HDB Flat Space-saving Tips: Innovative Designs in Singapore

Living in an HDB flat often means making the most of limited space. Fortunately, with a few hdb flat space-saving tips up your sleeve, you can save space in your HDB flat with practical solutions that will make you feel like you’re living large. To help you get started, let’s look at how you can maximise every square metre and create a functional, stylish, and comfortable home.

From versatile pieces that transform to serve multiple purposes to clever storage solutions, our Singapore interior design guide will get you ready to transform your HDB flat into a haven that is perfect for your life and style. With a little creativity and the right style picks, you can turn even the most compact living space into a place you love to call home.

What are some innovative furniture designs I can use to maximise space in my HDB flat?

Here are some innovative furniture designs you can use to maximise space in your HDB flat:

Multifunctional Furniture

Murphy beds: These beds fold up into the wall, freeing up valuable floor space during the day. These are perfect for creating a home office, guest room, or even a workout area.

Sofa beds: Combine the comfort of a sofa with the functionality of a bed, which is ideal for small living rooms or studio apartments.

Coffee tables with ottomans or hidden storage compartments: Offer additional storage for blankets, books, or other belongings, which is perfect for keeping your living area clutter-free.

Transforming Furniture

Folding tables and chairs: These can be easily stored away when not in use, which makes them ideal for small dining areas or balconies.

Expandable dining tables: These extend to accommodate more guests, and then shrink back to a more compact size when they’re not in use.

Ottomans that transform into benches or coffee tables: Offering multiple functionalities, these allow you to adapt your space to your needs.

Vertical Storage Solutions

Wall shelves and cabinets: Utilise vertical space by installing them on walls, which is a great way to store books, decorative items, or everyday essentials while freeing up floor space. Think you don’t have enough wall space? Check out this modern Japanese HDB remodel that transformed a doorway into a mobile television stand for maximum versatility.

Pegboards: These versatile boards can be used to hang coats, bags, keys, and other items, keeping them organised and off the floor.

Built-in furniture: Opt for built-in cabinets, wardrobes, or even bookshelves that maximise space and create a seamless look.

Space-Saving Furniture Designs

Corner furniture: Utilise unused corners by going for corner shelves, desks, or even L-shaped sofas, maximising space efficiency.

Furniture with integrated lighting: Save space by eliminating the need for separate lamps, creating a more streamlined look. Look at this chic HBD remodel that added a touch of luxury throughout the home with simple lighting elements.

Transparent furniture: Opt for clear or acrylic furniture pieces like coffee tables or chairs to create an illusion of spaciousness.

By incorporating these innovative furniture designs, you can transform your HDB flat into a functional, stylish, and comfortable living space that meets your lifestyle needs and style preferences. Remember, a little creativity goes a long way in maximising space and creating a welcoming home!

How can I use smart storage solutions to optimise space in my HDB flat?

Invest in space-saving furniture: Consider furniture that folds, expands, or transforms to serve multiple purposes.“`

Utilise hidden storage: Explore furniture with built-in compartments, ottomans with storage space, or beds with pull-out drawers to make a small flat feel bigger.

Embrace vertical storage solutions: Utilise wall-mounted organisers, hanging shelves, and even floating desks to maximise vertical space. Even simple solutions like a double rack in your closet like in this modern farmhouse HDB remodel will double your storage.

Employ clever storage containers: Utilise transparent containers for easy identification, stackable boxes, and vacuum bags to maximise space efficiency.

Optimise corners and awkward spaces: Utilise corner shelves, L-shaped desks, or custom-built cabinets to maximise storage in non-standard spaces. Look at this HDB Scandanvian-inspired HDB remodel that took a small corner of the bedroom to create a dream walk-in closet space.

Declutter and organise regularly: This frees up space and makes finding items easier. Utilise labelling and compartmentalization for improved organisation.

By embracing these solutions, you can maximise storage and create a functional and organised living space in your HDB flat.

How can I create zones or designated areas within a small space to make it feel more organised?

Creating designated areas or zones will make a small flat look tidy and streamlined. Here are some key strategies to employ:

Utilise Furniture Placement

Position furniture strategically: Arrange your furniture to define different areas without having space-consuming physical barriers. For example, place the back of a sofa towards an open space to create a separation between the living and dining areas.

Use furniture with dividing properties: Utilise bookcases, low cabinets, or even open shelving units to visually separate zones while maintaining some level of openness will make a small HDB flat feel bigger.

Embrace Rugs and Floor Coverings

Define zones with different rugs: Put down different area rugs in different zones to visually separate them. For example, having a patterned rug in the living area and a solid-coloured rug in the dining area will make your small flat feel more spacious and spread out.

Consider flooring variations: Explore using different flooring materials in different areas. For example, use tile in the kitchen and carpet in the living room to create contrast.

