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Most HDB flats aren't allocated with foyers, but that doesn’t mean you have to live without one. If you want a dedicated area to put on shoes or a transitional space before you enter your home, these functional foyers will provide inspiration on creating one.&nbsp;<h4>1. Surround with storage</h4>The HDB foyer in question definitely reflects a need for storage, with a plethora of built-ins surrounding the front entrance. There’s a shoe cabinet with a handy bi-fold door, overhead cabinets, and curved cupboards that help to create a more welcoming entrance.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/712;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/3a4db781-de9d-4ab7-8ad4-9750beca4135-blob" width="1080" height="712"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/719;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/a039b588-c673-4609-8c57-51de94c45bce-blob" width="1080" height="719"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/buildbuilt">BuildBuilt</a>&nbsp;<h4>2. Pebbled flooring</h4>Choosing a different flooring type for the foyer is a great way to create a unique entrance. I love how the use of pebbled stones combined with slate tiles as a curved “footpath” really brings a sense of the outdoors inside while leading one into the apartment.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/6433d6e3-2c3d-42fa-b55c-d8c1a93d9160-blob" width="720" height="1080"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/98ff67f3-9af8-4343-8c45-31dbb7aa740b-blob" width="720" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/lemonfridge-studio">Lemonfridge</a>&nbsp;<h4>3. Lighting division</h4>Don't feel like you have to stick to the traditional boxy foyer design. This foyer has an unconventional shape created with hidden lighting and woodgrain tiles.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/721;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/98e9a8e7-96c4-4796-8425-744fea13310f-blob" width="1080" height="721"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/jialux-interior">Jialux Interior</a>&nbsp;<h4>4. Cosy does it</h4>In this 5-room resale flat, a long walkway near the entrance of the home creates space for a cosy foyer. Next to the built-in bench for putting on shoes, there are nooks for displaying knick-knacks and full-height cabinetry with an open cubby for housing the robot vacuum.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/720;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/562a1391-7c23-4ca2-a807-0bdafd90dfc8-blob" width="1080" height="720"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/abf7947f-b168-4210-a0cf-955f457e6b21-blob" width="720" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/artspaze">Artspaze</a>&nbsp;<h4>5. Curved Privacy Wall</h4>A lot of homeowners in HDBs often put up foyers that also double up as privacy screens, just like in this home. What’s special here is the curved privacy wall, a subtle detail designed to resemble a comforting embrace that sets the tone for the rest of the flat’s curved elements.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/720;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/95c07085-b436-4e6d-b044-dcf41955abc6-blob" width="1080" height="720"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/3c116858-e125-4dc3-8ac1-86dc7a17ece8-blob" width="720" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/key-concept">Key Concept</a>&nbsp;<h4>6. Long bench</h4>The foyer bench runs the entire length of the entryway, extending all the way to the kitchen. It not only helps to open up the space visually (as opposed to having full-height cabinetry) but also offers additional seating for when guests visit.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/691;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/4abf12fb-7f5b-45ad-baa8-07163b98e0c4-blob" width="1080" height="691"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/654;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/8fb2e68f-9b9e-4a75-ab69-69fb36efe641-blob" width="1080" height="654"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/doubble-interior-associates">Doubble Interior Associates</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote>Looking for an interior designer to make your entryway so fabulous that even your neighbours will be jealous? You've come to the right place. Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 5 recommended firms that fit your needs perfectly.</blockquote>&nbsp;<h4>7. Colonial charm</h4>This charming foyer evokes an old-world charm with walnut tones and black-and-white floor tiles. The suspended shoe cabinet with built-in settee provides storage without visually overwhelming the space. My favourite feature has to be the lovely glass window that helps bring in natural light. It channels old-school textural interest thanks to its frosted arctic pattern.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:865/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/18c60dd4-6cd6-4629-917c-18382a3073be-blob" width="865" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/indoor-art-studio">Indoor Art Studio</a>&nbsp;<h4>8. Seal, don’t reveal</h4>Not a fan of the usual panels that cover up your DB box? Try a bespoke one that can also serve as the back of your shoe bench to keep things concealed. Love the hexagon tiles that extend from the front entrance into the apartment, smoothly blending the foyer with the rest of the home.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/720;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/f445eb8e-77a0-496d-ab59-839efcbd3d05-blob" width="1080" height="720"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:864/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/31c9f159-de40-421a-b287-3c5cf0cc0ddb-blob" width="864" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/homu-homu">Homu Homu</a>

