At Elpis Interior, we understand that renovating your HDB flat isn’t just about upgrading aesthetics—it’s about reshaping your living space into something that fits your life, your habits, and your future. With 2025 bringing a fresh wave of design innovations and lifestyle shifts, homeowners in Singapore are seeking renovations that go beyond the surface.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or downsizing to simplify life, the trends this year are all about thoughtful transformation grounded in daily practicality.
Designing for Real Life: How Singaporeans Are Rethinking Space
Today’s HDB homeowners are more space-conscious than ever. With rising property prices and increasingly compact layouts, every square foot matters.
Instead of just “making things look nice,” the 2025 mindset prioritizes flexibility, comfort, and practical beauty.
The conversation has shifted toward smart storage, multifunctional layouts, and open concepts that breathe. We’re seeing homeowners combine dining and study zones, conceal storage beneath platforms, and even rethink room usage entirely.
And it’s not just a question of squeezing more into a space—it’s about designing smarter.
Take, for instance, a recent renovation we completed at a 4-room HDB flat in Bedok.
The young family needed a child-safe play zone, a home office, and a clutter-free dining area. The solution?
A sliding partition that transformed the study into a playroom during the day, built-ins that doubled as seating and storage, and soft, layered lighting that made the home feel larger and calmer.
In another project at Toa Payoh, we helped a retired couple transition from a spacious landed home into a 3-room HDB unit.
The brief was simple: preserve openness, integrate elder-friendly features, and avoid clutter. By removing the kitchen wall, adding motion-activated hallway lighting, and designing recessed carpentry with rounded corners, we created a space that felt both expansive and effortless to live in.
These are the stories behind every Elpis renovation—tailored, intentional, and future-proof.
2025’s Top HDB Design Trends in Singapore
Among this year’s defining movements are Japandi and Scandinavian minimalism, both of which continue to dominate HDB interiors for their calming presence and focus on essentials.
These styles offer more than just a clean look—they promote visual clarity, emotional balance, and spatial lightness.
Soft earth tones, natural textures, and streamlined furniture help declutter both the space and the mind.
Biophilic design—another trend gaining traction—brings the outdoors in through organic materials, natural light, and indoor greenery.
Whether it’s vertical herb walls in kitchens or warm woodgrain laminates throughout living areas, the goal is to create a sanctuary that feels grounded and restorative.
Then there’s the ongoing love for open-concept layouts.
Particularly in older flats across Bukit Panjang and Queenstown, many homeowners are opting to hack walls to create a more seamless flow between kitchen, dining, and living zones. When paired with thoughtful zoning, these layouts support both connection and versatility. A standout example?
The iconic Pinnacle@Duxton, where open-plan HDB units have become showcases for how openness and elegance can coexist even in high-density living.
Integrating Smart Home Solutions Thoughtfully
Smart technology isn’t just for show—it’s become a necessity for homeowners seeking convenience and energy efficiency. But in 2025, the trend is about seamlessness, not showiness.
Instead of visible gadgets dominating the room, we help homeowners integrate discreet smart lighting, voice-activated blinds, and climate control systems that blend into the design narrative.
These features don’t just automate; they enhance comfort, save energy, and elevate the living experience.
At Elpis, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all tech bundles. Every smart integration we recommend starts with understanding your lifestyle. For some, it’s about syncing the lighting to circadian rhythms; for others, it’s remote-locking doors and home security systems.
Whatever your preference, we ensure the tech supports your daily rhythm without overwhelming your home’s style.
Cost, Compliance & Clarity: What You Need to Know
Renovating in 2025 also means being financially savvy. With rising material costs and inflation, planning your budget with clarity has never been more important.
Many homeowners now begin their journey with a cost consultation, looking for transparent quotes that reflect both current market conditions and long-term durability.
View our Renovation Budgeting Guide to see how we help balance ambition and affordability.
And compliance?
It’s not optional. Any renovation involving structural changes must adhere to HDB’s regulations.
For example, hacking of non-structural walls requires HDB’s written approval and can only be performed by a registered contractor. Wet works—such as tiling or toilet upgrades—are restricted to certain working hours and often require submission to the HDB e-Services portal.
Learn more about renovation compliance to avoid project delays or penalties.
At Elpis, we manage these steps for you, ensuring your renovation is safe, legal, and stress-free.
Designed Around You
Every HDB flat has its own quirks—awkward corners, odd beams, or compact kitchens.
But instead of seeing these as constraints, we treat them as opportunities.
Good design isn’t about masking limitations; it’s about making them meaningful.
Whether it’s building custom carpentry into structural recesses or using mirrors to extend narrow corridors, we focus on turning every “problem area” into a thoughtful solution.
At Elpis, we design with purpose and renovate with precision.
Our process begins by listening—truly understanding your routines, your future plans, and your aesthetic leanings.
From selecting materials that match your lifestyle to proposing layouts that anticipate your needs, we believe renovation should be a dialogue, not a transaction.
Your Vision. Our Expertise.
If you’re planning your first HDB renovation—or trying to make your current flat reflect who you are now—we’re here to guide you.
With clear steps, professional insights, and honest recommendations, Elpis ensures every decision feels informed and every step feels guided.
Because renovation isn’t just a project. It’s a turning point.
Explore our latest HDB design projects | Book a design consultation with Elpis
Frequently Asked Questions About HDB Renovation in Singapore
1. How much does a typical HDB renovation cost in Singapore in 2025?
In 2025, renovation costs for a standard 4-room HDB flat typically range between SGD 40,000 to SGD 90,000, depending on the complexity, materials, and scope. Prices have increased slightly due to material costs and demand for premium finishes.
2. How long does it take to renovate an HDB flat?
A full HDB renovation generally takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on whether structural works, custom carpentry, or specialized features like smart home integration are involved. At Elpis, we plan timelines with precision and transparency to avoid delays.
3. What approvals do I need before starting my HDB renovation?
Any major renovation—such as hacking walls, rewiring, or changing wet areas—requires approval from HDB. You’ll also need to use HDB-approved contractors for regulated works. Elpis handles all submissions and regulatory coordination for you.
4. Can I renovate a resale HDB flat differently from a new BTO?
Yes. Resale flats often involve more hacking, rewiring, and retiling. BTOs may require less structural change but more built-in carpentry and layout optimization. We tailor our designs to the condition and structure of your specific home.
5. Can Elpis help with budgeting and cost planning?
Absolutely. Our renovation process starts with a clear cost breakdown, personalized to your design needs, priorities, and unit type. We help you balance aspiration with affordability—without compromising on function or finesse.
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