House Tour: $70,000 Renovation for a 3-room HDB flat with mixed interior design themes
This unique house from our 2016 archives...
By Home & Decor Team -
Just because your home is small, doesn't mean that you've to decorate sparsely, or be stingy in the style department. An interior designer, who is also the owner of this 735 sq ft 3-room HDB flat, shows how to make a grab-bag of interior design styles work in his compact home. All this renovation for about $70,000, which includes art, upcycled objects and vintage furniture finds — some of the elements that make up this wonderfully quirky home!
In the bedroom, what appears to be recycled pallets becomes the platform bed base. Creative and eco-friendly!
The trend of using recycled pallets for platform beds emerged as part of the broader DIY and upcycling movement. This movement gained traction in the early 2010s, especially among eco-conscious consumers and those looking for affordable, minimalist furniture solutions. The appeal of using pallets lies in their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Pallets are typically made from durable wood and can easily be repurposed into bed frames, adding a rustic, industrial aesthetic to interiors. The trend was also fueled by online platforms such as Pinterest and YouTube, where DIY enthusiasts shared tutorials on how to construct pallet furniture.
The home has a colourful mix of styles, from industrial and contemporary to vintage and retro, as encapsulated here in the living room.
Mixing different interior design styles
In Singapore, the trend of mixing and matching multiple interior design styles in homes started gaining popularity in the mid-2010s. This shift was largely driven by changing homeowner preferences, a desire for personalisation, and the growing influence of global design trends through online platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and interior design blogs.
Singaporean homeowners increasingly sought to create spaces that reflect their unique tastes, blending elements from different design styles—such as Scandinavian minimalism, industrial, modern, and vintage—to craft personalised and eclectic interiors.
A wall ledge was installed against the exposed brick walls, to optimise display areas for the homeowner’s art and decor accessories in the living room.
Wall ledges provide extra storage or display space without occupying floor area. This is especially beneficial in small living rooms or apartments where maximising space is crucial.
Wall ledges offer versatility and can be easily changed or updated to reflect different design themes. You can rearrange items seasonally or whenever you feel like refreshing the space without needing a major redesign.
In the cosy dining area, an old school sewing machine is given a new lease of life by now being the base of the wooden block table.
Many old sewing machines, especially those with cast-iron bases and ornate designs, bring a vintage charm that blends well with various decor styles, including industrial, rustic, and farmhouse aesthetics.
The heavy, durable materials used in older machines, particularly the metal bases and wooden tops, make them perfect for upcycling into sturdy furniture like tables, desks, or shelves.
The pairing of black and white finishes in the kitchen is a simple idea, but has an intriguing effect.
Black and white checkered tiles complement a wide range of kitchen themes and colors. They can fit into traditional or modern kitchen designs, providing flexibility in decor choices.
This pattern is often associated with retro or vintage interiors, making it a popular choice for those wanting to bring back a mid-century or diner-inspired look.
Look closely — these lampshades are actually old, rusty metal buckets!
Old metal buckets provide an industrial, rustic look that complements modern and vintage decor styles. The raw, weathered finish of old metal adds a unique charm to any space, making it a popular choice for those seeking a farmhouse or industrial-style decor.
The clash of textures and styles in this corner exemplifies the homeowner’s daring, experimental approach to interior design.
In Singapore and other places around the world, these black and white floor tiles are frequently used not just in kitchens but also in bathrooms, foyers, and even dining areas due to their unique aesthetic appeal.
While the homeowner got most of his furniture from Bangkok, this wardrobe that has its interior painted a fresh green was sourced from a vintage store in Alexandra Road.
Bangkok Vintage Furniture
Thailand has a long tradition of skilled craftsmanship, with artisans producing intricate woodwork and furniture pieces that blend traditional Thai design with colonial influences. Many of these pieces have a vintage appeal, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market and Talad Rod Fai (Train Market) are well-known for their extensive selections of vintage furniture. These markets offer everything from rare antique furniture to quirky retro decor items, making them a hub for furniture hunters.