Incorporate Creative Room Dividers:

Go for curtains or hanging fabric panels: These offer a soft and flexible way to separate areas, especially for temporary needs or occasional privacy.

Explore folding screens or room dividers: These come in various styles and materials, allowing you to create temporary or semi-permanent divisions while adding a decorative touch. Even partial or glass walls like this HDB remodel can transform your space.

Leverage Vertical Space

Install hanging shelves or room dividers: Utilise vertical space to create separation without sacrificing floor area. Hanging shelves can separate a workspace from a living area (and it’s one of our favourite HDB remodelling hacks!) while room dividers with open shelves can provide some visual separation without blocking light.

Use suspended lighting: Consider hanging pendant lights or track lighting over specific zones to visually define them and create focused illumination. This offers a practical solution that will make your HDB flat look more expensive and refined.

Emphasise Lighting

Implement task lighting: Use strategically placed lamps to create dedicated areas, like a reading lamp in a reading nook or a desk lamp in a workspace.

Layer your lighting: Combine overhead lighting with task lighting and accent lighting to create different ambiences in different zones to boost the functionality and visual appeal of each area.

Maintain Cohesiveness

Maintain a colour palette: Using different colours in different zones can better define them. Just be sure to keep a cohesive overall look by using a common colour palette throughout the space. This creates a sense of unity and prevents the space from feeling disjointed, which is important when you want to make a small space feel bigger.

Incorporate unifying elements: Utilise similar textures, patterns, or materials throughout the space to tie the different zones together. This creates a sense of flow and visual connection.

By being smart with these strategies, you can effectively create designated zones within your small space to make it feel more organised, functional, and beautiful. Remember, the key to making a small space feel bigger is to be creative, utilise the space wisely, and maintain a sense of balance and coherence.

What colours work best in a small space?

While there’s no single “best” colour for every small space, certain colours generally work well because of their ability to create the illusion of spaciousness and openness. Keep reading for a few of the best colours for a small flat.

Light and Neutral Colours

White: Classic white is a popular colour for small HDB flats because it reflects light and makes walls feel farther away, creating a sense of airiness and spaciousness. However, too much white can sometimes feel sterile, so consider warmer whites like ivory or cream for a more inviting feel.

Light Grey: Similar to white, light grey tones create a sense of openness and reflect light effectively. They can also add a touch of sophistication and can be paired well with various accent colours. In this cosy Scandi HDB remodel, for example, you’ll notice that the bathroom is wall-to-wall storage. You could easily store all the toiletries for an entire family, towels, and extra bathroom supplies but the rooms look effortlessly clean thanks to the light grey tone and strategic lighting.

Beige: A timeless and versatile option, beige offers a warm and neutral backdrop that can make a small space feel cosy and inviting. Choose lighter beige tones to avoid making the space feel too cramped.

Light and Cool Colors

Pale Blue: Light blue hues can evoke a sense of calmness and tranquillity, making them ideal for bedrooms or relaxation areas in small spaces. They can also create a feeling of spaciousness due to their association with the sky and open spaces.

Soft Green: Light green tones can bring a touch of nature indoors and create a feeling of freshness and serenity. They can be particularly calming for living rooms or home offices. We adore this British Colonial HDB makeup that added a touch of soft green with a practical statement storage solution.

Consider the natural light: If your space receives limited natural light, opt for even lighter and cooler colours.

Experiment with colour variations: While sticking to a light and airy base, you can incorporate subtle variations within a zone, like using a slightly darker shade of your chosen colour on an accent wall.

Balance is key: While light colours are generally recommended, incorporating small pops of colour through artwork, throw pillows, or accent furniture can add personality and prevent the space from feeling bland. For example, in this modern rustic HDB remodel, you can see a range of dark colours and rich accents were used but rather than overwhelming the space, they add depth and interest.

How can I keep a small place looking tidy?

Develop a Decluttering Habit

Regularly declutter: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to get rid of unused items. This could be a weekly or monthly task, depending on your tendencies.

Utilise the “one-touch” rule: When handling an item, deal with it immediately. Put it away, throw it away, or return it to its designated spot. This prevents clutter from accumulating while making your small flat look tidy.

Embrace the “less is more” philosophy: Avoid impulse purchases and only bring new items into your home if they truly serve a purpose or bring you joy.

Maximise Storage Solutions

Invest in smart storage furniture: Opt for furniture with built-in storage like ottomans with compartments, beds with drawers, or couches with hidden storage compartments. We love this minimalist HDB at Bukit Batok remodel that utilises floor-to-ceiling storage in a way that packs the room with storage but makes it feel open and airy.

