Create a Cozy and Chic 3-Room Home with Ease

17 Jan, 2025
japandi and Muji design

Struggling to make your 3-room HDB feel like a cosy, stylish retreat?

You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Singapore face the challenge of balancing comfort and chic design in a compact 3-room flat.
The good news? You don’t need a sprawling space to create a home that feels spacious, organised, and uniquely yours.

With clever layouts, smart furniture choices, and thoughtful décor, you can transform your 3-room HDB into a haven that’s both functional and visually stunning.

From concept to completion, our award-winning designers craft bespoke interiors that reflect your personality. 

 

 

Why Designing a 3-Room HDB Can Be Tricky

Compact spaces often mean sacrificing certain design elements, or so it seems.
Limited square footage can make it difficult to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Common struggles include:

  • Overcrowding furniture: Trying to fit too much in a small space often results in clutter.
  • Lack of storage: Without smart solutions, clutter quickly takes over.
  • Mismatched styles: Inconsistent design choices can make a small space feel chaotic.

The solution lies in thoughtful planning and integrating ideas that maximise small spaces while maintaining style.

 

Smart Layouts for 3-Room HDB Flats

The layout of your 3-room flat plays a crucial role in how spacious and functional it feels.

Open-Concept Living for Airy Spaces

An open-concept design combines your living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating the illusion of a larger space.
This layout allows natural light to flow freely and makes the home feel more connected.

For instance, consider removing non-structural walls to integrate the kitchen and living areas seamlessly.
A continuous flooring material, such as vinyl or tiles, enhances this open feel.

Zoning Without Walls

Define different areas with subtle techniques like rugs, furniture placement, or lighting.
For example:

  • Use a bold area rug under your sofa to anchor the living space.
  • Hang pendant lights over the dining table to visually separate it from the living area.

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Space-Saving Furniture Ideas

Small spaces demand multifunctional furniture that works harder for you.

Multifunctional Pieces

  • Sofa Beds: Perfect for accommodating overnight guests.
  • Extendable Dining Tables: Compact for daily use but expandable for larger gatherings.
  • Storage Ottomans: Stylish seating that doubles as storage for blankets or magazines.
  • Platform Beds with Built-In Storage: A lifesaver for bedrooms with limited wardrobe space.

Compact, Chic Furniture

  • Choose slim-profile sofas and armchairs to avoid overwhelming the room.
  • Opt for nesting tables or wall-mounted desks that can be stowed away when not in use.

Estimated Furniture Costs

Furniture Type Estimated Cost (SGD)
Sofa Bed 500–1,500
Extendable Dining Table 400–1,200
Storage Ottoman 100–300
Platform Bed with Storage 1,500–3,500

 

Creative Storage Solutions

Smart storage is the backbone of a functional, clutter-free home.

Vertical Storage

Maximise wall space with tall cabinets, shelves, or bookcases that reach the ceiling.
Open shelving in the kitchen or living room can double as display areas for decorative items.

Built-In Solutions

  • Custom Wardrobes: Tailored to your room dimensions, these provide maximum storage without taking up unnecessary space.
  • TV Consoles with Storage: Combine entertainment needs with practical hidden storage.

Hidden Compartments

Furniture with concealed storage, such as coffee tables with lift-up tops, helps keep clutter out of sight.

 

 

Room-by-Room Interior Design Ideas

Living Room

Your living room sets the tone for your home. Aim for a clean, airy vibe.

  • Opt for a wall-mounted TV console to free up floor space.
  • Choose a neutral colour palette like beige, white, or light grey for a modern, cosy 3-room HDB look.
  • Incorporate decorative elements like indoor plants, framed artwork, or soft throws for added texture.

 

Bedroom

A bedroom should feel serene and functional.

  • Use a platform bed with built-in storage to keep the room tidy and uncluttered.
  • Choose light, pastel tones for walls and linens to enhance relaxation.
  • Add floating bedside tables to save floor space and create a sleek look.

