Many of us here in Singapore understand that living in an HDB flat means that you aren’t granted the luxury of space. Most of us have bid goodbye to our Pinterest-esque plans and ideas. And we certainly know that it would be smarter for a bathroom to be functional over aesthetically pleasing.

But do tell, is this really how you want to spend your days? There's a reason they call a toilet a throne. So, we’re going to show you how to take your HDB toilet from bland to grand!

1) A theme

When planning your grand makeover, you’re going to want to decide on a theme. This will leave you with an essentially seamless process later on. By selecting a theme, deciding on individual fixtures and accessories will come easier to you.

Ask yourself, have you always wanted to feel like you’re walking into a rainforest, do you love imagining you’re on a staycation, or maybe you just want to feel like the King or Queen that you are deep down? When it comes to selecting a theme, let your imagination run wild!

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

 2) Let there be light

 Many of us tend to overlook the importance of good lighting. When in fact, the lighting you choose can make or break a room.

If you’ve decided on going for an outdoorsy theme – clean, natural lighting will be your go to. On the other hand, if you’ve chosen to create your very own resort bathroom – warm, mood-enhancing light is what you’re looking for.

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

Aside from the actual colour of your light, there are a million different options available when it comes to your lighting fixtures. While you might have been discouraged in the past, think big and bold when it comes to your lamps. The various silhouettes and shapes do more for creating the mood than you might think!

3) Bathtubs

Before you shake your heads in disbelief, hear us out. Bathtubs add an undeniable touch of elegance and grandeur to a bathroom. Plus, can you imagine how good it will feel to come home after a long day at work and get to soak your troubles away?

If you’re still concerned about the space aspect, opt for a built-in tub. The surrounding area can act as a shelf of sorts – where you can stack and store your various shower essentials. But if you’re a lover of all things vintage, get yourself a claw-foot tub. They’re a little shorter than your modern models and more importantly, they’re gorgeous!

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

4) Make a statement…with your wall

A statement or feature wall is a great way to make any room pop – and your bathroom is no exception! A statement wall can consist of anything from mirrors to brightly coloured tiles. Mirrors help give any room the illusion that it’s bigger than it really is. Coloured mosaic tiles will transport you to faraway places – think Mediterranean vibes!

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

Remember, when considering a feature wall, to stick to one wall. It not only draws attention and gives your room a pop of excitement – but by keeping it to a single wall you won’t risk overwhelming the space.

5) What to do about those pipes?

Absolutely nothing! Well, except maybe adding a coat of paint to help keep them within the theme. Trying to make your pipes blend it with your ceiling and leaving them white is a terrible idea and a wasted opportunity!

Alternatively, trying to cover them up with a partition or a faux wall is even worse. You’re taking away precious height from the already limited space you have to work with.

Try black or copper pipes for a strong, industrial look – make sure you match your sink and shower. Go for a wood-finish paint and hang some indoor plants off of them and you’ve got yourself the illusion of an outdoor, open-concept bathroom.

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

6) Fill up those spaces

For those of you who want to fuse functionality with aesthetics – consider honeycomb wall shelving or a built-in wall. Honeycomb shelving will work wonderfully to complement a cosy theme and a built-in wall for an industrial, minimalistic one!

Try to utilise the spaces that would otherwise go to waste. The space above your toilet bowl is prime real estate for shelving and storage. Instead of adding clutter to a corner for your shampoos and soaps, like many of us do, pay attention to blank spaces that you might miss.

(Image Credits: The Interior Lab)

All in all, when it comes to sprucing up your bathroom, we dare you to break the boundaries. Break some rules! You’ll thank us later. Space constraints shouldn’t have to mean boring and tasteless. Work with what you have but remember to throw in a few surprise elements that show off your personality.

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Looking for more? Register for our Interior Designer's Meet & Greet coming 29 -30th September, at Suntec Level 3 Concourse! 

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