Unique 3-Room HDB Interior Design and Space-Saving Ideas For 2024

Don’t let the size of your 3-room HDB flat limit your design dreams! With some creative solutions, you can live large in a small space. From clever storage solutions to multi-functional furniture that is always ready to pull double-duty, you can transform the interior design of your HDB flat with a few tricks up your sleeve. Check out these trendy HDB interior design ideas for inspiration.

Want to turn your compact flat into a stylish and comfortable haven? Let’s check in with the experts and get a few key tips to maximise functionality and create an airy feel in your home.

Here is your complete guide to 3-room HDB interior design ideas. 

Efficient Furniture Layouts Ideas for a 3-Room HDB Flat

While a 3-room HDB design can feel compact, there is still plenty of potential for creating a comfortable and stylish home. Incorporating aspects of an old 3-room HDB design can also add a nostalgic touch while making the space functional and inviting. Before we talk about major HDB flat remodels, let’s consider some efficient furniture layout ideas that will maximise functionality and create a sense of openness.

Furniture Layout for a Small Living Room 

Since most 3-room HDB flats have a combined living and dining area, it is important to prioritise conversation flow and create a natural flow. To make the space work for you, arrange your living room furniture around a central coffee table. Position your sofa facing the entrance or a TV console on the opposite wall. If possible, consider a wall-mounted TV to free up floor space or opt for a low-profile TV console to maintain a sense of openness. When it comes to the sofa, look to a two-seater sofa or a loveseat instead of a bulky sectional. These tips can help you create a practical and stylish 3-room HDB living room design.

If you love hosting gatherings, embrace an open floor plan. Push the sofa against a wall and position the dining table nearby. This makes it easy to chat without all having to crowd into one space. To keep the space from feeling disconnected, define the separate areas with area rugs. Put one under the coffee table and another under the dining table. 

As can be seen in the following HDB 3-room interior design portfolio, a simple and comfortable sofa has been placed right next to the wall to maximise space in the living room. A small window above the provide easy access and a communication channel between the living room and the room behind it. 

Blk 328 Hougang Ave 5

HDB 3-Room Flat Interior Design Ideas for a Small Bedroom  

Since bedrooms in HDB 3 room designed flats tend to be compact, this is an especially important place to prioritise space-saving furniture. Invest in a platform bed with built-in drawers for storage and look to vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and cabinets. If you are designing a child’s bedroom, consider a loft bed to free up floor space for a study area or play area. Opt for sleek furniture and storage shelves, as seen in the following image, to prevent the room from appearing cluttered and cramped.

Blk 618 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4

Working with a multifunctional space? If your HDB bedroom is also an office or kids’ space, you’ll definitely want to maximise every square metre. Look for solutions like a Murphy bed that folds into the wall when not in use, and choose a multifunctional desk that can be used for work, study, or as a vanity. If you squeeze it in, consider a room divider to define separate areas within the room, like a sleeping area and a workspace, or opt for an open layout.

Maximising Space in a Small Kitchen   

When you have a small HDB kitchen, it’s essential to maximise wall space with cabinets that reach the ceiling. Floating shelves or slim cabinets above windows or doorways can be additional storage solutions. Utilise pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and dividers to make the most of cabinet space. And get creative with unused spaces! Consider a rolling cart with shelves that tuck away when not in use or an over-the-sink cutting board that creates additional prep space. If you have storage in another room, use it for appliances or dishes you don’t use every day. As seen in the following image, you can have plenty of storage shelves incorporated in the kitchen and place all the extra appliances and kitchenware inside the shelves to create a clean and decluttered space.

Blk 549 Hougang Street 51

To divide your kitchen and dining space without losing light, consider a partial wall. By only doing a partial wall with glass panels on top, you can have maximum storage space as well as open and bright living space. 

Embracing Multi-Functional Furniture

In a 3-room HDB interior design, maximising space is key. Multi-functional furniture is a crucial tool that will allow you to fulfil multiple needs without sacrificing precious space. Here are some excellent multi-functional furniture options that are well worth considering.