8 Functional Foyers for Every HDB Size

Planning to renovate your HDB flat? Don't forget to check if these renovation works are approved before you start hammering.<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>1. Changing out your bathroom tiles</h4>Want to give your HDB bathroom a fresh new look? You’ll need to get approval from HDB. If you’re a new BTO homeowner, you should also know that you cannot replace your bathroom tiles for the first three years (from the date of completion for the block) to avoid voiding your warranty.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/e91d9c3a-e523-4387-9bc2-3c534d6a6c01-blob" width="720" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/homu-homu">Homu Homu</a>&nbsp;The total thickness shouldn’t exceed 50 mm for the flooring (included screeding) and 25 mm for the walls (including plastering). This should be something your contractor or interior designer already knows, but make sure they are also using pre-packed waterproofing screed and waterproofing membrane before laying your new floor tiles.&nbsp;<h4>2. Extending your bathroom out to the master bedroom</h4>We're all familiar with the challenges of having a small HDB bathroom, so if you're considering expanding your en-suite into the master bedroom, be sure to get approval from HDB beforehand.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:864/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/1b6cc24d-cb99-44ee-9df5-675207b5c14f-blob" width="864" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ethereall">Ethereall</a>&nbsp;Just like changing your bathroom tiles, BTO homeowners can only extend their bathrooms after the first three years. Keep in mind that the extended area shouldn't exceed 600mm in width or have a total floor space of 0.6 m². Also, the extension can't be used for a shower/bathtub or toilet bowl—it has to be a designated "dry area". For example, you could use it for a sink or extra bathroom storage.&nbsp;<h4>3. Getting a personalised front door</h4>We've noticed a lot of homeowners opting for their own personalised front doors lately. It definitely adds a touch of joie de vivre, but just a heads up—if you're thinking of replacing your main entrance door, you'll need to get approval from HDB first.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:864/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/28fc4a13-c9f8-45ca-a84d-5b841ea46766-blob" width="864" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/three-d-conceptwerke">Three-D Conceptwerke</a>&nbsp;One of the main requirements is that the door has to be fire-rated and have a label from an accredited source, and the frame must be self-closing. Just something to keep in mind if you're planning any upgrades.&nbsp;<blockquote>Looking for an interior designer for your HDB renovation? Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 5 recommended firms that fit your needs perfectly.</blockquote>&nbsp;<h4>4. Swapping out those standard HDB floor tiles for something else</h4>If your current HDB flooring is ceramic, homogeneous, terrazzo, marble, parquet/timber, or any other tile type, you'll need approval from HDB before replacing them. But hey, good news—no approval needed if you're just taking out the existing vinyl flooring!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/810;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/f69441bb-4c51-47dd-bc33-8db8b8009eea-blob" width="1080" height="810"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/anhans-interior-design">Anhans Interior Design</a>&nbsp;This is definitely something to think about if you're looking to change up the flooring in a resale flat. And if you're considering overlaying, just remember that the total thickness of the floor finishes and screeding cannot go over 50 mm.&nbsp;<h4>5. Reconfiguring your HDB layout by removing walls or repositioning your internal doors</h4>One major trend we've seen in interior design this year is HDB homeowners going bolder by reconfiguring their interior layout to better suit their lifestyle or to make it less “stock HDB”. We love a good HDB reconfiguration like any other homeowner, but if you are hacking down walls (even partition walls or that pesky wall between your kitchen and service yard!), you will need a hacking permit from HDB. Approval is also needed if you’re looking to reposition your internal doors. And make sure your new entrance isn’t created on a structural wall!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/720;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/f4376bdd-74be-4739-83f7-22fbd695c330-blob" width="1080" height="720"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/buildbuilt">BuildBuilt</a>&nbsp;For some hacking works, HDB may require you to engage a professional engineer (PE) to endorse it. The cost for engaging a PE for endorsement starts from around $600 and can go anywhere to a few thousand dollars, and it may not even lead to an endorsement thereafter so do consider all these before deciding.&nbsp;<h4>6. Extending your liveable space to the common area</h4>Extending your living space to the front of your flats by decking it out and turning it into a liveable area is one way to enlarge your flat's square footage! If you want to do so, make sure you seek approval from HDB first (you don’t want it to be another <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sauna-onsen-spa-hdb-flat-serangoon-central-removed-4472326">sauna saga</a>) and purchase the space in front of your flat, known as the recessed area.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:864/1080;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/478948aa-79df-4912-9a08-67ca6e952de3-blob" width="864" height="1080"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/threehaus-works">Threehaus Works</a>&nbsp;Not all HDB flats are eligible to buy that space however! Your flat must be older (built before 1996) and not part of a DBSS project. Plus, you will need to make sure that whatever you built there won't get in the way of the Fire Safety Code. There are other regulations and costs involved as well, which you can find more information about <a href="https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/sale-of-recess-area">here</a>. Just remember, you can only start getting HDB approval for renovations in that area once you've successfully purchased it.&nbsp;

Homu Homu

Projects completed

Homu Homu

Bangkit Road

Punggol Field