So, you have just gotten the keys to your new flat from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and you are eager to start building a home you can call your own.
Before heading to a furniture store and interior designer, however, you might want to get a rough idea of what you want your home to look like. That’s because your interior design style would dictate the types of furniture you buy and the layout of your home.
Choosing an interior design style is not your usual black and white affair. Interior design is not just about creating a home that appeals aesthetically, but it is also about taking space management, home ambience and overall quality of life into consideration. After all, you must feel comfortable and “at home” in your household.
HDB flats might seem small, especially in space-scarce Singapore, but do not limit your imagination! There are tons of ways you can transform your flat into an elegant palace.
If you need a little inspiration, we have narrowed down 5 popular HDB-friendly interior design ideas to help you get started.
1. Scandinavian Interior Design
If you have always marvelled at the IKEA catalogue, then you are going to love Scandinavian interior design.
Characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality, Scandinavian interior design makes use of natural materials like wood, leather and hemp to furnish a living space.
This interior design style also leverages warm textiles, decorative accents and neutral colours to create a warm and inviting space that homeowners can seek respite in.
Most Scandinavian homes in Singapore and beyond use modern and light-coloured flooring to illuminate a space. It can also give a small HDB flat the illusion of more space.
As far as Scandinavian interior design is concerned, comfort should be the priority. You want to create a cosy living space that would even make guests feel at home.
2. Contemporary Interior Design
With an emphasis on space over home ornaments, contemporary interior design is defined by subtle sophistication, clean lines and deliberate use of textures to bring focus to a designated space.
Most contemporary homes avoid bright and loud colours. Instead, they use neutral colours to add life and light to a room and black for grounding.
You can use clean horizontal and vertical lines to bring accent to certain areas of the house.
With contemporary homes, you have the freedom to add a touch of personality here and there with a striking painting or ornament. In addition, keep clutter to a minimum to truly maximize the space.
3. Industrial Interior Design
As the name suggests, industrial interior design adds a modern twist on factory furnishings by striking a balance between old-world and modern styles. It focuses on function as opposed to aesthetics and space.
Industrial homes tend to use open-concept layouts with minimal clutter to facilitate communal bonding. It also incorporates neutral colour palettes and avoids harsh colour contrasts. You can find that most industrial homes use a mix of wood and metal furniture
When it comes to designing an industrial home, remember – everything has to have a utilitarian purpose.
4. Minimalist Interior Design
There is beauty in simplicity – no style encapsulates this principle more than minimalist interior design.
Defined by the idea of “less is more”, minimalist homes keep the distribution of furniture and aesthetic of a home simple, straightforward and efficient.
Use neutral colours and keep the wall finishes uncomplicated. Avoid mixing textures and try to stick to straightforward designs as much as possible
Also, space is key in minimalist homes. Keep clutter out of the way as much as possible.
5. Tropical Interior Design
If you are an avid nature lover, tropical interior design is definitely for you!
Tropical homes thrive on house plants and wallpaper with tropical patterns. The idea is to create a beach paradise in an HDB flat, so feel free to get as creative as possible.
However, you would want to avoid peppering the walls with bold colours and prints with extremely dense foliage, as this could make a space feel overwhelming. Instead, have the wallpaper on one wall and use lighter hues on the others.
