Who doesn’t love the idea of living in a sprawling home with enough space for all your needs? An HDB maisonette is one such type of property that can give you just that. In fact, HDB maisonettes are considered to be the unicorns of HDB properties. Given the space crunch that most homeowners face in Singapore, it’s only natural to aspire to someday live in an HDB maisonette.

But before you sign that lease, it’s important to know what all the hype is about. To prepare you, we’ve put together a list of things you need to know about your HDB maisonette design. Let’s get into them!

1. What Is an HDB Maisonette?

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A spacious living room brightened with a pop of blue

An HDB maisonette is a two-storied HDB flat that places the living, dining, and kitchen areas on the lower floor, and bedrooms on the upper level. They also come with three bathrooms, which is more than the number of bathrooms available in HDB flats.

Though these spacious homes had their moment in the sun, the construction of HDB maisonettes was halted in 1995. Nowadays, these properties are relatively scarce. So, if you get your hands on a resale HDB maisonette, consider yourself lucky!

2. How Is an HDB Maisonette Design Different From Any Other HDB?

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HDB maisonettes are two-storey flats with ample space

An HDB maisonette differs from the regular HDB flats as it has more space. These units spread over two storeys and offer more square footage, estimated at around 140 to 160 sqm. Additionally, there are three types of HDB maisonettes: five-room maisonettes, executive maisonettes, and penthouse maisonettes, which are on the highest floor. The former two, however, are on lower floors.

An executive maisonette design can be considered as a luxury variant of regular HDB maisonettes. Be sure to look for HDB maisonette design ideas that are best suited to each property type.

3. How Does the Floor Plan Differ?

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An entryway that opens up to a dining and living space

The floor plan is an important element in designing a home, even more so for an HDB maisonette interior design. In an HDB maisonette, the first floor opens out into a living and dining area with the kitchen tucked into a corner. You can also find a study and wash room on the lower floor of an HDB maisonette.

A staircase leads to the second floor with three bedrooms, a common bathroom, and an attached bathroom in the master bedroom. These floor plans boast a large space that can be used to try out a variety of HDB maisonette design ideas.

4. Designing a Regular HDB Versus an HDB Maisonette Design

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Adding wooden, colourful furniture makes the large space inviting

HDB maisonette interior design needs more planning and decor considerations to personalise the space. This is because large homes tend to come off as cold and sterile with sparse furniture.

As opposed to regular HDB flats, you’ll need to bring in more colour, furniture, and home accessories to make the space look bright and cheerful. Using low-maintenance materials and decor can also be beneficial in keeping costs to a minimum. 

Tips to Keep in Mind While Designing an HDB Maisonette:

  • Play with vibrant or earthy colours to create a warm and cosy vibe
  • Personalise the space with pictures, decor elements, and knick-knacks for a well-travelled look
  • Select furniture that fits the space and accentuates it
  • Plan storage effectively as you would have more room for it
  • Choose ambient lighting and layer it with accent and task lights
  • Incorporate plants and flowers to bring a natural touch to the space
  • Go for durable and low-maintenance materials for your cabinetry

5. What Is the Cost of Renovating an HDB Maisonette? 

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HDB maisonette makeovers can be expensive

Typically, an HDB maisonette renovation can cost big bucks. However, it depends on how cost-effective your planning is. Some homeowners get the entire renovation done in under S$50,000, whereas the sky’s the limit for those who want lavish fittings.

On average, a package for renovation can amount to around S$80,000 to S$241,000 based on various factors. However, this isn’t a fixed range either. The size of your home, design scope, and materials used can equally influence these costs. Get a quote from your designer to understand what falls under the scope of the renovation and what costs you can eliminate or compromise on. 

6. What Does an Executive HDB Designed by Livspace Look Like?

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More room for furniture with HDB executive flats

To give you an idea of the interior design process for large HDBs, here’s a sneak peek of our makeover of an executive HDB. The design is a mix of different styles to make the home a welcoming space. The highest expense generally goes into re-plastering walls and rewiring electricals, as is the norm in resale properties.

