Many Singaporeans share this exact experience — a home that feels boxy, dark, and smaller than it actually is.
Low ceilings, rigid partitions, and outdated layouts can make everyday living less enjoyable.
But there’s a quiet design revolution happening across Singapore.
Homeowners are tearing down those barriers, literally and figuratively, by embracing HDB open plan living.
It’s more than just a design trend.
It’s a lifestyle shift that transforms the way families gather, how light flows through a flat, and even how daily routines feel.
At 9Creation, we often say: “Small flats deserve big ideas.”
This mantra has guided us through countless projects, helping HDB homeowners reimagine compact spaces into homes that feel spacious, warm, and welcoming.
Creating a home that truly feels like ‘you’
HDB Resale Renovation – Maximizing Space & Functionality
Many homeowners struggle with outdated layouts and inefficient use of space in resale flats. Poor storage solutions and aging interiors make homes feel cluttered and unappealing.
✅ 3x better space utilization with custom-built storage solutions
✅ Energy-efficient lighting reduced electricity costs by 20%
✅ Modernized design increased home value by 15%
9 Creation’s expert designers optimize every corner, blending functionality with aesthetics to create a comfortable and stylish living space.
Why Open Plan Works So Well for HDB Flats in Singapore
Traditional HDB flats were designed at a time when compartmentalised rooms were the norm.
Each area — kitchen, dining, living, bedrooms — was boxed in.
While this worked decades ago, today’s families crave openness, connection, and flexibility.
Open plan living addresses exactly this.
By removing non-structural partitions or cleverly merging spaces, the flat suddenly breathes.
Natural light travels further, cross-ventilation improves, and there’s an instant sense of freedom.
Imagine sitting at your dining table and being able to chat with someone cooking in the kitchen while keeping an eye on children playing in the living room.
That’s the beauty of open plan living — it doesn’t just make a home look bigger, it makes it feel alive.
In fact, design experts point out that Singapore’s growing interest in open-plan layouts is not just aesthetic but also practical.
As flat sizes shrink, the demand for flexible, multi-functional layouts grows.
Open plan living becomes the solution for modern lifestyles.
7 Creative Layouts That Truly Transform HDB Flats
Now let’s dive into the heart of this guide.
Below are seven creative layouts we’ve seen transform ordinary HDB flats into extraordinary homes.
Each one comes with its own story and character — and you might just see yourself in one of them.
1. Living + Dining Merge
One of the simplest yet most impactful changes is combining the living and dining areas.
Picture a young couple in a 4-room resale flat in Tampines.
They wanted to entertain guests but found the dining area too cramped.
By removing a dividing wall and unifying the flooring, they created a seamless space where a dinner party can flow naturally into a cosy movie night.
The trick is in continuity.
When the dining table, sofa, and even lighting share a consistent theme, the entire room feels expansive.
Floating storage cabinets and built-in shelves keep clutter at bay, ensuring the open concept remains inviting rather than messy.
2. Kitchen Extensions
In many Singaporean households, the kitchen is the heart of the home.
But in HDBs, kitchens are notoriously small and walled off.
We recently worked with a family in Bishan who dreamed of hosting weekend cookouts.
By extending the kitchen into part of the living space, adding a sleek island counter, and opening up sightlines, we turned a closed-off room into a hub of activity.
Not only did it brighten up the entire flat, but it also changed how the family interacted.
Parents could cook while still chatting with kids doing homework at the dining table.
Guests no longer felt isolated from the action during gatherings.
3. Flexible Partitions
Permanent walls may feel safe, but they often lock a home into one rigid lifestyle.
Sliding panels, frosted glass dividers, or foldable wooden screens offer flexibility.
A family in Jurong used sliding glass doors to create a “sometimes-room.”
On weekdays, it’s an office.
On weekends, the doors slide open, merging it with the living room to become a play area for their children.
This adaptability is exactly what makes open plan living so practical for modern Singaporean families.
4. Minimalist Built-In Storage Walls
Storage is always a pain point in HDB flats.
Without careful planning, clutter accumulates and quickly eats into space.
One solution is creating built-in cupboards and shelves that look like part of the wall itself.
In a 3-room flat in Hougang, we concealed full-height cupboards behind sleek wooden panels.
The result was a living room that looked minimal, open, and far larger than its square footage suggested.
