How to make your HDB look bigger
Image adapted from: Design4Space
Our main concern with BTO flats is the lack of space – we don’t want to deal with narrow hallways and cramped rooms on a daily basis. But with the help of local interior design firm Design4Space, we’ve got a few design tricks up our sleeve. By thinking outside our usual box – a “box” of 4 solid walls, that is – we can make the most of what we have by making implementing some HDB renovation tips.
From the illusion of high ceilings to glass room dividers, these HDB renovation tips will help transform a cramped flat into a spacious home.
1. Use glass wall dividers
Image credit: Design4Space
A 5-room flat sounds spacious enough, but not when every corner of your flat’s blocked off – talk about being trapped in your own home! Here’s a savvy trick: replace concrete walls with glass dividers to visually open up the area. It’s one of the fundamental basics in creating an open concept space.
While glass panels offer up an airy space, you can also choose dividers with black edging for a stylish abode.
Image credit: Design4Space
You’ll find that natural sunlight streaming through will also brighten up your living area.
2. Invest in mirrors
Image credit: Design4Space
Mirrors are indeed useful to give your OOTD a last check before leaving the house, but are also useful in “creating” more space. If used correctly, your home can appear double its size! But make sure not to place it near cluttered furniture – this’ll instead give the illusion of a messy household.
Image credit: Design4Space
To maximise the illusion of space, try placing a mirror across a wall or opt for floor-length mirrors instead.
3. Opt for platform beds
Image credit: Design4Space
Besides being a sleek addition to your home interior, platform beds help to add depth to your space.
Image credit: Design4Space
It physically distinguishes between your sleeping area and other places – so you can have a barrier of sorts to separate your study desk or TV console.
Do note there are certain restrictions on platform beds in HDB homes. Read these HDB renovation rules to find out more.
4. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves
Image credit: Design4Space
Another way to create more space is by using floor-to-ceiling shelves. While many know wearing vertical stripes will make you look skinnier or taller, not many realise that it works for physical spaces too.
Image credit: Design4Space
There’ll also be lots of practical storage space to store away all your belongings.
5. Try an open concept bathroom
Image credit: Design4Space
If you’re on the adventurous side and you’re OK to bare it all, glass bathroom dividers are the way to go – it immediately opens up any cramped bedroom. There’s also something relaxing about taking a bath in an airy space – while also bathing in natural light.
Maximise HDB space with Design4Space
Image credit: Design4Space
It’s not easy to work with a tiny HDB flat if your dream house looks like a mansion but you’ve got no interior design skills whatsoever. In this case, it’s worth reaching out to local design firm Design4Space to help sort it out – they’ve got a vast array of HDB designs that’ll help transform any cosy nook into a spacious home.
You can also check out these other articles for more HDB inspo and BTO-related articles:
- Muji-decor style
- Affordable HDB renovations
- Modern and luxurious HDB features
- HDB renovation from resale home to Muji flat
- Guide to applying for BTO
- Pre-BTO checklist
Find out more about Design4Space here
This post was brought to you by Design4Space.
Originally published on 17th September 2019. Last updated by Renae Cheng on 15th July 2021.
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