Living Room Renovation Singapore
Feature walls, false ceilings and flooring — inside HDB’s rules, without the drama.
OUR CREDENTIALS
Feature walls, false ceilings and flooring — inside HDB’s rules, without the drama.
LIVING ROOM RENOVATION SINGAPORE
Living Room Renovation for HDB and Condo Homes
The living room carries a home’s most visible finishes, and each of them has its own HDB rulebook: false ceilings have a minimum height and material rules, floor tiles are permit work while vinyl is not, and the household shelter in many flats simply cannot be hacked or tiled. FC Interior Design has renovated Singapore living rooms since 1990 as an HDB-approved contractor — designing feature walls, ceilings and flooring that pass inspection the first time.
WHAT TO TAKE NOTE
What HDB Allows in a Living Room Renovation
Three rulebooks shape most living room designs.
False Ceilings and Cove Lighting
False ceilings and L-box designs need no permit, but HDB requires at least 2.4m of clearance from the finished floor, non-combustible materials, and fixings within 6mm diameter and 40mm depth — and no gas pipe may ever be enclosed inside a false ceiling. Cornices and pelmets have their own 2.10m minimum. Owners are responsible for removing and reinstating ceiling works if inspection ever requires it. Source: HDB Renovation Guidelines for Building Works (updated June 2026).
Feature Walls and Flooring
New wall finishes can be laid over existing ones with adhesive up to 13mm — with no third layer allowed — and reinforced-concrete walls must not be hacked to key tiles; a spatterdash bond is the compliant method. On the floor, vinyl, laminate and carpet need no permit at all, while replacing floor tiles is permit work with a 50mm total-thickness cap. The material choice changes the paperwork, so we settle it early.
The Household Shelter Is Not a Wall
The bomb shelter’s internal faces cannot be tiled, plastered or hacked, its door and notice must stay untouched, and only removable screws in non-metallic inserts up to 50mm may go into it — with anything mounted removable within 48 hours if ever required. The practical answer is to design storage and feature walls around the shelter rather than on it, and we treat it that way from the first drawing.
OUR METHODOLOGY
How We Renovate a Living Room, Step by Step
Ceilings, walls and floor each have their own order — and the shelter sets the boundaries.
1. Initial Consultation
We measure ceiling heights, locate the household shelter and services, and assess the existing floor before design starts.
2.Detailed Design Exploration
Vinyl and laminate need no permit; tile replacement does — we confirm your flooring route and file any application as an HDB-approved contractor.
3. Personalised Design Concepts
Feature wall, ceiling design and lighting plan are drawn within the clearance and material rules, with the shelter designed around, not on.
4. Expectations & Actionables
Floor works go first where included, using the compliant method for the chosen material.
5. Meticulous Implementation
Ceiling works, feature wall and carpentry are built with compliant fixings, wiring completed before anything is closed in.
6. Customer Satisfaction
Lighting scenes, switches, alignment and finishing are checked with you at handover.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Design Concepts for Singapore Homes and Businesses
Visual concepts from our studio — ask us to walk you through completed project work relevant to your space.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Hear from Those Who Know Us Best
Real reviews from homeowners and businesses we have worked with — we are rated a perfect 5.0 on Google.
“Three words to describe Luke and Michelle: credible, meticulous and proactive.”
“I did my kitchen renovation with FC Design. They gave good advice and recommendations on the design and materials, with quality workmanship. Follow-up and updates were very prompt. I’ll definitely recommend FC Design for your home renovations!”
“My wife and I engaged Luke and Michelle after comparing with several IDs. They were very professional and responsive — constant updates on progress without us prompting.”
“I did my house renovation with Michelle. She gave good design and good quality of material. I recommend Michelle for your dream home renovation.”
“Very professional in what they do! The quote was prompt and updates were consistent. Absolutely recommended, A++! Everything was according to plan.”
“Super professional design firm. Deserves the three Rs — responsive, responsible and reliable. Never regretted this decision!”
OUR SERVICES
Crafting Ideal Interiors: What's Your Vision?
Residential, commercial and defined-scope renovation — each with its own detailed guide on this site.
Residential Interior Design
Crafting exquisite, bespoke designs for your home, from HDBs to condos and landed houses, ensuring that each space beautifully reflects your lifestyle, taste, and individuality.
Commercial Interior Design
Creating functional and aesthetic designs for diverse commercial spaces, including offices, retail shops, and cafes, that resonate with your brand and serve your business goals.
Renovation Contractor
Offering renovation services for distinct spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, and toilets, providing the flexibility to renovate specific areas directly with contractors for tailored projects.
CONTACT US
Tell Us About Your Space
Contact one of our Design Consultants to discuss your project.
- Share Your Vision
- Brief us about your project and design aspirations.
- Complimentary Design Evaluation
- We offer a preliminary assessment of your project.
- Exploring Possibilities
- Discuss potential design impacts and explore various design ideas.
- Receive an Estimated Project Proposal
- Get a non-obligatory estimated cost for your project.
Phone: +65 6444 0555
Whatsapp: +65 9888 2723
Email: sales@fcinteriordesign.net
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (By appointment only)
Contact one of our Design Consultants to discuss your project.
Phone: +65 6444 0555
WhatsApp: +65 9888 2723
Email: sales@fcinteriordesign.net
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (by appointment only)
ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an HDB permit for a living room renovation?
Usually not: false ceilings, feature walls and vinyl or laminate flooring are permit-free. Replacing floor tiles is permit work. We confirm the scope and file anything needed as an HDB-approved contractor.
How low can my false ceiling or L-box go?
HDB requires at least 2.4m of clearance from the finished floor for false ceilings (2.10m for cornices and pelmets), non-combustible materials, and no gas pipes enclosed inside.
Can I tile or panel the bomb shelter wall?
Not the internal faces — no tiles, plaster or hacking there, and the door and its notice must stay untouched. Mounting on the shelter is limited to removable screws in non-metallic inserts up to 50mm, removable within 48 hours if required.
Which flooring avoids permits entirely?
Vinyl, laminate and carpet. Replacing ceramic or other floor tiles needs a permit and must stay within 50mm of total thickness including screed.
What are the rules for feature walls?
Overlay finishes with adhesive up to 13mm with no third layer; timber or mirror panels with fixings within 6mm diameter and 40mm depth; and no hacking of reinforced-concrete surfaces to key tiles — a spatterdash bond is the compliant method.
Who carries out the work?
Contractors in HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors. FC Interior Design is an HDB-approved contractor renovating Singapore living rooms since 1990 — call +65 6444 0555 or WhatsApp +65 9888 2723.