HDBs Are Anything But Boring
Ever heard people say that Singapore’s HDBs are all the same, like a bland crowd of beige buildings? Imagine that at the most exciting party in town! I’m here to prove otherwise.
Why I’m Not Buying My Own
Over the last few years I’ve spent countless hours chasing the sweet scent of fresh paint and new tiles – literally, scouting for the hottest stacked filming locations around the island. And let me tell you, the ways a flat can surprise you are mind‑blowing.
- Curved living rooms that twist like a pretzel
- Master bedroom balconies that make you feel like you’re on a private rooftop
- Sky‑high terraces that spill right into your living area (yes, the view really matters)
Not every unit scores a Nobel Prize for design, of course. Most folks end up in a fairly standard layout – you’ve got the main living area, a kitchen, a bathroom, two bedrooms, you know the drill. But what can you do to get that flat a little extra pop?
The “Living In” Series Inspiration
After a whole year of hammering out interior ideas for our Living In videos, I’ve seen some truly creative transformations that chill the very notion of “ordinary.” If you’re hunting for a layout makeover, keep reading; I’ve broken down a handful of the best concepts.
One‑Floor Flip‑Flops
Don’t let the “1‑floor” label stop you from breaking the rules. Swap in a huge, floor‑to‑ceiling window here, replace the boring kitchen wall with a fold‑away island there, and you’ll have a kitchen that can double as a dance floor (yes, that’s a real thing in Singapore!).
Pick Your Power Wall
Choose a focal point – maybe a burnished metal wall or a custom-built aquarium – and make every other accent convergent. Think of it as the Billie Eilish of interior design: minimalist but unbelievably cool.
Room Bending Brushstrokes
When you can shift a bedroom’s shape, you’re basically playing with a Rubik’s Cube, but indoors. A slightly angled kitchen pulls the furniture into a more dynamic spatial narrative; you won’t notice the “ordinary” layout because your eyes are busy following the trick of angles.
Technologically Smooth
Smart activation means smart living. Bring tech into the space – voice‑controlled lights, hidden speakers, even a “kitchen countdown” display. You’re essentially building a House of the Future tailored for your HDB.
Short a Tight Workspace
Ever heard the Beatles quote “Just a few years to a break.”? My favorite clever slogan reads: Any four rooms can transform the same HDB into a zen refuge. By trimming the typical layout in a few places, you can create an instant “cozy corner” or a secret study nook that feels spacious.
Hopping Off the Menu
Forget the “classic” layout, and imagine a larger “multi‑room” layout that feels less cramped than it actually looks. If you have a decent amount of room in your roof, you can use media walls into a working space or secondary living area.
Whichever route you take, the only rule is to think outside the box. This is how you switch from a boring standard layout to a truly signature home. Happy transforming!
Original plan
The Classic 110‑Square‑Metre 5‑Room Flat
Picture this: a cozy 5‑room HDB that’s a staple of the neighbourhood, clocking in at about 110 sqm. If you spot a bomb shelter tucked in a corner, you’ll know this isn’t one of those older, rickety units from the early boom. Those factory‑built bomb shelters only rolled out in the late 1990s, so a bit of retro‑security tells you it’s a newer slice of Singaporean housing.
Why the Walls Don’t Let You Be a DIY Free‑Spirit
- Essential structural walls still hold strong, especially around windows. You just can’t remove them all.
- That means you’ll have to get creative with the layout rather than tearing and tossing.
- Think of it like a puzzle: adjust, rearrange, don’t expect a “one‑size‑fits‑all” solution.
Bottom Line: A Little Flexibility, A Lot of Character
Honestly, the extra walls keep the unit sturdy—no risk of leaky floors or crumbling facades. They also keep the ambience downtown and the windows bright and breezy. So while you can’t go all “DIY demolition” on the bedrooms, you can still turn the space into something that feels uniquely yours with a little cleverness and some interior‑design flair.
1. One bedroom with an enlarged living area
5‑Room HDB: Why It Might Just Be the Perfect Pad for Your Next Chapter
It may sound a little out‑of‑the‑box, but some folks are actually hunting for five‑room HDBs specifically because of the square footage. If you’ve got a bit more wiggle room in your budget, this could be the retirement sanctuary that lets you downsize from a pricey private flat without giving up the space and the monthly savings.
What You’ll Love About a Five‑Room Layout
- Room to Roam – Whether you’re a night owl or a happy hour enthusiast, the extra squares give you freedom.
- Flexibility – Turn a spare bedroom into a walk‑in wardrobe, or swap the master into a study.
- Shared Joy – A larger living area means you can host friends without a cramped squeeze.
Young Couples, No Kids, One Bedroom? Dream Big!