The homeowners often tell us their guests can’t believe how spacious their 67sqm home feels.
5. Floating Furniture Configurations
Most homeowners instinctively push furniture against walls, thinking it saves space.
In reality, this often makes a room look boxed in.
In a Toa Payoh flat, we designed a layout where the sofa floated in the middle of the room, creating natural walkways behind it.
A rug anchored the sofa, giving the illusion of defined zones without closing off space.
The result?
A living room that felt airy, modern, and far less cramped.
6. Use of Mirrors and Light Colours
Mirrors are the oldest trick in the design book, but when used thoughtfully, they work wonders in HDBs.
One couple in Queenstown installed a full-length mirror wall opposite their windows.
The natural light bounced across the room, instantly doubling its brightness and making ceilings feel higher.
Pairing mirrors with light-coloured walls — whites, soft greys, pale oak finishes — further enhanced the sense of openness.
The once dim and narrow living room now feels like a serene studio apartment in the city.
7. Multi-Functional Spaces
Perhaps the most innovative approach to open plan living is creating spaces that do double duty.
Think of a guest room that transforms into a study during the week, or a balcony that doubles as an indoor garden retreat.
In a 5-room flat in Punggol, the homeowners converted part of their balcony into a cosy reading nook, complete with sliding glass panels.
On weekdays, it’s a quiet spot to work from home.
On weekends, it becomes a green sanctuary for morning coffee.
This approach ensures every corner of the home serves a purpose, optimising limited square footage without compromising style.
Practical Constraints in HDB Renovations
Of course, open plan living isn’t without its challenges.
HDB regulations restrict structural changes — especially removing load-bearing walls.
Low ceilings also mean vertical space is limited.
Many homeowners feel frustrated when their dream Pinterest boards collide with reality.
But that’s where creative design comes in.
By working with professionals who understand the guidelines, you can identify safe partitions to remove while using visual tricks like colour schemes, lighting, and textures to enhance openness.
Reviews
Jeremy had responded quickly to me on the first quote even though I am only doing some renovation to my kitchen and two bathroom. Jeremy is able to provide me with very good advise for the renovation.
We were very grateful to Brandon and his team to complete our renovation within a tight timeline despite many challenges encountered during the renovation. Brandon was a responsible and reliable designer who tried his best to meet our requests. He would immediately rectify issues whenever we visited the site.
Cost and Renovation Timeline in Singapore
The cost of HDB open plan living renovations in Singapore varies depending on scope.
For most projects, budgets fall between SGD 20,000 and SGD 50,000.
Larger flats or premium finishes may go higher, while smaller-scale updates can be done more affordably.
Timelines usually run between 6 to 8 weeks, covering design finalisation, HDB approvals, and construction.
Careful planning ensures you stay on track, and phased renovations can help spread out costs.
More homeowners are also turning to sustainable options.
Eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, VOC-free paints, and energy-efficient lighting not only reduce environmental impact but also last longer.
Singapore’s renovation landscape in 2025 is increasingly about balancing style, practicality, and sustainability.
FAQs on HDB Open Plan Living
Q: Can I remove walls in my HDB flat?
A: Only non-load-bearing walls can be removed. HDB approval is required, and a licensed renovation partner will help you navigate the process safely.
Q: How can I maximise natural light without major structural changes?
A: Use light-coloured paint, mirrors, and sheer curtains. Open layouts also allow light from windows to spread further into the home.
Q: Is open plan living suitable for families with children?
A: Yes. Flexible partitions and smart zoning ensure children have safe play areas while the home remains open and connected.
Q: Does open plan living increase renovation costs?
A: Not necessarily. While structural changes add expense, multifunctional layouts and efficient planning can actually save money long term.
Q: How long will approvals take?
A: HDB approvals usually take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the complexity of changes. Partnering with experienced designers helps streamline this process.
Making Your Flat Feel Larger Than Its Square Footage
At the end of the day, open plan living is not about square metres but about how space feels.
By rethinking walls, light, and multifunctionality, Singaporean homeowners can create homes that truly support modern living.
Every flat tells a story.
And with HDB open plan living, that story becomes one of freedom, flexibility, and warmth.
Whether you’re merging a living room with a dining area or carving out a green balcony retreat, the possibilities are endless.
Wondering how we can bring your dream space to life?
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