Home Tour: $30,000 Monochrome renovation for 4-room HDB in Woodlands

This 4-room HDB flat in Woodlands features masculine shades and structured design features. Walking through the front door, visitors are immediately struck by the sophisticated interplay of tones and textures. Despite the limited colour palette, the space feels dynamic and inviting.

The interior designer, Haikel Washi of M3 Studio, used white and various shades of grey to create a sense of depth to the surfaces of the understated space. This monochromatic approach serves as an elegant backdrop that allows architectural details and carefully selected furnishings to take center stage. The graduated palette—ranging from crisp whites to deep charcoals—adds visual texture and dimension to what could otherwise feel like a flat, one-dimensional environment.

Monochrome interior design

Interior designer Haikel imbued the home with a quirky and fun vibe, through the use of eye-catching details. Despite adhering to a disciplined color scheme, the flat avoids austerity through playful design elements strategically positioned throughout the living spaces.

These unexpected moments of visual interest serve as conversation starters while maintaining the overall cohesive design language. The juxtaposition of serious monochromatic backdrops with whimsical touches creates a balanced interior that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Gypsum board ceiling

A striking design feature made out of plaster gypsum board visually connects the TV console to the ceiling and the entrance area.

This architectural intervention transforms what would typically be a simple media wall into a sculptural element that unifies the open-concept living space. The three-dimensional quality of this installation adds drama and creates a natural focal point without requiring bold colors or patterns.

Hafary patterned tiles

Patterned geometric tiles from Hafary, used for the backsplash, keep the design of the kitchen consistent with that of the rest of the home, and add a playful touch. In this culinary space, the restrained color palette continues, but the introduction of the wooden countertop prevents monotony.

The intricate tile pattern introduces visual complexity that delights the eye upon closer inspection while maintaining the overall monochromatic scheme from a distance.

Vibrant blue bedroom

The master bedroom is given a splash of vibrant blue, seen in the nightstand shaped like a trunk and bed sheets. However, everything else is kept in neutral tones for a restful environment. This strategic introduction of color serves as a controlled accent that energizes the personal sanctuary while respecting the overall design concept.

The blue elements provide a refreshing counterpoint to the predominantly grey and white palette, creating a balanced space that feels both cohesive with the rest of the HDB flat and distinct in its character.

$30,000 renovation cost

The renovation costs $30,000, excluding furnishings. This budget-conscious transformation illustrates how thoughtful design decisions can yield stunning results without excessive expenditure. The investment focused on architectural interventions and quality materials that create lasting impact, proving that creative interior design solutions don’t necessarily require premium prices.