How we designed around the unsightly HDB beams? (Before & After part 1)
Our reno is finally 95% completed and I'm excited to share some before & after photos!
Our old 4 room resale had a handful of awkward reinforced concrete (RC) beams that broke the visual flow of the space. Some were overhead above where the bed head was, others were vertical beams in the living, entrance and study rooms. I think this issue still exists even in newer BTOs.
Here's how we designed around:
1. The vertical RC pillars in the living and study room: Partition wall with niche shelving (photos 1v2, photos 3v4)
- Partition wall to push out and flush the entire wall surface by up to 15-20cm. This gave us a few benefits - i) neatened the look of the area, ii) allowed us to conceal our TV wiring into the wall and down to the TV console, iii) incorporate recessed wall lighting with a pair of gypsum bobas, iv) get creative with a organic shaped niche with shelving.
2. The overhead beam in the masterbed room: feature wall with headboard
- I'm not a big fengshui believer, nor in superstitions, though I do agree with the psychological reasoning behind certain design advice from FS practitioners. One of them relates to having a horizontal beam directly above your head where you sleep. The presence of the physical protrusion may have a subconscious impact on the mind - giving a feeling as if there is something oppressive overhead, affecting restful sleep. To tackle this, I suggested a slight partition board to push the wall out slightly, and add a plaster feature wall just for aesthetic reasons. This reduces the depth in which our bed would go under the reinforced beam.
3: The overhead beam at the dining: curved profile partition
Even as our renovation went underway, and the design was sort of "finalised", something about the straight, rectangular entry into the dining area felt lacking. I eventually chanced upon a certain interior design project which inspired the idea of curving up the whole beam. The box up was necessary anyway as we had a pair of aircon trunking running along that beam. Instead of a rectangular box up, I persuaded my ID to incorporate a curved profile (even though it costs more).
Now whenever anyone enters our home, the curved feature that greets us becomes a key feature in our Japandi home.
#japandi #renovationtips #interiordesign
Dealing with unsightly reinforced concrete beams in HDB flats can be quite a design challenge, especially when they interrupt the visual flow or impact the comfort of living spaces. From my personal experience renovating an older HDB flat, I found that embracing these structural elements as design features rather than obstacles makes a significant difference. One effective strategy is to build partition walls that not only hide vertical beams but also serve multiple purposes. By extending the wall surface by 15 to 20 cm, it creates a sleek backdrop for mounting TVs and neatly conceals wiring, eliminating clutter. Adding recessed lighting within the partition wall further elevates the ambience, while custom niche shelving allows for creative display or storage options, integrating the beam seamlessly into the room’s character. Overhead beams in bedrooms can create a subtle psychological effect of feeling 'closed in' or pressured, which is why I opted for a plaster feature wall with a slight setback to reduce the beam’s prominence. This approach balances aesthetics and comfort by minimizing visual intrusion without major structural changes. Even if you don’t subscribe fully to feng shui, this design tactic helps promote a more restful atmosphere. For dining areas, converting a traditional rectangular box up around an overhead beam into a curved profile not only conceals essential air conditioning trunking but introduces an eye-catching architectural element. This softens the otherwise sharp lines and welcomes guests with an inviting flow—an inspiration I derived from contemporary interiors that emphasize organic shapes. Overall, these thoughtful modifications showcase how HDB resale flats with existing RC beams can be transformed with practical, stylish solutions. The key lies in integrating function and form, turning limitations into unique focal points that enhance the Japandi style's harmony and simplicity embraced throughout the renovation.
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