If there’s one interior design style that people keep going back to, it’s the classic white and wood combo – and for good reason. White gives off a bright and airy feel that opens up your space, while wood can make your home instantly cosier.

It’s also one of the most versatile interior design styles out there. With its ability to balance warm and cool tones, textures, and finishes, white and wood can work in many spaces (from modern to traditional, and everything in between) to create a variety of moods and atmospheres. Here are some ways you can achieve this classic and timeless aesthetic – and even elevate it – for your HDB flat!

1. Add a touch of luxury

Elevate your white and wood aesthetic with touches of luxury, like this open-concept HDB resale flat. Instead of plain white walls or tiles, consider using stone surfaces to add some elegance to your home. Gold or chrome accents that aren’t too flashy can also result in a space that’s both timeless and classy.

2. Keep to one tone…

Choosing different types of wood can be overwhelming, so why not simplify the design process by using just one type? This 4-room BTO flat consistently uses a single tone of walnut laminate throughout the space to create a cohesive and harmonious look for the entire flat. If you want to update the look of your flat over time, you can easily do so by changing out your décor items and accent pieces, such as swopping a muted pampas arrangement on your countertop for one with an explosion of colours and textures.

3. … or use varying tones instead!

Keep things visually interesting with varying shades of brown, like this 4-room flat. If you’re unsure how you can create a balanced look with mixed tones, here’s a tip – start by picking a dominant tone to be used in a large area (such as flooring or a feature wall),  then introduce other contrasting tones to create more depth and dimension to your overall design.

4. Add a touch of black

Black in a white and wood home? Hear us out – it works! Just take a look at this resale HDB flat, which sports the classic white-and-wood look with a twist. Black steel-framed glass doors are used to demarcate spaces in the home, which add a slight industrial edge, all while allowing light to pass through the home for a bright and airy feel.

5. Complement with non-white and wood furnishings

Take the white and wood design style to the next level by incorporating colourful furnishings and accents that can add a playful and personal touch – just like this resale HDB flat which gives off bohemian chic vibes with its mix of patterns, colours, and decor pieces. The key is to choose colours that complement the white and wood elements of the home without overpowering them. For example, shades of green or yellow give off a fresh and cheerful vibe.

6. Maximise your space with carpentry

For this resale HDB flat with a MUJI-inspired interior, space maximisation was a top priority. The flat incorporates clever carpentry ideas such as a built-in TV console that doubles as a dining bench, as well as a headboard that extends sideways into a study nook and bedside storage unit.

7. Mix it all up!

One of the great things about the white and wood aesthetic is that it works with virtually any interior style – so much so that each room can have a different style, while coming together so nicely. Take a look at this resale HDB flat which may look like your typical Scandinavian-style apartment.

However, when you step into the kitchen, you’ll find a classic farmhouse aesthetic, complete with shaker-style cabinets, subway tiles and chrome fittings. The use of white cabinetry and natural wood countertops create a bright and airy space that is perfect for cooking and entertaining.

And for the bathroom, check out the louvered foldable doors that add a little retro charm. See what we mean by versatile?

Check out Design Ideas and Home Tours for more interior inspiration, and remember to familiarise yourself with the required renovation permits before commencing your renovation journey! For more information and tips, read our guide to renovating your flat.

The article was adapted from a version first published by Qanvast. Check out the original article on Qanvast.

HDB does not endorse any products, persons, places that are featured.