Interior Design in Singapore: A Beginner’s Starting Point

New to home styling? Get simple, practical tips to start designing your dream Singapore home with ease.

So you’ve finally received the keys to your flat. Woohoo! Whether you bagged an exciting BTO, resale gem, or swanky new condo, the next most natural thing you’d think about next is, wait, how on earth are you going to transform this bare concrete patch into my perfect dream house?

Interior design can be a bit intimidating at first, especially if you aren’t exactly sure what you want, but there’s no need for it to feel overwhelming that way. This handy guide is here to help you get started with clarity, super confidence. Let’s divide it into the 10 key steps:

1. Know Your Lifestyle

Always remember: it’s design that fits you, not you who fits the design. So before you’ve looked at a single piece of furniture or a single paint colour, you need to ask yourself: How do you live? Do you WFH, have kids or pets, or want room to entertain friends? Your layout and choice of furniture should cater to your habits.

2. Your Style, Discovered (Without an Ounce of Pressure)

Knowing what “mid-century modern” means is not required to have taste. Pinterest, IG, or perhaps from showflats.

Save what you love – it could be wood tones, spare shelves, colourful accent walls. Everything will follow a pattern. That’s your style emerging.

3. Budget Wisely And Honestly

Be real with your numbers. Interior design in Singapore doesn't come cheap. The majority of people spend $20k–$70k, depending on the extent of renovation. Begin with a comfortable price point and add an additional 10-15% to cover those “oh, I forgot about this” (because really, they happen).

4. Select Your Design Team: ID Corporation versus Contractor versus DIY

Each has its pros:

• ID Firm: Full-service and design knowledge (more expensive, but the process is less stressful).

• Contractor: Best if you have a vision and are looking to save money.

• DIY + Styling: Great if you’re simply refreshing with furnishings and decor.

If it’s your first renov and you’re short of time? An experienced interior designer is a great investment in a long run.

5. Observe the Rules (Especially if You’re in an HDB)

There are rules there – and yes, they do extremely matter. If you live in an HDB flat, some reno works require your neighbours’ approval. Think hacking walls,

differing flooring, or bathroom works. Employ the services of a BCA-registered contractor to prevent any fines or disruptions.

6. Plan for Storage Early

This one is big (especially in tiny Singapore flats where every inch counts). Game-changers like concealed storage, built-ins, and multi-functional furniture abound — and they make a world of difference.

Think platform beds with deep drawers, benches that open up to hide away clutter, and coffee tables that double as storage units. Plan ahead for smart storage solutions so your spaze stays tidy, stay functional, and stress-free in the long run.

7. Focus on Function Over Trends

Trends fade. Your daily habits don’t. That open kitchen sure looks pretty in the photos, but if you cook curry three nights a week, just maybe you could use a few walls.

Opt for durable surfaces, comfy seating, and lighting that works for your life. Think perfect timeless, not TikTok-famous.

8. Do Touch the Lighting Plan

Lighting truly is everything when it comes to interior design.

Many a time, you may tend to overlook lighting in your HDBs and condos in Singapore. Stay away from using ceiling lights alone. Mix it with cove lighting, pendant lamps, floor lamps, and even under-cabinet lights for a cozy, layered feel.

Bonus: Smart lighting = mood lighting at the touch of a single button.

9. Start with One Room at a Time

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your home. You don’t need everything done before the day you move in. Concentrate on the most important rooms first – maybe the bedroom and the kitchen – and make your way through the rest at a leisurely pace. It is also how costs get spread out easily and burnout is avoided.

10. Take Your Time, Your Home is a Process

Interior Design is a marathon, not a race. Your taste will evolve. And you might discover that the pink armchair you bought on a whim isn’t really who you are. That’s okay! Your home needs to be able to grow with you. Layer more, reassemble, repaint. It’s part of the fun. It can be a small wonder that designing your first home in Singapore is a mix of both fun and trial, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Begin with a small project, be mindful, and, as always, the best homes aren’t perfect – they’re personal. So, whether you love minimalist zen or full-on maximalist vibes, go with what feels right and make it your own.

Transforming Spazes into Stories: Discover Artspaze, Singapore's Boutique Interior Design Studio

In the thriving hub of Singapore's interior design, Artspaze has carved out a niche for itself as a boutique studio that turns living areas into bespoke havens of style.

Conceptualised by creative entrepreneurs Nivel Lim and Yu Long Yew in 2019, Artspaze utilises more than a decade of combined both experiences in bringing to life homes that ask to be lived in, spazes that tell their own stories, and reflect your lifestyle.

Why Choose Artspaze?

• Personal Design Philosophy: Artspaze holds the view that every home should be a reflection of its owner’s individuality. We design from A to Z, so every detail is customised to our clients' lifestyle and preferences. From colour palettes to furniture choice, we sweat the small stuff that makes a big difference.

• Diverse Portfolio: Be it turning HDB flats into stylish, comfortable homes or adding a touch of sophistication to a condominium, Artspaze has the range to demonstrate our flexibility.  

• Client-Centric Approach: Clients praise Artspaze for putting their needs on the table and over-delivering.

Let's make something together. Are you ready to bring your idea to life?

Whether you want something unique for a new client or personal projects at home, Artspaze has got your back through your entire design journey. Please get in touch for a chat and find out how we can turn your spaze into a narrative.