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  • Writer's pictureBenjamin Toh

Evolving HDB Designs: 5 Key Changes from the 1990s to Today

If you were born in the 90s, you are now in one of the most momentous phases of life – owning your first home! Just like planning for that upcoming year-end getaway, dreaming up elaborate designs and concepts for your new BTO is a fantastic experience. 


There is something especially exciting about starting from scratch. A blank canvas.

Where it is now just a house made of brick and mortar, you purr over the hope of transforming it into a home full of love and dreams. But a blank canvas can also be intimidating. As renovations choices are largely permanent, alterations would cost an arm and a leg!


Fret not. Today, we have picked out 5 key differences in HDB design trends and floor plans between those that we grew up in (in the 90s) and modern ones. Hopefully, understanding the differences would serve as an important starting point to inspire your renovation journey.




1. HDBs are generally smaller today, but more customisable and flexible


As we all know, land is scarce in the little red dot, leading to smaller builds over the years. However, not all is gloom, as newer flats can be more easily remodelled due to the decrease of structural walls (which cannot be hacked, according to HDB’s rules).


Furthermore, where it was typical for bedrooms to open directly onto the living room and for the common bathroom to be accessible via the kitchen, they are now separated via a corridor. Apart from the obvious privacy benefits, this also facilitates remodelling, such as removing walls and combining rooms without disrupting the overall layout of the house.


It is also worthwhile to note that a smaller space can also be cleverly designed to allow the potential for more space. Consider the following example floor plans of old and new 4-room flats and notice how the store in the older design was placed right smack in the middle of the living room and kitchen. By moving the store in the new layout, you can now choose to remove the walls between the living room and kitchen, maximising space. 


Source: “Old HDB Flats in Singapore: To Buy or Not to Buy? (carousell.com)”



2. Hacking walls are more popular today


With more families choosing to have fewer kids, it is increasingly feasible to knock down walls to create a more spacious and open environment. Particularly, for couples without children, it is not uncommon to maintain just one bedroom for sleeping, freeing up valuable real estate (pun intended) for other creative design works.


Additionally, this creates the impression of a larger home by enhancing the sense of openness and allowing different areas to seamlessly connect. Smaller flats would especially benefit from this. 


Pro tip: If you are already envisioning having to hack down multiple walls, you might want to save costs by looking at open-concept HDB White Flats, that come without any walls separating living and bedroom spaces.


Source: HDB to offer new open-concept ‘white flats’ in Kallang-Whampoa | The Straits Times

Photo illustration: HDB



3. Kitchen Islands are coming into style


The open kitchen concept is not just about looks and aesthetics. While it is indeed stylish and seen in some of the trendiest celebrity homes, the arrangement really does dish up a plate of practical benefits. 


Think back to the time when Mum was always in the kitchen preparing dinner, while the rest of the family relaxed in the living room watching television. Now, with a kitchen island, no one needs to be cut off from the rest of the family anymore! This layout makes cooking (and washing dishes) more communal as family members stay in view of each other. This is especially helpful for families with young children, as it allows them to keep an eye on their kids while preparing meals.




4. Minimalist designs are preferred today


Many homeowners today intentionally choose a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic because they appreciate the advantages of minimalism. Whether it is the increased mindfulness or the practicality of easily locating items in a well-organised space, minimalism is favoured over the traditional approach of filling homes with excessive furniture and clutter. The preference for open, uncluttered spaces not only promotes a sense of calm and simplicity but also make maintaining and navigating the home more straightforward. 




5. Uniformity is no longer a hallmark!


Last but not least, homeowners today seek more personalised spaces. They no longer settle on a one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter approach; instead, they view their homes as a canvas for expressing their unique identities, values, and passions. Modern design prioritises not just functionality but also individuality and personal expression. Homes are now tailored to reflect an owner’s distinct tastes and lifestyle, and homeowners today are not afraid to make bold choices!




Bonus point:


Today’s homeowners are not just searching for the most creative interior design firm, but are more focused on finding a team that can truly grasp their vision and bring it to life. If you are looking for someone who will patiently understand your needs and preferences, you have come to the right place. Click the link below to book a free consultation today!


Consult M2 Decor for Your Dream HDB Home


M2 Decor is your partner in crafting stunning residential spaces in Singapore. Our interior design consultancy is committed to delivering homes tailored to your unique tastes and needs. Beyond just design, we offer a streamlined renovation process, leveraging our in-house capabilities in carpentry, electrical work, and masonry. Trust our experienced team to transform your vision into reality, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted to perfection. Ready to elevate your living space? Contact M2 Decor today, and let's bring your dream home to life

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