10 HDB transformations to copy for your first home

Gone are the days when you would spend Friday nights chilling at the bar with your colleagues and friends. Why not throw a party in this swanky Manhatten-themed apartment that has a deliciously dark and urban vibe? 

Forget tradition – a platform bed is where it’s at. Consider subtle pieces of lighting too, especially when you have a darkened interior. It softens up the place and provides a cosy atmosphere. 

Even the kitchen is decked out with a luxe marble-topped “island”, and the downlights add lots of flair.

Location: Jurong West

Cost of renovation: $85,000

Torn between relaxing Bali resorts and the laid-back atmosphere of the service apartments in Cairns? Take the best of both worlds with this peaceful home that blends minimalist aesthetics and function in a way that makes it easy to emulate. 

Create a comfortable and stylish dining area by installing a bench with seat cushion, and a large wood dining table. 

For the bedroom, opt for more earthy tones and raw textures for true resort-style living. 

Location: New Upper Changi road

Cost of renovation: $55,000

From the dark carpentry to the clean structured lines, this apartment is an instant classic. We love how the owners attempt to jazz up the place with quirky accessories and contemporary art pieces that help to add personality to the house. 

A simple yet chic way to decorate is to dress up your walls with art. 

Small tweaks to your kitchen can really take it from the ordinary to extraordinary, such as changing the backsplash. 

For the bathroom, make the sink area a focal point by dressing it up with a chic mirror and plants. 

Most people tend to shy away from dark ceilings, but not this home. If you’re a bold soul with a love for statement pieces, this unconventional home with black-painted ceilings packs a powerful punch. Who needs to visit an observatory when you can gaze at the twinkling night sky while lying in bed? 

Adding lots of see-through walls also brings in more light so it doesn’t get too dark. 

Location: Sengkang

Cost of renovation: $45,000

This Pinterest-worthy apartment is the stunning result of creativity and function. The home’s resident grizzly bear has found the perfect spot for a nap on the platform, which also provides many wonderful storage possibilities. 

Bookworms will love that cosy nook below the stairs!

Jazz up the entryway with a chalkboard wall and open-concept kitchen! A bar counter adds some elegance and is perfect for hosting guests. 

Location: Jalan Kayu

Cost of renovation: $42,000

From the pretty arched doorways to striking tiles, this modest apartment has been transformed into an exotic Persian-inspired haven!

The gorgeous gold-toned wood furniture and decorative accents lend this home an extra touch of glamour, dazzling anyone who steps in. 

Swap out boring bathroom tiles for bold patterns!

Location: Serangoon North Ave 4

Cost of renovation: $130,000 

Vintage and girly, this luxurious apartment looks and feels like a dream. With a house bathed in pastel hues and adorned with ultra sparkly chandeliers, you can’t help but imagine yourself as a modern queen living a fairytale life. 

Traditional wall molding bring greater visual interest to the living room, and can act as a unique feature wall. 

It’s all about the intricate details, so pay attention to things like cabinets and hardware.

Location: Montreal Link

Cost of renovation: $35,000

Show your friends the sunny side of life in this block-coloured home with bright yellow hues that will make all the difference to your mood. With such a bold and playful look, it’s hard not to feel up-lifted in this home. 

Make sure to balance with neutral tones like white and grey. 

You can afford to be a bit more creative when it comes to lighting, so think quirky pendant lamps and the like. 

Location: Yishun 

The simplicity of this minimalist home is what makes it stand out. Create a statement in the living room by contrasting bare, neutral tiles against white subway tiles. 

What this house truly succeeds in is the creation of spaces that are clean and clutter-free. Plus, those wall sconces add plenty of personality to the space.

Location: Boon Tiong

Cost of renovation: $60,000 

It’s your home, so do as you please. Showcase your favourite things and paraphernalia by making the walls a focal point. 

Lots of black borders and lines give this home a trendy industrial chic feel. 

A walk-in wardrobe? Why not! If you have the space, go for it.

Location: Anchorvale Street

Cost of renovation: $50,000