Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most sought-after neighborhoods due to its unique blend of historical charm, cultural significance, and modern convenience. Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods, famous for its pre- and post-war architecture. Many of its Art Deco-style HDB blocks, built in the 1930s, have been carefully preserved, creating a distinctive aesthetic that attracts both locals and expats. Its historical significance and charm make it feel like a unique time capsule within modern Singapore.
Tiong Bahru is known for its eclectic mix of cafés, restaurants, and eateries, especially around Tiong Bahru Market, one of the best hawker centers in the city. The area is home to numerous artisanal coffee shops, bakeries, and a range of international cuisines, attracting a foodie crowd and fostering a hip, relaxed vibe.
Tiong Bahru has a strong community feel, with quaint bookstores, art galleries, and murals that give the neighborhood a creative flair. It often hosts local events, pop-up markets, and art exhibitions, which draw a mix of both young creatives and longtime residents.
What’s it like to stay in the mature (and hipster) estate of Tiong Bahru?
Take a look at how homeowners and some of their interior designers deck out their Tiong Bahru homes in the most stylish ways, such as this trendy industrial-meets-Scandinavian style 3-bedroom pre-war apartment (pictured above).
Bright & sunny
The interior designer from Space Matters used a light coloured palette, with plenty of white furniture, within this Tiong Bahru HDB flat.
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Or this contemporary-style vintage walk-up apartment, designed by Three-d Conceptwerke.
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Eclectic Interior Design
This open-concept pre-war walk-up has an eclectic look. The owner used retro-print tiles and a wooden dining table. A stylish contrast was created when the designer added the cylindrical cooking hood and copper-plated pendent lamps.
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Mid-Century Modern Interior Design
This 50-plus-year-old walk-up apartment in Tiong Bahru has a mid-century modern style.
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Mediterranean Interior Design
You’d never have guessed it, but this 1,100 sq ft walk-up apartment in Tiong Bahru used to be a crammed rental home with small compartmentalised spaces – not the ideal layout for homeowners Sheau-Yin and Eugene Woon, who wanted an airy, Mediterranean-influenced space to call home.
Interior designer Mark Yong of Piu decided that a complete reconfiguration of the apartment was in order; the homeowners achieve this interior design, with renovation costs totalling $200,000.
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Vintage Interior Design
This 1930s walk-up apartment showcases many patterns and textures with the use of elements such as vintage-style gates and retro patterned tiles. Interior design by Wy-to.
Hong Kong Retro Interior Design
When the homeowner of this colonial apartment engaged Farm to propose interiors for the new abode, the studio was captivated with its location and the heritage of the building.
“Call us sentimental, but we wanted this apartment interior to capture some of that filmic nostalgia and romanticism, which we felt was deeply embedded in this area,” explain the members of the interior design team including Selwyn Low, Hong Weiming.
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This ground floor unit in Tiong Bahru is a gift from four sibilings’ to their elderly mother. With the help of architecture practice Asolidplan, they converted the once dilapidated apartment into a comfortable home not just for their mom, but also for them to regularly visit.
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Colourful Interior Design
Vibrant hues and mirrors distract from the limited floor area and breathe new life into this couple’s pre-war flat in Tiong Bahru.
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