: Carpenters 匠
Renovation Cost: $30,000
7. There are many ways to create a focal point at home, besides having a feature wall or statement built-in piece. Our favourite, cost-effective option? Paint! It could be as simple as putting a dash of vibrant colour on a single wall, a simple graphic wall mural, or, if you have the artistic chops - a 'chalkboard wall' for intricate hand-drawn artworks to add a creative flair, like this lively abode.
Interior Designer: Style Living Interior
Renovation Cost: $38,000
8. It's always tempting to want more in terms of design, but sometimes, settling for what’s necessary is a smarter choice (for your wallet). This home does just that, foregoing aesthetic trappings for functional carpentry works in the kitchen, foyer and bedrooms. Done up in a scheme of white and wood finishes, slight variations added to the mix – such as the various types of handles used to the chevron patterns – help to add a visual punch. Meanwhile, pops of colour on the painted walls finish the look for a space that’s simple, welcoming yet different.
Interior Designer: Archive Design
Renovation Cost: $38,000
Turn your 4-room from drab to fab!
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