For those who aren’t planning to bring little ones into the mix, the sky’s the limit. Think of a cozy single‑bedroom apartment with a generous living room that can transform into a celebrity‑style gathering spot. Want a 10‑seater dinner set? Dive in. The boiler room feels like a scene from a movie, and your future dinner parties will look like a walk in the park.
How to Tweak the Master to Your Taste
If a stubborn structural wall looks like a sore thumb (yes, it’s a bit of a show stopper), you can actually use it as a cute dividing line between the bedroom and a dedicated study area. Or, bring in a TV and let that wall be your co‑star.
Bathroom Make‑over Tips
- Move the sink to the outside, creating space for a double‑sink setup (hotel‑style).
- Free up room for a shower and a WC, making the bathroom feel like a tiny sanctuary.
Other Fun Variations to Play With
Depending on how you live, here are a few other ideas to spice up your five‑room HDB:
- Make the Kitchen a Mini‑Bar – Install a small bar area for after‑work drinks.
- Convert a Side‑Room into a Library – If coffee and books are your favorite combo.
- Turn the Hallway into an Art Gallery – Display your collection of quirky canvases.
So, whether you’re hitting the big three‑four for a I’ll‑take‑it‑away or craving an extra dimension for future adventures, a five‑room HDB could be the golden ticket. Give it a thought, toss in some humor, then call your agent. It’s time to move from the “just enough” mindset to the “I’m living my best life” vibe!
2. One bedroom with garden
Bring the Outdoors Inside: Your Very Own Green Balcony
Ever wish you could stroll through a forest without leaving your apartment? Biophilic design is the smartphone of interior décor—just tap, and nature instantly refreshes your living space. The result? A “green balcony” filled with leafy companions that not only crunch on the air but also add that splash of visual flair your home’s been craving.
- Why go green? Fresh plants reduce stress, boost productivity, and give you endless “thumb‑up” moments for your Instagram stories.
- What’s the trick? Swap your drab bedroom and hallway for a versatile space that can talk to you in more than one way.
Transform the Coreroom into a Multi‑Purpose Marvel
Imagine a room that’s part living area, part guest suite, part serenity station—now you see why people are snapping pictures of the place. Here’s the blueprint:
- Murphy Bed Secret: Slip it into the closet and you’ve got a straight‑away guest room for the next dinner party or a sudden visit from that cousin who loves peanut butter.
- Glass Sliding Doors: Open them up, let in the sunlight, and watch as your indoor garden becomes the marquee window for both the living and dining areas.
Mix Up Your Plant Playlist
Go beyond the usual pothos and succulents—mix it up with a few friendly species that also double as mood boosters:
- Snake plant (the “tough guy” that can survive a drunk night). +Strong
- Peace Lily for a touch of zen (and it actually cleans the air). +Peace
- Spider plant for those daytime stretches—like a yoga teacher but with leaves. +Flexibility
Why It Matters
When your home feels like it’s breathing, you’ll find yourself staying longer, saying “home” louder, and even trading in your desk chair for a hammock in the airy nook. All of this—plus the low‑effort smile from your furry friends—makes you love the place even more.
So next time you think of an upgrade, remember: nature isn’t just outside the windows—it’s all around you, ready to be woven into the fabric of your living realm.
3. Two bedroom with study room
Turn a Bedroom into the Perfect Home Office
If you’re still lucky enough to work from home, here’s a casual layout that can make your spare room feel like a productivity haven. Instead of tossing the space away, think of it as a dual‑purpose zone.
Why this layout rocks
- Office vibes without the clutter – a dedicated desk slot that keeps your work setup tidy.
- Emergency guest room? – Keep that extra sleeping option with a clever Murphy bed that folds away when you need more space.
- Flexibility for all seasons – From Zoom calls to midnight snack sessions, the room adapts.
So, shake off the old “common bedroom” idea, grab a good desk, add a comfy chair, and if you love hosting, slip in a Murphy bed. Your room will thank you with instant “cozy office” mode activation!
4. Two bedroom with flexible area
Turn a Spare Room into a Zen‑Zone (or a Gym)
Ever wondered what a hallway would look like if you turned it into something more… exciting? One move that’s surprisingly effective is vapor‑ing an unused bedroom. Think of it like Marie Kondo for your house: tidy up, freshen up, and voila, open‑space vibes.
Why it’s a Game‑Changer
- Spacious Feel – Fewer walls mean more light and airy vibes. Your living room suddenly looks like a room for a party, a movie night, or simply a slideshow of sunshine.
- Flexible Future – No one ever knows what they’ll need in a decade. A vacated room can be a home office, a reading nook, a yoga studio, or even a mini gym. Pick what feels right now or later!
