Home Tour: Modern Oriental interior design for a 5-room HDB

The homeowners had a thing for oriental detailing. But in order not to mark their 5-room HDB flat with an archaic style, interior designer William Chan of Spacedge Designs put a refreshing spin on it. The result is a modern oriental interior that feels both timeless and current—a balancing act that many homeowners in Singapore aspire to achieve when renovating their HDB apartments.

5-room HDB renovation

A modern interpretation of the Chinese lattice serves as the anchoring feature for this home. It’s most prominently used in the refurbished kitchen, which now has sliding doors instead of solid walls to zone the space. 

These elegant dividers allow the homeowners to maintain an open-concept layout while still having the option to close off the kitchen when preparing elaborate meals. The lattice pattern, inspired by traditional Chinese window screens, filters light beautifully throughout the day, casting ever-changing shadows that add visual interest to the space.

Oriental inspired lattice panelling

The lattice panelling is then carried on to the open living area. The dark oak timber around the panel leads to the television feature wall and links up the living and dining rooms effortlessly. 

This feature was also able to pull together both spaces as its darker tone contrasts with the light, beigey tones of the rest of the area. The consistent use of this oriental-inspired motif creates a cohesive design language throughout the apartment, while the strategic placement of furniture enhances the flow between different functional zones. 

Visitors often comment on how the space feels larger than typical 5-room HDB flats, a testament to William’s skill in space planning and his understanding of how to maximize visual continuity.

HDB Built-in fish tank

The elongated custom-made fish tank that’s set into the wall also further emphasises the dining area’s rectangular proportions, giving the illusion of a space that’s more stretched out. 

This aquatic feature adds a meditative quality to family meals while incorporating the Chinese principle of moving water bringing prosperity and good fortune into the home. The tank’s sleek design and recessed installation demonstrate how traditional feng shui elements can be incorporated into modern interiors without appearing dated or clichéd. LED lighting accentuates the movement of the colorful fish, creating a living art piece that changes throughout the day and night.

Study room

Every corner of this apartment is utilised to the max, including this little nook that can fit a study table nicely. The use of a glass panel here also allows more natural light to flow in from the windows. 

The study area, though compact, feels intentional rather than cramped—a testament to thoughtful space planning. The transparent division maintains the apartment’s open feel while creating a dedicated workspace that’s particularly valuable in today’s hybrid work environment. 

Natural light floods this area, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

5-room HDB interior design

Consistency is key when it comes to pulling together a striking decor theme, and interior designer William does that cleverly by incorporating a variation of the lattice door in this bedroom. 

Lighter wood is used in this tighter space so as to keep it from appearing too overbearing. This adaptability showcases how oriental design elements can be scaled and modified to suit different rooms while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the home. 

The bedroom becomes a serene retreat that honors the homeowners’ appreciation for Chinese design heritage while providing all the comforts of contemporary living. Custom storage solutions maximize the available space without compromising on style, demonstrating how modern HDB renovations can balance form and function.