Your HDB flat can look like a million bucks (for less)

These HDB flats are humble homes... NOT!

HDB flats are sort of like Kinder Surprise eggs - we all know how they look like on the outside, but on the inside? It's completely different for each house.

Some HDB apartments bring to mind the inside of heartland homes: they are simple with a cosy, lived-in look; whereas others look more like a chic penthouse or a boutique hotel suite in an upscale part of town.

The 6 HDB flats featured here firmly belong in the latter category, and they come with the trappings of upscale residences, from subtle accents to sleek fixtures. So, take a look - and be inspired to transform your own HDB apartment into a home that looks like a million bucks.

1. BUKIT BATOK STREET 21 BY ICON INTERIOR

Nothing says classy (or classic) quite like a black-and-white home, which is precisely what this Bukit Batok HDB flat is.

However, what makes the entire look work are the elegant wood layers that adorn almost every surface in the house. By imbuing the surroundings with a touch of natural warmth, these features are responsible for the shift in mood from cold and sterile to cosy and welcoming.

2. TOA PAYOH EAST BY THE SCIENTIST

If you think HDB flats are all about standard fixtures and drab hues, this Toa Payoh East apartment by The Scientist will change your mind.

Featuring a vibrant palette of jewel tones, from emerald green to light amethyst purple, the flat's gorgeous look packs a colourful punch that's further accentuated by well-placed brass accents, which in turn, underscore the stylised boldness that characterises the entire space.

3. THE PINNACLE BY DISTINCTIDENTITY

Coordinated almost entirely with clean-lined panelling as well as sleek furniture and fittings, this apartment at The Pinnacle looks to us as thought it popped out from the glossy pages of a magazine.

The living room's distinctively monochrome aesthetic also lends itself well to other areas of the house, including the bedroom and kitchen, which respectively come off as chic and restful.

4. SKYLINE BY MR SHOPPER STUDIO

Conceptualised with a modern-luxe look in mind, while embodying the idea of a sleek, clutter-free abode, the inside of this apartment that's part of the Skyline HDB development is reminiscent of a top-tier hotel suite.

Mr. Shopper Studio's work on this aesthetically-pleasing HDB flat also saw the creation of open spaces which allow light to enter freely, along with a TV console facade that transforms into a subtle accent wall when both of its matching halves are shut.

5. CITY VUE BY ELPIS INTERIOR DESIGN

This BTO flat at Henderson is the stuff of #homegoals. Built as a couple's nest, the 5-room apartment features a Hygge-like interior with a special atmosphere that's best described as cosy and restful. `

`The home's serene, but quietly energising vibe is also helped by occasional splashes of saturated teal as well as bright blue, which are the perfect complementary hues for neutral-filled interiors that want in on a little fun.

6. HOLLAND DRIVE BY EHKA STUDIO

Timber finishes are everywhere in this pleasantly warm family home at Holland Drive - and they are what make the entire interior a welcoming sight.

From the living room all the way to the bedrooms, and even the bathrooms, the same wood layers were used, thus ensuring a consistent design sensibility throughout.

EHKA Studio was also careful to include white forms and thin black features in their work, which ensure visual balance.

This article was first published in Qanvast.