Saving Space in the Living Room

If you want to find the perfect furniture for a small Singaporean living room, here are a few options to consider: 

• Sofa Bed: The ultimate space saver, a sofa bed gives you comfortable seating during the day and transforms into a sleeping space for guests at night. For maximum benefits, choose one with built-in storage for blankets, pillows, and linens.
• Folding Coffee Table: Folding coffee tables can be tucked away when not in use so you can free up floor space whenever you like.
• Nesting Tables: A set of nesting tables offers versatility in setting up a central space for larger gatherings or separating them for use around the room as side tables or laptop stands.
• Ottomans with Storage: Ottomans is a smart pick for creating extra seating, a place to rest your feet, and hidden storage compartments for toys, games, or anything else that you want to tuck.
• TV Unit with Storage: Opt for a TV unit with shelves or drawers to store electronics, books, movies, or games.

3-Room HDB Flat Interior Design Ideas for Living Room

When you have a small flat with an open layout, it is easy for the dining area to feel like an afterthought. With some planning, however, you can etch out a dining room that feels spacious and luxurious. Here are some pieces that’ll help.  

• Expandable Dining Table: A table that extends whenever you need more room is perfect for small spaces. Choose a drop-leaf table, a table with removable leaves, or a gateleg table that folds out on the sides.
• Folding Chairs: Lightweight and easy to store, folding chairs can be used for extra seating when needed and tucked away when not in use.
• Dining Bench with Storage: A space-saving alternative to chairs, dining benches seat multiple people and often have built-in storage compartments underneath. 

Utilising Vertical Space to Make the Most of a Small Flat 

Living in a 3-room HDB flat requires some creative thinking, especially when it comes to maximising space. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative space-saving tricks that’ll transform your space. Here are some clever ideas to get you started:

Adding Storage to Your Living Room

Ditch the bulky TV stand and opt for a sleek floating shelf. This frees up floor space and creates a lighter, more modern feel. Decorate the remaining shelves with books, artwork, or other decorative items. You can also get creative with the shape and layout of the floating shelves like the designers have done in the following interior design.

Blk 328 Hougang Ave 5

Install cabinets above the sofa or along an empty wall to store books, games, and anything else you want to tuck away. A sleek option like the storage solution in the following image makes the space organised and modern.

Storage Solutions for the Bedroom

Floor-to-Ceiling Wardrobes: Invest in built-in wardrobes that utilise the full height of your wall. This will give you ample storage space for clothes, shoes, and other pieces you want to tuck away. 

Headboard with Shelves: Skip the traditional headboard and add built-in shelves instead. This is an ideal way to display books, photos, or small trinkets while adding personality to your space and providing additional storage.

Pegboards: Install pegboards near the entrance or in your closet to hang bags, hats, scarves, or jewellery for added space.

Smart Solutions for a Kitchen

Floating Shelves: Similar to the living room, it’s essential to utilise floating shelves above your countertop for storing spices, cookbooks, or mugs. 

Hanging Pot Rack: You can free up counter space and showcase your beautiful cookware with a hanging pot rack mounted on the ceiling.

Magnetic Knife Strip: Keep your knives organised and readily accessible with a magnetic knife strip mounted on the wall.

Vertical Spice Racks: Utilise the back of your pantry door or dedicated wall space for vertical spice racks. This keeps spices organised and saves precious counter space.

Utilise the space above the washing machine: As can be seen in the following design portfolio, you can utilise the vertical space above the washing machine in your kitchen by adding storage cabinets or shelves.

Open Concept Design for an HDB 

Open concept design is a popular approach to interior layout and we adore them because they prioritise creating a sense of spaciousness and connection between different living areas. That said, an open concept isn’t right for every home. Here are some factors to consider to decide if it’s the right fit for your 3-room HDB flat.

What Is an Open Concept Design?

An open-concept design typically involves removing walls between traditionally separate rooms like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. This creates a large, unified space. This kind of open layout establishes a sense of flow and connection between different areas, which makes for a more social and inclusive atmosphere. Another added perk of eliminating walls is natural light can shine into more of the living space for a brighter and more airy feeling.

