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Interior Design for Small Condominiums in Singapore: Transforming Tight Spaces into Tailored Comfort

05 Aug 2025

Your Vision. Our Expertise.

At Elpis Interior, we understand that space in Singapore is precious—and so is your peace of mind. Whether you’re renovating your first condo or redesigning a compact space to better fit your family’s evolving lifestyle, the challenges can feel overwhelming: limited square footage, budget anxiety, and the worry of ending up with a design that looks great but lives poorly.

You’re not just looking for inspiration. You’re looking for clarity, structure, and solutions—designs that function with purpose, reflect your lifestyle, and respect your budget.

This guide offers all that and more.

Design a Home That Hugs You Back

More than walls and furniture — it’s where your kids grow up, where laughter echoes. Let’s plan a space that feels like home. Talk to our designers today.

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1. Designing for Real Life in Small Condominiums

Small condominiums often come with unique layout constraints—long, narrow corridors, awkward corners, or multi-use areas squeezed into a single space. But with thoughtful planning and clear design intentions, limitations become opportunities for creativity.

Designing small doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style—it means designing smarter.

We believe every project begins with listening. At Elpis, we take time to understand:

  • How you live and move through your space,

  • What functional outcomes matter most (storage, comfort, resale value),

  • And how we can craft a layout that fits your daily rhythms and aesthetic preferences.

2. How Much Does a Small Condo Renovation Really Cost in Singapore?

Let’s address the question homeowners ask most: What’s the cost?

Below is a cost table based on 2025 renovation averages across Singapore, tailored for small condominiums (500–950 sqft):

Renovation ScopeBasic (S$)Mid-Range (S$)Premium (S$)
Living Room6,000–8,0009,000–13,00014,000+
Kitchen10,000–14,00015,000–22,00023,000+
Bathroom5,000–7,0008,000–12,00013,000+
Built-in Wardrobes3,000–6,0007,000–10,00011,000+
Flooring (Vinyl/Tile)4,000–7,0008,000–12,00013,000+
Lighting + Electrical3,000–6,0007,000–10,00011,000+
Carpentry (Storage, Feature Walls)7,000–12,00013,000–18,00020,000+
Estimated Total38,000–60,00070,000–95,000100,000+

 

Case Example: A Japanese-minimalist renovation at Pinnacle@Duxton cost S$65K (including storage-heavy carpentry and a space-saving kitchen design).

You can also explore our Bathroom Renovation and Kitchen Remodeling guides to see cost breakdowns by zone.

3. Core Principles of Functional Design in Small Condos

A. Open-Concept Layouts

Singapore condos often suffer from compartmentalized layouts.

Removing non-structural walls (where permitted) between the kitchen, dining, and living areas opens up space visually and physically.

  • Improves ventilation and light distribution.

  • Enhances interaction and movement—especially for young families or social hosts.

  • Consider a sliding glass partition for flexible zoning when privacy is needed.

Design Tip: Pair open layouts with uniform flooring and a limited color palette to create cohesion.

B. Multi-Functional Furniture

Smart furniture isn’t just trendy—it’s essential in tight quarters.

Ideas to consider:

  • Murphy beds with built-in shelving for studio apartments.

  • Storage ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments.

  • Dining benches with lift-up lids to store linen or tableware.

Need more examples?

See our guide to Multifunctional Furniture tailored for Singapore homes.

C. Vertical Storage: Look Up

Empty vertical space is often underutilized in condos. By building upward, you maintain floor space and reduce clutter.

What works:

  • Full-height wardrobes (custom carpentry) with overhead cabinets for luggage or seasonal storage.

  • Wall-mounted shelves over toilets, desks, or beds.

  • Loft beds in children’s rooms, with desks or drawers built beneath.

Explore our vertical storage examples in our Storage Solutions Section.

D. Light, Mirrors, and Minimalist Design

  • Mirrors expand visual space—especially in narrow entryways or living rooms.

  • Use natural light wherever possible—keep windows free of bulky curtains.

  • Favor minimalist built-ins over bulky standalone furniture. Less clutter = less stress.

Pro Tip: Choose warm whites and soft greys—they’re timeless, calming, and make small spaces feel airier.

4. What You Can Expect from an Elpis Renovation

At Elpis, we’re not just interior designers. We’re project managers, budget advisors, and collaborators who care.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Budget Honesty: No vague estimates. We give clear breakdowns and help you prioritize based on ROI and your lifestyle.

  • End-to-End Project Guidance: From layout drawings to carpentry fit-outs, our team handles it all.

  • Tailored Solutions: We don’t sell templates. Every condo layout is studied and optimized from scratch.

“We didn’t just get a new space—we got a design that made our life better. Elpis took time to understand how we actually live.” – A real client, Queenstown condo

5. Internal Highlights for Further Exploration

Want to dive deeper? Explore our related guides for a fuller understanding:

 

Function Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

Designing a small condominium in Singapore is more than a layout challenge—it’s a lifestyle decision.

At Elpis, we go beyond appearances. We create homes that work beautifully—and live even better.

Book a Free Consultation Today

Whether you’re just starting your renovation journey or searching for a team that gets both style and structure, we’re ready to help.

Let’s turn your vision into a refined, livable reality.

How We Can Help Your Renovation Journey?

Get a transparent quote in 24–48h (no hidden costs)

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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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