19 Joo Seng is a 3-bedroom HDB resale flat that we reworked into a warm, hosting-friendly space for a family who loves having people over. At 120 sqm, there was plenty of room to work with, so our goal wasn’t just to make it look good, but to make sure every corner had a purpose, from quiet bedrooms to a proper spot for coffee and drinks.
We took on this HDB interior design project in Singapore by mixing warm wood, black cabinetry, and natural textures like rattan cane throughout the flat. The result feels lived-in and welcoming, with small touches like an arched hallway and a dedicated bar corner that make it feel personal rather than just renovated.
Once we settled on the mood, our focus for this HDB renovation shifted to making each space work hard for this family. The original kitchen was on the smaller side, so we reworked it into a U-shape that gave the homeowners more counter space. We kept the same grounded feel from the rest of the flat with walnut cabinets, a ribbed white tile backsplash, and a black cooker hood. Just around the corner, we turned an unused spot into the real showstopper: a proper bar area with a built-in coffee station, mini fridge, and open shelf for glassware, styled in a deep burgundy that gives it its own identity within the home.
We carried that same care into the bedrooms, where a black wood headboard panel doubles as a feature wall, creating a calm, hotel-like feel, finished off with rattan cane panelling that adds texture without making the room feel busy.
Our team brought the whole flat together with details that feel intentional, not just decorative. In the bathrooms, we paired black cabinetry with ribbed wood-tone tiles and fluted glass doors, giving the space a soft, textured finish even in low light. We added an arched hallway doorway to create a quiet architectural moment as you move between rooms, while black wall switches and copper-toned accents in the bar area keep the small details consistent throughout the flat. Together, these touches make the home feel calm in some corners and full of character in others.
A closer look at what this project involved:
| Field | 19 JS S$128.6k |
|---|---|
| House type | HDB |
| Renovation fee | S$128,610 |
| Reno period | 16 wks |
| Completion year | 2025 |
| Size | 120 sqm |
| Design fee | S$1,000 |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| New / Resale | Resale |
| Carpentry | Y |
| Feature wall | Y |
| Furniture & appliances | N |
| Flooring | Y |
| Hacking | Y |
| Tiling | Y |
| False ceiling | Y |
| Air-con | N |
| Electrical wiring | N |
| Plumbing | Y |
| Painting | Y |
| Wallpaper | N |
| Lighting | N |
| Decoration | N |
| Extension | N |
| Matched property | 19 Joo Seng |