Pros of an Open Concept Design

• Spaciousness: An open concept creates a feeling of spaciousness, which is especially helpful in smaller flats like 3-room HDBs.

• Social Space: The open layout encourages interaction between people in different areas, which is perfect for families and people who love to entertain.
• Brighter Environment: Natural light can flow more freely throughout the space, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.
• Modern Aesthetic: Open concept is a trendy (but not too trendy!) design choice that creates a sleek and modern feel.

Cons of an Open Concept Design

• Noise Issues: Sounds easily travel throughout the open space so it can be harder for different people to be focused on different activities. 
• Privacy Concerns: Open layouts offer little privacy and aren’t great for creating quiet nooks. 
• Limited Functionality: Defining separate areas for specific activities can be challenging in an open plan.
• Smells Travel: Cooking smells can easily waft throughout the entire space.

Open Concept Interior Design Ideas for 3-Room HDB Flat

While an open concept can be a sleek design, making it work in a 3-room HDB flat requires careful planning. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Partial Openness: Consider a partial open concept approach. For example, remove a section of the wall between the living room and kitchen to create a breakfast bar like this HDB kitchen remodel above. This maintains some separation while promoting a sense of connection.
• Strategic Furniture Placement: Use furniture placement to define separate zones within the open space. A strategically placed sofa can visually separate the living room from the dining area.
• Strong Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen area to minimise cooking smells from permeating the entire living space.

Alternatives to Open Concept

If a fully open concept isn’t ideal for your lifestyle, consider these alternatives:

• Multi-Functional Rooms: Designate specific rooms to serve multiple purposes. For example, a bedroom can double as a guest room and home office with clever furniture choices and room dividers.
• Sliding Doors and Screens: Sliding doors and screens can separate areas when needed and give you the option to open them up for a more connected feel.

Ultimately, the best layout for your 3-room HDB flat depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Before you jump into a major remodel, carefully consider your needs for privacy, noise control, and functionality when making your decision.

Creating a Seamless Flow Between Rooms (With or Without an Open Plan) 

Whether or not you opt for an open layout in your HDB, you can create a sense of spaciousness and connection while maintaining functionality. Here are some clever approaches to consider.

• Low-Profile Furniture: Opt for low-profile furniture like sleek coffee tables, low-backed sofas, and streamlined armchairs. This creates a sense of visual openness and allows for a better flow of natural light.
• Light and Airy Palette: A cohesive colour scheme is key. Opt for light and airy colours like white, beige, pale grey, or light blue throughout your flat. This creates a sense of spaciousness and reflects natural light, which makes the entire space feel brighter and more connected.
• Lighting Strategy: Add layered lighting throughout your space. Incorporate ambient lighting with overhead fixtures, task lighting with lamps on desks or near seating areas, and accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural features.
• Unify the Space: Use the same flooring material throughout connected rooms (excluding bathrooms and kitchens) to create visual continuity and a sense of flow. Wood laminate, light-coloured tiles, or vinyl flooring are all popular choices for HDB flats.
• Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space, further enhancing the feeling of flow.
• Declutter Regularly: Clutter is a flow-breaker. Regularly declutter your space to maintain a sense of openness and visual connectivity between rooms.

Bonus Tip: Consider incorporating room dividers or folding screens. These allow you to temporarily separate areas when needed for privacy or to block noise (like the TV) from another area.

Maximising Space in a 3-Room HDB Flat 

By implementing these tips, you can transform your 3-room HDB flat into a functional and stylish haven with a seamless flow between rooms, creating a more spacious and inviting living environment. You can visit this article on the best interior design styles in Singapore to get more inspiration before renovating your HDB, condo, or landed project. Ready to bring your 3-room flat to the next level? Talk to the experts at Renozone. Whether you need to add the finishing touches or do a complete overhaul, there is no job too big or too small.

Conclusion

Renozone is here to make your renovation journey smooth, whether you’re planning a 3-room HDB makeover, an elegant condo renovation, or a landed property redesign. Our team’s expertise ensures your home reflects your personality and lifestyle while enhancing functionality. Discover how Renozone can transform your space with design ideas that suit any HDB interior designs or condo designs.

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