Despite the popularity of Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats or condominiums in Singapore, many people choose to own a landed home due to various reasons, like more space and freedom to customise the interior to their unique taste and preference. While there are many possibilities of landed home designs, there are also a series of regulations in landed property interior design to comply with. Discover the best interior design styles for your landed home while adhering to existing regulations!
Popular Landed Home Design Styles
Here are some of the most popular landed interior design styles to elevate your home’s aesthetic and functionality.
Scandinavian
Inspired by homes in Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the Scandinavian design philosophy places a strong emphasis on clean lines, calming colour palettes, and functional layouts. Scandinavian landed interiors are suitable for new homeowners.
Key characteristics:
- Light pastel or neutral colour palette
- Organic or natural materials like wood, leather, and linen
- Simple and functional furniture
- Airy, open spaces with natural light
Minimalism
Minimalism is all about functionality and simplicity. It is perfect for homeowners who want serenity in the midst of their busy routines. Often compared to Scandinavian, minimalism focuses more on “less is more,” while Scandinavian design emphasises cosiness (hygge).
Key characteristics:
- Soft textures and lots of natural light
- Clean parallel lines without ornate detailing
- Steering clean of unnecessary clutter and ornaments
- Geometric furniture with a clear purpose
Industrial Chic
Industrial chic design is a landed home style inspired by transformation of old factories and warehouses into cosy living spaces. This design is characterised by the use of raw materials, open spaces, and a blend of modern and vintage elements.
Key characteristics:
- Neutral colour palette (grey, white, and brown)
- Strong focus on open spaces
- Mixing raw materials (concrete, wood) with refined finishes
- Highlighting structural elements (such as exposed beams or brick walls)
Modern Glam
Modern glam fuses contemporary minimalism with luxurious elegance, focusing on the use of high-end materials. It is known for having a neutral colour palette with subtle pops of jewel tones. Each furniture and decor is carefully curated to add a touch of opulence without overcrowding the space.
Key characteristics:
- Neutral bases (white, grey, beige) with bold accents (emerald, sapphire)
- Luxurious materials such as marble, velvet, and gold accents.
- Statement lighting such as crystal chandeliers or sculptural lamps
- Ornate furniture and decor
Colonial-inspired
Colonial interior design is a classic and historically rich style that blends European influences with local craftsmanship. Originating from the colonial eras which make up a significant part of Singapore’s rich history, this design features heritage elements and contemporary comforts, most suitable for older landed properties.
Key characteristics:
- Black and white colour palette
- Dark wood furniture with ornate details
- Vintage-inspired ornaments
- High ceilings and windows
Regulations and Challenges in Landed Property Interior Design
Designing landed properties in Singapore is subject to several regulations and guidelines, such as preserving historical integrity and adhering to environmental stewardship. Homeowners who are planning for Additions and Alterations (A&A) work should comply with Building and Construction Authority (BCA) guidelines, which include:
- Not exceeding 50% of the existing Gross Floor Area (GFA)
- Not doing a complete demolition of the existing structure
- Maintaining the overall form and envelope of the house
Changes to your landed home’s structure such as adding new beams, mezzanines, slabs, or staircase adjustments are allowed. However, renovations beyond these must be submitted as reconstruction.
Aside from existing regulations, challenges in landed home design include:
Selecting the Right Furniture Style and Size
Make sure the furniture you choose is the right size, not too big or too small for each room in your home. Too much furniture will make your house appear crammed, while too little furniture may make it appear empty. Also, consider the home design style that you choose as your guide when shopping for furniture. For example, if your home is in the modern glam style, it would be wise to choose plush marble furniture instead of wooden ones. Similarly, Scandinavian homes look best with warm wooden furniture with a touch of natural elements.
Deciding a Colour Theme
Colour is an essential element of any interior design. Light and neutral shades are the safest option for most home styles to give a bright and airy appearance. If you prefer a darker shade to add dramatic flair, limit it to just one wall and balance it out with other contrasting elements in the room.
Balancing Natural and Artificial Lighting
Based on the amount of natural lighting already able to enter your space, you can decide the amounts and types of light fixtures to add. Choose track lighting or accent lighting to highlight particular decor in your room, or get recessed lighting to create a more dramatic and cosy outlook.
Over-customisation and Unnecessary Clutter
For new homeowners, it can be tempting to get as much furniture and decor as possible to personalise your space. However, displaying too many things in your home may lead to sensory and functional overload. Focusing on functionality is just as important as making your aesthetic vision come true. Remember that excessive customisation can potentially hurt your property’s resale value in the future.
Lack of Professional Guidance
Designing landed homes is far more complicated than HDB apartments. Beyond design, you also need to ensure BCA compliance. Work with expert interior designers who can recommend the most suitable design while already familiar with existing regulations for a smoother process.
Read more about how to design your landed property in Singapore
Transform Your Landed Property into Your Dream Home
Your landed home should reflect your taste and preferences, while being a functional and comfortable resting space. If you are looking for landed property interior design in Singapore to help design your home, Niche Koncept is happy to help. Transform your landed property into the home you envision with our interior design services today!