Utilise vertical space: Install shelves, cabinets, and pegboards on walls to maximise storage capacity without sacrificing floor space. We love this Nordic HDB remodel, for example, that adds minimalistic floor-to-ceiling white wardrobes that fade into the bathroom while offering maximum storage potential.

Employ storage containers: Utilise baskets, bins, and containers to organise and categorise belongings, keeping them hidden and preventing clutter from visually overwhelming the space.

Maintain a Cleaning Routine

Establish a cleaning schedule: Create a schedule for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. This ensures consistent upkeep and prevents messes from accumulating, which is essential to making a small flat feel bigger.

Clean as you go: Don’t let small tasks pile up. Wash dishes immediately after use, wipe down spills as they happen, and put things away after using them.

Quick daily tidying: Dedicate a few minutes each day to tidying up, like straightening pillows, folding blankets, and putting things back in their designated spots. This small effort can make a big difference in maintaining a tidy space.

Focus on Surfaces

Minimise surface clutter: Avoid placing unnecessary items on surfaces like countertops, tables, and dressers. Keep only essentials and decorative items that enhance your small space.

Utilise trays and organisers: Group similar items together on trays or organisers to create a sense of order and prevent them from visually cluttering the space.

Incorporate Smart Habits

Hang often-used items: Hang coats, bags, and other frequently used items on hooks or coat racks to keep them off the floor and readily accessible.

Designate drop zones: Create designated areas for commonly used items like keys, mail, or bags near the entrance to prevent them from being scattered around the space.

Maintain clear walkways: Avoid placing furniture or clutter in high-traffic areas to ensure a smooth flow and prevent a cramped feeling. To make a crowded space feel open, focus on being able to move with ease.

By implementing these practices into your daily life, you can develop a consistent routine and create habits that make it easier to maintain a tidy and organised small space, enhancing its functionality and visual appeal.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating or organising a small living space?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating or organising a small living space:

Choosing bulky furniture: Opt for furniture sized appropriately for your space. Oversized pieces overwhelm the room and make it feel smaller.

Ignoring storage: Prioritise storage solutions like cabinets, shelves, ottomans with compartments, or under-bed storage to avoid clutter in a small HDB flat.

Neglecting vertical space: Utilise walls with shelves, cabinets, pegboards, or even floating desks to maximise space without sacrificing floor area.

Using dark colours: Opt for light and airy colours for walls, furniture, and decor to create a sense of spaciousness and reflect light, making the room feel brighter and larger.

Neglecting natural light: Maximise natural light by keeping windows uncovered and using sheer curtains to brighten the space and create a feeling of openness in a small space.

Over-cluttering: Regularly declutter and only keep items you use and love. Utilise storage solutions effectively to keep belongings organised and hidden.

Not considering multi-functionality: Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like sofa beds, ottomans with storage, or coffee tables with hidden compartments, to maximise functionality and minimise the need for additional pieces.

Neglecting lighting: Layer your lighting with a mix of overhead lights, lamps, and sconces to create a sense of depth and ambience, making a cramped space feel more open.

Forgetting personal touches: Personalise your space with artwork, plants, and decorative items that reflect your style and create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

By avoiding these mistakes and implementing creative solutions, you can decorate and organise your small living space to feel functional, spacious, and stylish.

Save Space in Your HDB Flat: Getting Started

Living in an HDB flat doesn’t have to limit your sense of space! With a touch of creativity and these innovative interior design ideas, you can transform your compact home into a haven that feels functional, stylish, and comfortable. Embrace the power of multifunctional furniture, clever storage solutions, and designated zones to maximize space and create a living environment that reflects your unique needs and preferences. Remember, a little planning and ingenuity go a long way in making your HDB flat feel like home.

Editor’s Choice

Thinking about a home transformation but not sure where to begin? Look no further than our editor’s choice spotlight! We’ve handpicked three of Singapore’s leading design firms, each offering a distinct approach to breathe new life into your living space.

Swiss Interior champions the art of Scandinavian design. Their team of experts excels at crafting clean lines, optimal functionality, and a minimalist aesthetic, perfect for those seeking a serene and inviting haven.

Space Factor tackles the challenge of maximising every inch of your home, especially in Singapore’s compact living environments. Their expertise in space planning and innovative storage solutions ensures every nook and cranny is utilised effectively, creating a sense of spaciousness and comfort.

And, of course, if there is one place most of us are always a bit short of space, it’s the kitchen. That’s why we love Kitchenate. Their expertise in space planning and creating functional havens caters to your lifestyle for a seamless blend of form and function that will create a space you’ll love.

Choosing the right design partner hinges on your vision. Whether you crave a minimalist haven or a space-maximised masterpiece, one of these exceptional firms is sure to be your perfect match. Explore their websites and embark on your dream home renovation journey today!