Haven Heights
IKEA-Inspired Space Maximization in a Toa Payoh 3-Room Resale Flat
I recently visited a 3-room resale flat in Toa Payoh called Haven Heights, where a young couple revamped their bedroom with IKEA solutions. They wanted to address storage shortages, cluttered surfaces, and dull finishes. Below is a detailed overview of how the renovation team tackled these issues, step by step.
IKEA-Inspired Space Maximization in a Toa Payoh 3-Room Resale Flat
This renovation proves that even a small Punggol kitchen can benefit from simple IKEA systems. By balancing cost-effective solutions with local constraints, the design team achieved a compact yet functional layout that suits busy families. The result is a space that blends Scandinavian practicality with a breezy coastal vibe.
Location: 3-Room Resale HDB in Toa Payoh
Design Theme: IKEA minimalist efficiency with a focus on vertical storage
Key Features: Multifunctional furniture, under-bed storage, and modular wall systems
The homeowners called on RevoSpaces to help optimize a small 10 sqm bedroom. They needed enough space for rest, work, and occasional downtime, all within a tight footprint. The final setup shows that IKEA’s modular range can transform older flats into practical, modern spaces.
Client Background & Pain Points
The couple recently adopted a hybrid work routine and needed a cozy yet functional bedroom. They outlined three core challenges:
- Cramped Quarters
The existing layout had bulky wardrobes that wasted vertical potential. The floor felt crowded with random items and lacked free walking space. - Storage Deficits
They had only one built-in wardrobe, which could not hold off-season clothing or work materials. This forced them to store belongings in visible corners, causing visual chaos. - Aesthetic Fatigue
The old laminate wardrobe had yellowed over time. Mismatched furniture also added to the visual clutter, making the room feel disorganized.
They hoped to create a calm retreat without overspending on custom carpentry. The result was a “vertical-first” plan, using IKEA’s space-saving products to refresh the room.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
RevoSpaces proposed a “vertical-first” strategy to reclaim valuable wall space and keep the floor clear.
Modular Wardrobe System
- PAX Sliding-Door Wardrobe (60cm depth) with KOMPLEMENT pull-out trays and tie racks. This unit allowed efficient organization of clothing and accessories.
- Integrated SKUBB shoe cabinets into the skirting beneath the wardrobe, hiding footwear neatly.
Multifunctional Furniture
- BRIMNES Storage Bed with four large drawers below. These held linens and out-of-season clothes.
- NORDEN Gateleg Table, which folded away when not in use, doubling as a work desk or vanity.
Vertical Optimization
- BOAXEL Wall-Mounted System above the bed for books and décor.
- SKÅDIS Pegboards beside the workstation to store office supplies in an orderly manner.
This plan ensured minimal items sat on the floor. Most personal items, including work equipment, found homes in compartments or shelves.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Structural Limitations
The home had irregular wall angles common in older HDB flats. Standard IKEA furniture often measures 60cm deep. The team trimmed a MALM dresser from 48cm to 42cm, so it fit snugly. This involved careful cutting and re-laminating edges.
Light Optimization
The couple wanted enough lighting for reading and light tasks. OMLOPP LED strips went under floating shelves, producing about 300 lux at desk level. These strips also added a warm glow in the evenings.
Regulatory Compliance
HDB guidelines sometimes require extra safety measures. In this project, fire-retardant backing was necessary for the PLATSA wardrobe sections. The design team used official HDB-approved materials and finishing, preventing potential fire risks in the multi-level storage.
Key Highlights & Features
Space-Saving Innovations
Under-Bed Ecosystem
- TJENA boxes on casters allowed convenient retrieval of stored items, like bed linens and personal documents.
- FJÄLLBO bed risers added 15cm of vertical clearance, creating enough room to slide containers effortlessly.
Convertible Zones
- IVAR Wall-Mounted Desk that folded down above the nightstand, providing a compact workspace for quick laptop tasks.
- A LACK Wall Shelf with a TJUSIG rail system for hanging decorative pieces or small accessories. These items could be rearranged without damaging walls.
Climate Adaptations
- STUK ventilated boxes prevented mildew in rarely accessed fabric items, an important factor in Singapore’s humidity.
- Antimicrobial TÄRNABY rugs helped reduce mold growth and odor, while adding a soft touch to the room.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a general summary of the costs in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| IKEA Cabinetry & Systems | $6,800 |
| Custom Modifications | $2,500 |
| Lighting & Ventilation | $1,200 |
| Labour & Installation | $3,000 |
| Total | $13,500 |
Each category shows an approximate proportion of the entire budget:
- IKEA Cabinetry & Systems: about 50%
- Custom Modifications: about 18%
- Lighting & Ventilation: about 9%
- Labour & Installation: about 23%
The entire project cost about $13,500, which is 40% below the usual expenses for upgrading a 3-room HDB bedroom. Using modular furniture and minimal custom carpentry helped them save significantly on labor fees.