7 Creative 5-Room HDB Interior Design Ideas for Singaporean Families
A 5-room HDB flat offers generous space as compared to its 3-room and 4-room counterparts. This larger space makes it a dream canvas for many Singaporean families. Whether you're moving into a new home or giving your current one a fresh makeover, there is great design potential for a 5-room unit. From creating open-concept living areas to incorporating multifunctional layouts that cater to family needs, you can try various 5-room HDB interior design ideas to transform how you live and feel in your space.
At Swiss Interior, we believe every home should reflect its occupants' lifestyle and values. In this blog, we explore creative 5-room HDB design ideas that strike the perfect balance between function, comfort, and style, helping you design a home that grows with your family.
1. Split-Zone Living Areas for Family Harmony
In a 5-room HDB, the living room is spanned over a larger floor area. Such a large living area can feel overwhelmingly odd if not properly organised. Instead of one expansive open space, consider splitting it into functional zones. This means that the general layout of the HDB will be open, but with zoned spaces, you can create a unique and aesthetically pleasing space.
You can use a sectional sofa or a low console shelf to define the main lounging area, and add a soft rug and floor cushions to create a kid-friendly reading nook nearby. You can even add partial glass dividers or sliding doors to provide a visual separation for a small home office or study corner while keeping the space open and bright. Or you can just dedicate one side of the living room for your workstation by zoning it by using different types of lighting, decor, and furniture for this space. This has been done in the following HDB 5-room design. This zoning strategy helps reduce distractions and allows family members to coexist peacefully in the same area while doing different activities.
Blk 356B Ubi Ave 3 - 5-Room HDB BTO
2. Integrated Study Corners for Kids and Adults
As hybrid work and learning has become a norm in the last few years, functional study spaces are more important than ever. You can create quiet corners in bedrooms or common areas by integrating sleek desks, ergonomic chairs, and adequate task lighting. Consider using custom-built cabinetry to frame a study station along a corridor or under a window ledge. Add acoustic wall panels for better sound control and floating shelves for school supplies or work essentials. These integrated solutions blend effortlessly into your existing layout, keeping the home tidy without compromising productivity.
As depicted in the following 5-room HDB design, you can create a small study corner in the living room. Place a shelf of books on one side and comfortable seating on the other to create a cosy and pleasing nook, where kids and adults alike can have a queit time with their books.
3. Nature-Inspired Design
Biophilic design isn’t just an interior design trend in 2025; it’s a wellness-driven approach that works beautifully in Singapore’s urban flats. By adding large potted plants in living areas, herb gardens in kitchen windows, or even a moss wall in the bathroom, you can create a closer-to-nature ambience in your home. Use rattan, bamboo, and warm-toned wood in your furniture and flooring for a grounded, nature-infused feel. Maximise natural light by using sheer curtains or light-toned window blinds. Biophilic design encourages calmness, reduces stress, and makes your home a restorative space where your family can unwind.
As shown in the following image of a resale flat old HDB 5-room renovation design, the HDB has been designed with natural plants, ratan and bamboo materials, woven textured rugs, and natural light. This creates a grounded and closer-to-nature ambience in the home.
Blk 659 HDB 5 Room Resale ChOa Chu Kang Crescent
4. Hidden Storage that Blends In
To keep your home clutter-free, hidden storage is a must, especially for growing families. You may even think that in a 5-room, there is already enough floor space, so you may not need extra storage. But typically, a bigger family lives in a 5-room HDB, meaning the more storage space available, the better.
Opt for platform beds with under-mattress compartments and full-height cabinets that blend into the walls. In the living room, build a media feature wall with concealed cabinetry to store toys, electronics, and cables. Kitchen islands with built-in drawers and ottomans that double as storage are also smart additions. These hidden solutions maintain a streamlined look while keeping essentials out of sight. As seen in the following portfolio image, hidden storage compartments are added in the side feature wall of the living room. This serves as an amazing HDB 5-room design idea that can ensure that your space always remains clutter-free.
Blk 321C Anchorvale Drive, HDB 5-Room Resale
5. Child-Friendly Yet Stylish Features
If you have children in your home, you should design while keeping them in mind. However, designing for young children doesn’t mean compromising on style. Choose child-safe materials like cushioned flooring, rounded-edge furniture, and non-toxic wall paints. Create designated play zones with toy cubbies and interactive wall art, or consider modular furniture that evolves as your child grows, like adjustable-height desks or extendable beds. Pair these elements with stylish neutrals, soft pastels, or muted wallpapers that complement the adult spaces, achieving a tasteful yet family-friendly aesthetic. The following 5 room HDB design shows how you can designated specific areas for the children while keeping the other areas of the home stylish and elegant.
6. Statement Ceilings and Accent Walls
You can elevate your interior by paying attention to the ceilings and walls. False ceilings with cove lighting can create a soft, ambient glow perfect for the living or dining area. Try fluted wood panels or vertical slat features on one side of the living room for texture. Wallpaper with geometric or botanical patterns can add instant character to an otherwise neutral room. As shown in the following HDB BTO 5-room interior design, one main feature wall of the living room, along with the side wall, is created as an accent wall. They feature unique marble patterns, fluted panels, and a large decorative wall clock. The walls are further highlighted through track lights that ensure focused lighting.
475A Yishun St 44, 5-Room HDB BTO
7. Walk-in Wardrobes
If space allows, convert part of your master bedroom or a spare room into a luxurious walk-in wardrobe. This is a great 5-room HDB master bedroom design that can immediately turn your bedroom into an exquisite masterpiece. Use frosted or tinted glass sliding doors to separate the closet while maintaining visual flow. Incorporate adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers, and dedicated accessory organisers. Add LED lighting strips inside compartments and a plush ottoman or rug to complete the boutique look. This not only adds a sense of luxury but keeps your clothes, bags, and shoes neatly arranged. These ideas have been incorporated into the following 5-room HDB interior design.
Blk 128 Geylang East Ave 1, 5 Room HDB Resale
Conclusion
Designing a 5-room HDB flat for family living doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style for function. With the right planning and a bit of creativity, your home can be both beautiful and brilliantly efficient. Whether you're after child-friendly designs, modern storage solutions, or spaces that encourage wellness and connection, these practical 5-room HDB interior design ideas in Singapore can help you craft a home that truly works for your family.
Need help bringing these ideas to life? Book a free consultation with Swiss Interior today and let our designers personalise your dream home.
If you are looking for similar ideas for your small condo interior design, you can find out more about our work from our design portfolio. Swiss Interior is one of the top interior design firms in Singapore. Additionally, we also provide 5-room HDB renovation and 5-room BTO HDB renovation packages. For more info, you can contact us to book a meeting.
About Swiss Interior
Swiss Interior is a leading interior design company in Singapore since 2012. Led by founders Jason and Ronnie, the Swiss team serves customers from all walks of life, delivering bespoke and dream interior design and renovation services to all homeowners in Singapore.
Accreditations & Awards:
- Singapore outstanding enterprise award (2013)
- HomeRenoGuru Most Trusted ID (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- First ID firm to win 1 Week Kitchen Challenge by HomeRenoGuru (2019)
- Featured in NOC RenoKing (2020)
- HomeRenoGuru Top 10 ID Firm (2020, 2021)
- Featured in CNA Lifestyle Making Room (2021)
- Qanvast SuperTrust (2021, 2022)
- Featured in HomeStyle Magazine Year End Cover Page (2021)
- Featured in Sheikh Haikel & Anna Belle Francis DreamHome (2022)
- Sidac Accreditation (2022)