For singles in Singapore, getting your own 2-room HDB flat is a major milestone. And while even under 500sqft, a clever layout and thoughtful design can make a small flat feel spacious and organised.
From practical storage solutions to multi-purpose corners, these real-life 2-room HDB renovations will inspire you and show how to make the most of every inch, turning your flat into the home you have always wanted.
1. Minimal Scandinavian: $52K
Bonus points for storage built right into the steps: perfect for hiding away clutter without cramping the living room.
Image credit: Starry Homestead
This 2-room Woodlands Avenue 9 BTO flat designed by Starry Homestead keeps things simple yet highly functional, with a warm wood and white palette that instantly feels bright and spacious. The bedroom is cleverly raised on a platform with almost full-length sliding glass doors, and black-out curtains keep things private when you need them.
No space for a TV console? No problem. A wall-mounted projector screen keeps things sleek and makes movie nights feel a little more special. A cosy dining nook greets you at the entryway, and the bomb shelter has been cleverly disguised with a built-in display cabinet and fluted wall feature.
Image credit: Starry Homestead
Inside the bedroom, full-length storage cabinets line the walls, with some low-lying open shelves perfect for keeping your devices or everyday items within easy reach. The cabinets blend seamlessly into the platform flooring, keeping the look clean, cohesive, and minimal—because in a small space, every inch counts.
Image credit: Starry Homestead
2. Colourful-eclectic Northshore BTO
Image credit: Free Space Intent
This next 2-room BTO is all about colour, personality, and clever hacks that make the most of under 500sqft. The designers went bold with an eclectic palette, injecting fun and vibrancy into every corner. To open up the space, walls separating the living room and bedroom were hacked away, giving the flat an airy, open-concept feel that makes it look much larger than it actually is.
A standout feature is the window sill storage that runs the length of the flat. Not only does it hide away clutter, it doubles as a comfy sitting spot—perfect for lounging, working, or just soaking in the view.
Image credit: Free Space Intent
Built-ins don’t disappoint either: a full-length lime-coloured wardrobe makes a statement while keeping things organised, and a functional dresser beside the bed adds extra practicality without crowding the space.
With bright pops of colour, smart storage, and an open layout, this flat proves that small spaces don’t have to feel cramped—they can feel lively, fun, and totally you.
Image credit: Free Space Intent
4. Japandi Plantation Crescent HDB: $49K
Image credit: Authors
This Japandi-inspired 2-room HDB strikes the perfect balance between Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian warmth. The renovation leans on a seamless colour palette with plenty of warm wood, giving the home a cosy, calm, and cohesive feel from end to end.
A half-panel sliding partition with fluted glass panels separates the living area from the bedroom, letting light diffuse softly through the space while maintaining privacy. Wabi-sabi blinds add to the moody, serene vibe, keeping the flat minimal yet inviting.
Image credit: Authors
The window sill seat at the far end of the flat is a clever multifunctional touch. It doubles as a dining bench, offers hidden storage, and even features a cut-out for a small evergreen plant, tying the natural aesthetic together while keeping the space uncluttered.
If you can sacrifice a king or queen-sized bed for a single, the bedroom becomes surprisingly spacious. Instead of purely closed cabinets, the IDs designed a column of open shelves for decorative elements, adding personality and keeping the room airy without cluttering the minimalist look.
5. Modern Japanese Northshore Drive Resale: $30K
This Northshore Drive 2-room resale reno proves that you can retain a traditional layout while still carving out distinct zones without making the home feel cramped.
Image credit: Weiken.com
Wooden-framed glass sliding pocket doors mark the kitchen entryway, giving a subtle nod to Japanese shoji screens and adding a sense of elegance without taking up space. Thoughtful built-ins in the entryway and kitchen make the most of every inch, keeping storage seamless and clutter-free.
Image credit: Weiken.com
In the living room, a clever storage platform doubles as a lounge spot or WFH zone, while the curved corner subtly defines the space without adding hazards. Plenty of natural light and carefully considered illumination make the home feel bright, airy, and welcoming, proving that smart planning can make even a modest 2-room flat feel effortlessly functional.
6. Japandi Fernvale Vines BTO with wooden cabin vibes: $45K
Image credit: The Interior Lab
For $45K, this 2-room renovation is a serious win. Almost every inch of the home is dressed in warm wood, giving it a cosy, cabin-like feel without feeling heavy or overdone.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
Small touches make a big difference here—a floating TV console keeps the living room airy, while built-in power sockets in the dining nook seat show the attention to practical details. The overall look feels high-end, even though the budget was modest, proving that thoughtful design and clever execution can make a home look far more expensive than it really is.
Image credit: The Interior lab
In the bedroom, an elevated platform gives off a mini MUJI hotel vibe, making the space feel sleek and well-planned. Cleverly hidden storage in and around the platform keeps clutter at bay, which is key in a smaller home.
Image credit: The Interior lab
Top tips for maximising space in a 2-room HDB flat
Maximise every inch with built-ins
For singles in Singapore working with under 500 sqft, built-in furniture is your best friend. From storage platforms to window sill seating, clever built-ins help you save space while keeping your home functional and stylish. These 2-room HDB renovations show that even small flats can feel airy, organised, and purposeful.
Take your storage vertical
When floor space is limited, think vertical. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets, floating shelves, and elevated platforms can transform your home without crowding it. Our featured homes use these tricks to great effect, giving you ample storage while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic.
Open concepts make small spaces feel bigger
Hacking walls or adding sliding partitions is a simple but effective way to open up your flat. Open-concept living rooms and bedrooms, combined with thoughtful lighting, help make a 2-room HDB under 500 sqft feel much more spacious than its actual size.
Add personality without clutter
Even in a compact home, design details matter. Colourful cabinets, fluted glass panels, and decorative open shelves add personality and warmth, giving your 2-room HDB a unique style while still keeping it practical for everyday living.
Best 2-room renovations for maximising space
Whether you lean towards Scandinavian minimalism, cosy Japandi vibes, or colourful eclectic styles, these 2-room HDB renovations prove that small flats don’t have to feel cramped.
With smart layouts, built-in storage, and a little design creativity, you can turn even under 500sqft into a functional, stylish, and personalised home. For singles finally stepping into their first HDB, these ideas show that every inch counts—and every inch can be beautiful.
Check out other ways to style your home:
- 6 Best mixed-themed HDB home renovation trends 2025
- 11 Most gorgeous themed homes on Tiktok to inspire your HDB renovation
- 5 Unique villas in Bali to check out for your next getaway or home inspiration
Cover image adapted from: Authors, Starry Homestead, Free Space Intent
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