Home Tour: An extreme minimalist HDB with a very unique layout

Walking into this transformed HDB flat feels like entering an architectural showpiece rather than a typical Singapore public housing HDB unit. The clever concealment strategy doesn’t just hide functional elements – it elevates the entire aesthetic of the space, demonstrating how minimalist design principles can radically reimagine standard HDB layouts without sacrificing practicality.

Living Room Design

The living room’s colourful furniture was a much needed respite from the home’s spartan elements and grey-toned palette.

“We wanted moments of joy amid the calm,” explains the homeowner, gesturing toward a vibrant teal sofa that commands attention against the subdued backdrop.

These strategic pops of color serve as visual anchors in the open-concept space, proving that minimalist HDB renovations don’t have to surrender warmth for the sake of clean lines. The carefully curated furniture pieces show how intentional selection can transform a small HDB living area into a magazine-worthy setting without overwhelming the senses.

Inside the ‘Black Box’

The black “wonder box” opens up to reveal many surprises, including its colourful interiors. It’s like watching a magic trick unfold – what appears as a sleek monolithic structure suddenly reveals hidden storage compartments, each painted in unexpected hues that contrast with the box’s exterior sophistication.

“Guests always gasp when they see what’s inside,” laughs the homeowner. This multifunctional storage solution showcases how modern HDB interior design can balance form and function, creating conversation pieces that double as practical space-saving features in compact Singapore apartments.

Hack HDB Walls

Many of the internal walls were also removed, creating a loft-life feel for the rest of this open-concept home. What was once a standard HDB flat with compartmentalized rooms now flows with an airy, spacious energy rarely associated with public housing.

Sunlight dances across the entire space, uninterrupted by barriers, making the modest square footage feel dramatically more expansive. “We wanted to breathe when we came home,” the homeowner explains, “not feel boxed in by unnecessary divisions.” This renovation approach demonstrates how creative space planning can transform even the most standard HDB floorplan into a contemporary urban sanctuary.

Wardrobe outside of bedroom

By moving wardrobes - which are usually found in the bedroom - into the “box” feature, the open master bedroom could adopt a more minimalist treatment. The result is a serene retreat that feels twice its actual size, with nothing but a platform bed occupying the central space.

“I sleep better now,” confides the homeowner. “There’s something about the simplicity that calms the mind.” This unconventional approach to HDB bedroom design challenges traditional notions of space allocation, proving that rethinking standard layouts can yield surprising benefits for both aesthetics and quality of life in Singapore’s compact housing market.

Bedroom zoning

The bedroom was further zoned into resting and study areas with the help of a standalone shelf rather than a wall. This helped keep the flow of space more organic. The translucent bookshelf creates a subtle visual boundary while allowing light to filter through – a genius solution for maintaining the home’s open feel while still defining functional zones.

Standing in the center of this reimagined HDB flat, you can’t help but feel inspired by what’s possible within the constraints of public housing. The homeowners beam with pride as they watch visitors take in their space with wide eyes.

Through bold design choices and thinking quite literally outside the box, Spacedge Designs has created not just a beautiful home, but a template for what minimalist HDB living can aspire to be – proving that Singapore’s ubiquitous housing option can indeed be transformed into something extraordinary with the right vision and execution.