 

Kitchen

Compact kitchens can still be highly functional with the right design.

  • A galley or U-shaped layout maximises workspace in narrow spaces.
  • Install pull-out trays, vertical dividers, and under-sink organisers for efficient storage.
  • Use reflective surfaces like glass cabinet doors to make the space appear larger.

 

Bathroom

Small bathrooms don’t have to feel cramped.

  • Install large mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of space.
  • Use recessed shelves or niches in the shower for a clean, streamlined look.
  • Opt for compact, wall-mounted vanities to keep the floor space open.

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Décor and Styling Tips

Once your layout and furniture are sorted, styling adds the final touch.

Colour Palette

Stick to light, neutral tones to brighten up small spaces. Add personality with colourful cushions, rugs, or artwork.

Textures and Patterns

Layer textures like woven baskets, velvet cushions, and soft throw blankets to add depth.
Use subtle patterns in your rugs or curtains to inject character without overwhelming the room.

Indoor Plants

Greenery breathes life into your space.
Choose low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or succulents for easy upkeep.

 

Estimated Renovation Costs for a 3-Room HDB

Here’s a breakdown of costs to help you budget for your renovation:

Renovation Item Estimated Cost (SGD)
Built-In Carpentry 8,000–15,000
Flooring 5,000–12,000
Painting 2,000–5,000
Kitchen Renovation 8,000–12,000
Bathroom Renovation 3,000–6,000

These figures vary depending on your chosen materials and the complexity of the design.
At Sheinterior, we offer tailored renovation services that balance affordability with quality.

 

Transform Your Space with Sheinterior

Your 3-room HDB flat doesn’t have to feel small.
With thoughtful design choices, it can become a home that’s cosy, chic, and uniquely yours.

We are always here for you to do whatever you need, from optimising layouts to selecting the perfect furniture and décor.
So, what’s your vision for your 3-room HDB? Let’s create it together.

 

 

How Can She Interior Help You

If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with She Interior today. Have some comments or suggestions you’d like to share with us?










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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why should I hire an interior design firm when I can manage the renovation myself?
    Sure, some homeowners prefer to DIY or coordinate with contractors directly—but here’s the thing: renovation in Singapore isn’t just about choosing tiles or paint. It’s about permits, HDB guidelines, space planning, lighting, and hundreds of decisions that can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring a firm means having a team that takes care of everything—project management, technical compliance, and design synergy—so you avoid costly mistakes and delays. More time for you, less stress, and a stunning result that looks like it came from a magazine? That’s a win.
    Isn’t hiring an ID firm expensive?
    It depends on who you work with. Not all ID firms are out to burn your wallet. A good firm will help you make smarter, cost-effective decisions that stay within budget without cutting corners. Plus, our transparent pricing means no hidden costs—just value for every dollar spent. Sometimes, spending wisely now saves you from overspending later.
    What if I already have my own ideas or moodboard? Will the ID still help?
    Absolutely—we love when homeowners bring their vision to the table! Think of us as your creative partner. We take your inspiration and elevate it with layout planning, material sourcing, and cohesive styling to ensure it works in real life, not just on Pinterest. Our job isn’t to override your ideas, but to bring them to life beautifully and practically.
    How long will the renovation take if I hire an ID firm?
    With an ID firm, timelines are managed professionally. While every project varies, having a team to coordinate with vendors, contractors, and suppliers keeps everything on track. You won’t have to chase after multiple parties—we do the heavy lifting, so you can move in faster and smoother.
    How do I know if an ID firm is reliable?
    Great question. Look out for HDB-licensed firms, transparent reviews, detailed portfolios, and clear contracts. A reliable ID firm won’t just promise a good-looking home—they’ll prove it with process, professionalism, and people who genuinely care about your home. Ask about past projects and how they handle after-sales service. That’s where true reliability shows.

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    www.sheinterior.com.sg

    enquiry@sheinterior.com.sg

    enquiry@sheinterior.com.sg

    +65 9484 1863

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