Home Tour: A charming, vintage resale 5-room HDB

Not a fan of the minimalist look that has dominated contemporary Singapore interior design, these homeowners gave their 5-room HDB flat a vintage look that is more than just a design statement, but a testament to the lifestyle of the bygone era that continues to captivate their imagination. 

Walking through their front door feels like stepping through a portal in time, where every corner tells a story of nostalgia and personal history. The key to pulling off the vintage look without the home looking like a cluttered antique store is to reflect the homeowners’ personalities, designing it around their specific likes and the memories they treasure most, creating a space that feels both curated and authentically lived-in.

HDB faux brick feature wall

The faux brick wall goes nicely with the chesterfield leather sofas in the hall, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of old-world charm that immediately puts visitors at ease. The deep buttoned leather, worn to a perfect patina through years of careful use, invites you to sink in and stay awhile, perhaps with one of the vintage hardcover books that line the nearby shelves. 

The previous homeowners had extended the living room which “brought in” additional space from the balcony, which is how the large sofa is able to fit into the area without overwhelming the traditional HDB proportions. This thoughtful renovation has created a gathering space that manages to feel both spacious and intimate – perfect for the couple’s frequent weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Vintage home decor

These wall decals, carefully selected from specialty heritage-inspired design shops, hide the storeroom door while adding an artistic element that complements the overall aesthetic of their vintage HDB haven. 

The collection of weathered suitcases stacked nearby aren’t merely decorative; they provide storage for items that are seldom accessed – holiday decorations, keepsakes, and treasured family photographs that document generations of memories.

Mismatched dining chairs

The mismatched chairs enlivens the dining area with a playful eccentricity that invites conversation and lingering meals shared with loved ones. 

The centerpiece dining table looks like a regular table, albeit a little wider than standard HDB furniture, but it cleverly conceals a delightful secret: it is actually able to be divided into two and the top can be removed to become a pool table, transforming the space from formal dining to recreational area with just a few adjustments.

Custom display for vintage accessories

Vintage accessories sourced from local flea markets, heritage shops in Tiong Bahru, and specialized online stores are thoughtfully displayed on the wall, giving the place a retro feel without crossing into kitsch territory. 

Each piece – from the vintage typewriter to the collection of film cameras – has been carefully selected not just for its aesthetic appeal but for the stories it could tell. The shelves were designed specifically to showcase the collection of items, with adjustable heights and subtle lighting that highlights each treasure as though it were in a museum exhibition dedicated to Singapore’s rich cultural past.

Retro kopitiam diamond clock

The diamond clock, with its distinctive mid-century design, was common in old kopitiams throughout Singapore’s history and serves as a subtle nod to the couple’s shared love of traditional coffee culture.

The old entrance to the bathroom was sealed up during their renovation and ingeniously painted over with blackboard paint, creating a practical message center where the couple leaves notes for each other and jots down recipes, adding yet another layer of personality to their thoughtfully designed HDB home.