Stylish Apartment Renovation Ideas without Custom Carpentry
Smart Design Ideas for Small Spaces Without Overspending
Looking to renovate your HDB or condo but worried about high renovation costs? Many homeowners assume that custom carpentry is a must, but the truth is—you can achieve a stylish, functional home without expensive built-ins.
In this budget-friendly industrial apartment makeover, we used smart IKEA storage solutions, DIY painting, and space-saving furniture to create an open, modern, and cozy home. These ideas are perfect for Singapore’s compact homes, whether you’re designing a 4-room BTO, HDB or a small condo.
Read on to see how we transformed a small 2-bedroom apartment into an industrial-style retreat—without custom carpentry.
1️⃣ Open-Concept Kitchen – Industrial Design on a Budget
One of the biggest design statements in our home is the kitchen-dining area, where we took a bold step with a black accent wall. This deep tone creates a warm, cafe-like environment, making the small space feel cozy yet modern.
Since our apartment is space-limited, we opted for an open kitchen concept with functional storage:
Black metal wall racks for easy access to kitchen essentials
White ceramic tiles as a backsplash for a clean, timeless look
Standing stove + oven for our love of cooking and baking
Moveable kitchen trolley that tucks neatly under the counter but can be slid out for extra prep space
Singapore homeowners tip: If you have a small HDB kitchen, consider wall-mounted storage instead of bulky cabinets to maximize space.
Industrial Open Kitchen
White kitchen tiles combined with black metal kitchen rack gives it modern look
2️⃣ Space-Saving Dining Area – Multi-Function & Storage-Friendly
Our dining table is a sturdy long black wooden IKEA table, paired with a custom-made storage bench from repurposed wooden pallets. Painted white, the bench doubles as hidden storage while adding a rustic touch to our industrial theme. If you’re renovating a small HDB or condo, these storage solutions can help maximize space without custom carpentry. Our family spends lots of time in this dining room, not only for eating but also maximize the long table for working and studying. In the weekend, the dining table becomes extra space for Mom’s baking needs.
Budget hack: Upcycling materials like wooden pallets can save you hundreds of dollars while adding character to your home.
Modern and Bold Dining Room
Industrial-style dining room with multifunction benches for storage and black accent wall.
3️⃣ Bathroom Makeover – Stylish Without Built-Ins
We completely renovated the bathroom using homogenous ceramic tiles with a wood-textured finish, creating a modern, spa-like look.
Homogenous ceramic tiles with a warm wood texture for the walls and floors
IKEA wash basin with drawers for practical and functional storage
IKEA mirror wall cabinet for additional storage without bulk
The result? A spa-like, modern bathroom that looks high-end but was budget-friendly and easy to execute with IKEA solutions!
Spa-like Modern Bathroom Makeover
Use ceramic tiles with wooden texture to give modern look. The vertical tiles gives additional height to the tiny bathroom
4️⃣ Simple Yet Bold Bedrooms
To save money, we skipped costly custom wardrobes and went with modular IKEA storage solutions:
Master Bedroom
One black-painted accent wall for a dramatic, modern contrast with the white bed frame
IKEA open wardrobe system – with hangers and drawers, offering a versatile, low-cost alternative to built-in cabinets
Kids’ Bedroom
A tiny space, maximized with IKEA’s extendable white bed that shifts from a single to a queen at night
The same open wardrobe concept for easy, adaptable storage
Cost-saving tip: An open wardrobe system can save you thousands of dollars, while also giving you flexibility to reorganize your storage as needed.
Open Wardrobe Concept
Open Wardrobe with black painted wall gives the industrial feel
Simple Kids Bedroom with orange accent for cheerful mood
Kids bedroom dominated in white to give more spacious feeling
5️⃣ Flooring & DIY Efforts – Where We Spent & Saved
Vinyl flooring with a light wood texture – A budget-friendly alternative to hardwood that maintains the warm, cozy aesthetic.
Contractors for kitchen wall tiles, bathroom flooring, and bathroom walls – These require expert installation, so we invested here.
DIY painting for all walls – A great way to cut labor costs while personalizing the space.
IKEA kitchen cabinet and bathroom cabinet installation service – More affordable than custom carpentry while still achieving a built-in look.
DIY Painting
Cut labor cost by painting the wall ourselves
💡 Key Takeaways: How to Save Money on Your Renovation
Skip built-in carpentry – Opt for modular IKEA wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom storage
DIY painting – A great way to cut labor costs while personalizing your space
Use multi-functional furniture – Storage benches, movable kitchen trolleys, and open wardrobe systems
Hire contractors only when necessary – Focus on flooring, tiling, and essential installations
Choose a cohesive color palette – Our black, white, and wood-tone theme keeps the space stylish yet budget-friendly
Want a Step-by-Step Guide for Your Own Japandi-Inspired BTO?
Our industrial-style renovation was a great success, but if you’re looking for a ready-to-follow, expertly curated guide for your own budget-friendly 4-room BTO renovation, we’ve got something for you!
📥 Download Our eBook: Your Personal Guide To Renovate Your 4-Room BTO Under $30,000 with Japandi Design
This guide includes:
Room-by-room floor plans for an efficient layout
Mood boards & styling tips for a cohesive Japandi theme
Shopping lists & budget breakdowns – No guesswork needed!
Smart IKEA hacks & cost-saving strategies
Want a step-by-step guide for renovating your 4-room BTO? Download our Japandi BTO Renovation Guide and start designing your dream home today!
Download Our eBook:
Your Personal Guide To Renovate Your 4-Room BTO Under $30,000 with Japandi Design
💰 Soft Launch Price: Only $14.90!
(Limited time offer!)
