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 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.
Before you go ham on your interior design, there are some HDB renovation rules to follow. For one, not every wall can be knocked down. While this is a quick way to open up your home, structural walls can’t be hacked. Before you design your floor plan, check the HDB floor plan that’s provided and consult your interior designer.
While taking away portions of your home like walls is not allowed, adding certain items is prohibited too. One such thing would be mezzanine floors, as they add a tonne of weight to the building’s structure.
Err on the safe side and ensure you get all your renovation plans approved by HDB by applying for official approval on the HDB website. Once you’ve gotten the approval, then you can start working on your dream home.
Image credit: Uchify
Unassuming factors such as colours actually play a huge part in how your home looks. While some of us may favour a colourful palette, opting for light colours will help make your home look more open and spacious. Soft shades such as creams and whites help to reflect natural light, so consider getting furniture and wallpaper in those hues.
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.
Image credit: Design4Space
You’ll find that natural sunlight streaming through will also brighten up your living area.
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.
To maximise the illusion of space, try placing a mirror across a wall or opt for floor-length mirrors instead.
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.
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.
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.
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:
This post was brought to you by Design4Space.
Originally published on 17th September 2019. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 25th July 2024.
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