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A dishwasher and washing machine tucked into the kitchen

In this case, the designer was able to bring in hints of colour and add lots of hidden storage spaces to make this family home functional and eye-catching. Though this home has only one storey, unlike an executive maisonette design, it can still give you an idea of how the space can look.  

Here Are Some of the Best Design Styles to Use in HBD Maisonettes

Please note that the homes presented below are a mix of HDBs and condos, and are not specifically HDB maisonettes. However, the design styles used in them can easily be recreated for bigger homes like a maisonette. We hope they can give you the inspiration you need while renovating your HDB maisonette!

#1: Scandinavian Design

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Exposed furniture legs are a noticeable feature in scandinavian design

Are you a fan of muted tones and clean lines? If yes, Scandinavian interiors are sure to be the right fit for you. This family was big on Nordic styles and wanted a home that can embody it. Without skipping a beat, Livspace designer Noel Tan whipped up a neat, visual treat. Check out this 5-room HDB BTO design for more ideas.

#2: Minimalist Style

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Hate cluttered interiors? Minimalism can help save the day!

Sometimes, keeping it simple is all you really need to do. Though you might be tempted to deck out your HDB maisonette from floor to ceiling, a minimalist approach can be just as satisfying. After all, nobody likes to be around visual clutter. Take a cue from this 3-room resale flat designed by Livspace designers Shim Chen Fui and Pricilla Leo.

#3: Industrial Design

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Use materials like wood and cement to create a cool and sleek industrial vibe at home

“Rough and rugged” might not be your first thoughts when you plan your HDB maisonette interiors. However, you certainly can borrow some inspiration from them and create a stunning industrial style home. Maybe this sleek HDB BTO at Tampines Greenview can help inspire you?

#4: Japandi/Zen-Inspired

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There’s a lot to love about Japanese-inspired art styles and interiors

Japandi interior design has a lot to offer from a stylistic perspective. It combines the best of minimalism with natural themes you’d typically see in Japanese-style homes. So, if you’re all about maintaining those zen vibes, you don’t want to miss checking out this 3-room BTO design at Margaret Drive.

#5: Luxury Style

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What does the term “luxury” look like to you?

A little luxury never hurt when you’re designing a home you’re going to live in for a long time. If anything, creating a comfortable space that’s reminiscent of hotel living can probably help you save big bucks on a weekend getaway! Allow this penthouse condo to show you how it’s done.

#6: Contemporary Style

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Do you love living in the now? Contemporary style interiors can complement your tastes

Did you know that contemporary style interiors are nothing by styles are currently in trend? It can be a mix of styles that are popular and in the “now” to create a unique result. Take a look at this cosy condo renovation at The Riversails for more details.

#7: Modern Design

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What’s your favourite accessory to highlight in a modern home?

A bit of leather and a dash of sleek fittings are what complete a modern home. Then again, there’s no specific rule book you have to follow while styling one. If you’re planning on going modern for your HDB maisonette design, consider using this stunning 4-room condo as a point of reference.

How Can Livspace Help You? 

We hope you found this guide to HDB maisonettes useful! Wondering how to plan your very own HDB maisonette interior design? Look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today and we can help guide you through the process.

Have some comments or suggestions you’d like to share with us? We’re all ears! Feel free to write to us at editor.sg@livspace.com.

FAQs

1. What Is an HDB Maisonette?

HDB maisonettes are two-storied flats that have an upper and lower level.

2. Does HDB Still Build Maisonettes?

No, HDB no longer builds maisonette type properties but these homes are still available on resale.

3. Is It Worth Buying a Maisonette?

Like every type of home, HDB maisonettes come with their own charm. These homes are more spacious, being a great investment for multigenerational families.

4. How Many Rooms Does a Maisonette Have?

Most HDB maisonettes come with 3 bedrooms. However, this can vary depending on the type of maisonette property you purchase.