Interior Design in Singapore: Things Homeowners Should Know Before Renovating
When it comes to building your dream home, one of the most important aspects to consider is interior design. In Singapore, where space is limited and homes come in a variety of formats, HDB BTOs, resale flats, condos, and landed properties, interior design plays a vital role in creating functional, beautiful living environments.
Whether you’re renovating your first HDB flat, upgrading your condo or even transforming your landed home, understanding how interior design works in the Singaporean context can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximise your investment.
Why Interior Design Matters in Singapore
Singapore homes are known for being compact, which makes space planning crucial. A good interior design strategy goes beyond aesthetics—it ensures that:
- Every square foot is optimised
- Storage solutions are cleverly integrated
- Lighting enhances comfort and energy flow
- Your space reflects your lifestyle and taste
In a city where you’re often paying a premium per square metre, interior design becomes an essential part of home ownership.
Types of Residential Spaces in Singapore
Before diving into design styles and budgets, it’s important to understand the typical types of residential properties in Singapore and how they influence your interior decisions:
1. BTO Flats
These Build-To-Order HDB flats offer a blank slate but come with design restrictions such as fixed layouts and non-movable walls. Many young couples seek minimalist, Japandi, or Scandinavian designs to open up space and create a calming environment.
2. Resale Flats
Older HDB units often offer more generous layouts but may require hacking, rewiring, and additional carpentry work to modernise the space.
3. Condominiums
With premium fittings already in place, design work in condos usually focuses on built-ins, feature walls, lighting design, and luxury finishes.
4. Landed Properties
Here, there’s greater freedom for structural changes, allowing homeowners to play with open-plan concepts, loft extensions, and multi-storey renovations.
Essential Considerations Before Starting Your Renovation
1. Set Clear Design Goals
Ask yourself:
- What do you want to achieve with your renovation?
- Are you prioritising function, aesthetics, or both?
- What styles inspire you? (e.g., Modern, Japandi, Industrial, Scandinavian)
Having a clear vision will guide your interior designer and keep your renovation on track.
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
In Singapore, interior renovation costs can vary widely. Here’s a rough guide:
- BTO 4-room flat: SGD $30,000–$50,000
- Condo unit: SGD $40,000–$70,000
- Landed property: SGD $100,000+
Your budget should include:
- Design fees
- Carpentry and materials
- Electrical and plumbing works
- Permits and approvals
- Furniture and appliances
Always add a buffer of 10–15% for unforeseen changes.
3. Plan the Space Layout
Work closely with your interior designer to:
- Maximise light and airflow
- Enhance space flow between rooms
- Add custom storage that doesn’t clutter
- Future-proof the layout for lifestyle changes (e.g., kids, WFH needs)
4. Understand Government Regulations
Depending on your property type, you may need to adhere to HDB guidelines or submit renovation permits to the relevant authorities. Choose a designer or contractor who is HDB-licensed and familiar with regulatory compliance.
Choosing the Right Interior Designer in Singapore
With so many interior design firms available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are key factors to consider:
- Portfolio: Check if their past work matches your style and space type.
- Accreditations: Look for CASETRUST, Qanvast SuperTrust, or HDB licensing.
- Transparency: Ensure you receive a detailed quotation and design proposal.
- Chemistry: You’ll be working closely with your designer—good communication is key.
- Post-renovation support: A reliable firm will offer defect rectification and maintenance advice.
Popular Interior Design Styles in Singapore
Depending on your personality, budget, and lifestyle, you might resonate with different design themes. Here are a few trending styles in Singapore:
- Japandi: A fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, perfect for clean lines and calm palettes (also, check out our Wabi Sabi portfolio).
- Modern Luxury: Think marble accents, plush textures, and elegant lighting fixtures.
- Scandinavian: Light-toned wood, neutral colours, and open concepts dominate this practical and cozy style.
- Industrial: Exposed pipes, cement finishes, and dark accents give off a modern, edgy vibe—popular in condos and lofts.
Your interior designer can help adapt these themes to Singapore’s climate, lighting, and space constraints.
Timeline: How Long Will It Take?
Renovation timelines vary depending on the extent of work, material lead time, and your designer’s process. Here’s a rough guide:
- Design and approvals: 2–4 weeks
- Renovation work: 6–12 weeks
- Furnishing and final touches: 1–2 weeks
Pro tip: Avoid planning renovations too close to Chinese New Year (eg. we are closed for 1 week for CNY) or major festive periods, when suppliers and workers are often on leave.
Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
Many homeowners rush into renovations without full planning. Here are common pitfalls:
- Underestimating storage needs
- Neglecting lighting design
- Choosing trends over function
- Hiring unlicensed contractors
- Skipping material samples and mock-ups
Read here for CNA coverage on renovation nightmares.
Avoid these by having clear documentation, 3D renderings, and constant communication with your design team.
Why Interior Diary Is Your Trusted Partner
At Interior Diary, we understand the nuances of designing homes in Singapore. Our team brings years of experience across HDBs, condos, and landed properties. We pride ourselves on:
- Tailored solutions that match your lifestyle and budget (our IDs ask you what you want for your home)
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs (we don’t do bait and switch like other companies)
- Trend-forward, functional designs that maximise every inch of your space (here’s where customised carpentry helps)
Don’t believe us? Read our Google Reviews here.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to upgrade your forever home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Interior design is not just about decorating—it’s about crafting a living space that aligns with your life. In Singapore, where homes are compact and design preferences are evolving, working with the right interior designer is crucial to achieving both style and substance.
If you’re ready to begin your renovation journey, let Interior Diary help you bring your dream space to life. Contact us here or click on the whatsapp button below to start your home transformation!
Keen to know more about interior design styles? Click here to see a list of trending styles.