HDB renovations on a budget


HDB Transformations Singapore

It is something we all do – flipping through pages of Home Decor magazines and Ikea catalogues, thinking to ourselves “Wow, I want a house like that,”. Then you probably sighed and told yourself you’d never be able to afford it. It became something you hoped to achieve in a faraway future, after you’d struck the lottery or married a millionaire.

Not anymore.

Things like winning the lottery don’t happen as often as we’d like, so we decided to show you that you too can own a beautiful home. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s a list of 10 beautiful HDBs that were both gorgeous and pocket-friendly – to prove you can have your cake and eat it too.

Note: Prices of fittings are not included.

1. Neutrally Quirky 

 b2ap3_thumbnail_DF13-09-029-2.jpgb2ap3_thumbnail_10-186.jpgSource: Rezt n Relax Interior

Interior Designer: Rezt n Relax Interior
Cost: $17,000

When I saw this, I could not believe such a beautifully designed house cost just $17,000. The neutral tones of white and wood used open up the space and make the house appear bigger. The wall decor and colourful bedspreads add a burst of personality and coziness. 

2. Industrial Meets Chic

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Source: De Exclusive

Interior Designer: De Exclusive
Cost: $25,000

The glossy flooring helps soften the industrial vibe of the concrete walls, giving the place a refined feel. The shelving is functional and decorative, with geometric shapes to make it a focal point. 


3. The Hip Minimalist


b2ap3_thumbnail_399867_537538779617903_1726467651_n.jpgb2ap3_thumbnail_15202-spacious-planners-photo-4-12.jpgSource: Spacious Planners

Interior Designer: Spacious Planners
Cost: $27,500

The use of white and concrete walls give a studio apartment feel to the place, and the red hanging lights and blackboard for guests/family members to leave notes add a quirky and unique touch.

4. Old School Luxury 

b2ap3_thumbnail_punggolcrest_p4.jpgb2ap3_thumbnail_punggolcrest_p3.jpg

Interior Designer: The Upper Room Design Studio
Cost: $25,000

For those who prefer a more opulent style, this is for you. The chandelier, draps and sofa are all specially chosen to bring out the vintage feel.

5. Texture Mixture

b2ap3_thumbnail_Renozone_Sengkang_West_2.jpgb2ap3_thumbnail_Renozone_Sengkang_West_1.jpg
Source: Renozone Interior Design House

Interior Designer: Renozone Interior Design House
Cost: $20,000-$30,000

The designer for this house made use of contrasting textures and colours – from wood planks and brick walls to beige colours and cobalt blue.

6. Dark and Sleek

b2ap3_thumbnail_1016420_10152807120913659_902332292727110078_n.jpgb2ap3_thumbnail_1780886_10152807120898659_7835199803298507479_n.jpg
Source: Rezt n Relax Interior

Interior Designer: Rezt n Relax Interior
Cost: $20,000

Choosing to go with a dark colour scheme for the walls and furniture, this flat epitomizes what a bachelor pad would look like. It channels a no-nonsense, professional vibe.

7. Modern Meets Class

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Source: Rezt n Relax Interior

Interior Designer: Rezt n Relax Interior
Cost: $26,000

This house is modern with a touch of high-class. The walkway of lights gives the whole apartment a brightly lit, warm atmosphere.

8. Bungalow Lookalike

b2ap3_thumbnail_LD14-01-021-1.jpgb2ap3_thumbnail_LD14-01-021-4.jpgSource: Rezt n Relax Interior

Interior Designer: Rezt n Relax Interior
Cost: $25,000

The main colour scheme for this house is basic colours like white, grey and black. The flooring gives it a polished touch, ranging from glossy in the living room to wooden in the bedroom. The result is a classy dwelling that could easily pass off for the inside of a landed property.

9. Cozy Character

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Source: 9 Degree

Interior Designer: 9 Degree
Cost: $22,000

The furniture in this apartment adds character to the simple colour scheme, like the cube shelves and hanging lights, while the fuzzy carpeting cozies the place up. The bedroom is a dream come true for those girly-girls out there!

Be Inspired!

Beauty doesn’t always come at a high price – staying in a HDB doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream home too. With over 80% of Singapore’s population staying in HDBs, we should get rid of the perception that their design is set in stone, and start thinking of how you want your house to look like.

After all, these 10 amazing homes were all renovated for under $25,000. With such varied themes, it shows that you don’t have to be a lottery winner to have the apartment you’ve always dreamed of.

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