- Letters from the Future – Imagine you’re hosting a funky book club or a spontaneous workout session. That room’s ready to roll!
What to Do if You Have No Need for a Bedroom
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to convert that extra space into a productive (and maybe Instagram‑worthy) spot:
- Work Hub – Set up a desk, good lighting, and a comfy chair because you’ll be working from home in style.
- Reading Corner – Plush cushions, a backlit lamp, and a stack of favorite reads. Instant chill zone.
- Exercise & Yoga Space – Mat, some Bluetooth speakers, and a little space to stretch. No more shoulder‑pressure workouts on a sofa.
- Home Gym – Add a treadmill, a set of dumbbells, or a simple squat rack. Your personal fitness sanctuary.
Take that room, breathe out the old walls, and let your home bop into the next level of “spacious.” And hey, you’ll probably discover a new hobby that somehow gets you more comfortable than Netflix!”
5. Two bedroom with walk-in wardrobe
Spruce Up Your Space with a Stylish Wardrobe Upgrade
Craving a more opulent master suite? Picture swapping the standard bedroom next to it for a smashing walk‑in wardrobe that feels like your personal fashion runway.
Why It Works
- Elevates the master room’s vibe with a touch of luxury.
- Turns a dull side room into a chic closet zone.
- Adds convenience and style in one swoop.
Ready to Transform?
Give that plain room a makeover and watch your living space pop with personality and practicality!
6. Two bedroom with attached study room
Swap the Bedroom for a Private Study
If you can live without piling up a ton of boxes and you crave a quiet nook to work from home, why not turn that common bedroom into a snug study?
Why It Works
- More Seclusion: No more midday family conversations bothering your concentration.
- Less Clutter: Less stuff to sift through means a clearer mind—perfect for those “zoom‑in” moments.
- Flexibility: Use the space as a home office, a creative studio, or a mini library—whatever floats your fancy.
Quick Steps to Go From Bedroom to Study
- Clear out the room—save only the essential furniture.
- Pick a comfy chair that won’t cramp your vibe.
- Add a desk and a good desk lamp—light is everything.
- Spruce it up with a few plants or a mug that says “I’m on a coffee break.”
So, if storage worries are a minor noise in your life, it’s time to say hello to a quieter, more personalized corner of the house! Good luck turning that bedroom into your new favourite office corner.
7. Two bedroom with wet/dry kitchen
A Clever Kitchen Swap
Why a Wet/Dry Divide Rocks
If you’re craving a roomy kitchen that’ll make you feel like a culinary wizard, ditch the cloak‑and‑dagger approach and split the space into wet and dry zones. Picture this: a slick countertop and a trusty island right next to the front door. The island? It can double as a quick bite spot, but you still keep a proper dining area lurking just beside it – bonus, no gang‑up cooking drama.
Lighting Up the Living
With a bigger slice of the home devoted to the kitchen and dining, the living room will need to borrow a bedroom. Easy peasy. Extend the TV console past the main wall. Gives you more room to pile up storage, display quirky décor, and—most importantly—eases the transition between rooms. You’ll have a seamless, “I’m not even sure if I’m in the kitchen or living room” vibe that keeps the house feeling open and breezy.
8. Four bedroom setup
Turning Your Living Room into a Secret Bedroom Like a Covert Agent
Imagine your living room flipping its personality at the flick of a switch—one moment it’s your favorite place to kick back, the next it morphs into a snug bedroom. It’s a bit of a bold move, but if you’re okay with a tighter layout, this could be a game‑changer. Seriously, the spacious vibe can be lost when you squeeze a mini bedroom in, but hey, who needs an entire room when you can have a cosy nook?
A Sofa that Shrinks, a Coffee Table that Vanishes
- Choose a smaller sofa instead of the typical L‑shaped monstrosity—think of it as an interior design power‑down.
- Bid farewell to the coffee table; it’s just extra footprint. Removing it frees up that aforementioned “living space” that you’re bending into a bedroom.
Dining Dilemma: Who Says Food Can’t Be a Comedown?
The dining area is another quiet hero that might slide a bit into the walk‑through. This isn’t about bricking a shelf; it’s about keeping the flow—so you can still fire up the kitchen without turning your hallway into a buffet queue. It’s a small trade‑off for that extra nook of privacy.
When Life Needs a Little Change
So, what if you’re really in the mood for a different vibe? Check out the quirky layout options that bring your space to life—think of it as a “unique makeover” adventure, not a 90‑percent flat out remodel.
Need more inspiration? Snapshots from an Insider Tour video will tell you exactly how the transformation looks in real time, no need to imagine it—it’s that cool.