Getting interior design ideas from professional home stylists or decorators can help you rethink the scheme of your furniture and accessories using existing pieces intelligently. Got a major renovation on your hands? Hiring an interior designer in Singapore is a must if you want your home to have that ‘wow’ factor. Whether you own or rent, you can get your space looking just the way you want it with help from home stylists and decorators! Here are some expert tips on elevating your space.
E&A Interiors – Chlöe Elkerton
How can E&A Interiors help our readers with their interior design?
E&A Interiors is a bespoke interior design studio specialising in creating unique and beautiful homes full of character and warmth whilst capturing everything that you need and treasure about your home. We offer a full range of interior design and decorating services, from refreshing a single room, several rooms, custom cabinetry and furniture, right through to fully managed larger scale renovations of apartments, landed houses and black-and-whites.
With over 15 years of experience designing high-end homes in Singapore and internationally, we work with a dedicated and trusted network of contractors, suppliers, furniture makers and artisans. We manage every aspect of the project to allow for a seamless and stress-free experience with consistent communication, time management and clear budgeting. Our expansive knowledge and site experience helps us always strive for the best solutions alongside our meticulous attention to detail which ensures a perfectly finished project.
We take a personalised approach to the design and help our clients turn their aspirations for their home into a reality. Whether it’s a rented apartment or a renovation project, we aim to breathe new energy into a home. We thoughtfully listen to understand our clients’ needs and collaborate closely with them using our keen and objective eye. We’ll often try to encourage them to step outside of their comfort zone! We fundamentally believe in creating quality interiors that stand the test of time, whether we’re designing an entire house or a corner of a room. And we always try to introduce new elements to keep our work looking fresh and interesting.
Do you work with specific looks or styles?
We strive to create homes that are original, welcoming and full of character. Spaces that reflect the spirit of their owners while also enriching their daily lifestyles. Our unique look is achieved through our detailing and layering, whether that is in pattern, colour, texture, mixing old and new or through materials. We then adapt this personalised approach for each client, resulting in a design that’s personal to them. We work with clients existing furniture, their treasures and artworks, incorporating them with new pieces and building schemes that are rich and full of depth. The result is homes that are visually interesting and carefully considered. In our design studio, we house an impressive library of fabrics and wallpapers from incredible designers such as Peter Dunham, Penny Morrison, Lisa Fine and Fermoie. These are often the starting point of our designs.
How do you balance functionality with aesthetics in your designs?
We take the time to fully understand our clients lifestyle and needs, and how they will use spaces so we can enrich their daily lives. Our craft is in getting the right balance between form, function, and atmosphere. The ultimate goal is to be surrounded by style, comfort and the memories that you want to feel and see every day.
What do you love about your job?
At E&A Interiors we are all really passionate about what we do! Each project is different, and we like to push the boundaries to make our work fresh and exciting. I think this shines through in the finished result. We love designing inspiring and joyful homes and creating environments for our clients that are reflective of their lives. We always inject a little magic into the spaces!
I personally love that being a designer enables me to draw on my passion for design, nature, travels and wonderful textiles and bring these inspirations to every home. I enjoy meeting diverse and interesting people and also seeing the smile on a client’s face when they see the final transformation of a space which makes all the hard work worth it!
eandainteriors.com | info@eandainteriors.com
Havana Interiors – Grace Hooper
Tell us about Havana Interiors and how it can help our readers with their interior design.
Havana Interiors specialises in high-end renovation and interior design. I’ve been operating my boutique company in Singapore since 2018 – I’m an Australian expat with over 19 years of experience in renovation and interior design. With entrepreneurial parents buying and developing property, I grew up on a construction site from a young age, and renovated my first property at 22. Since then, I haven’t looked back, and I’m definitely at my happiest when at work on a busy construction site seeing a transformation in progress!
We also help clients who are moving from abroad to set up and furnish their new homes, so that when they arrive in Singapore they can settle in straight away. Being a boutique service, we offer personalised assistance every step of the way during the design process. We liaise with all of the contractors, furniture stores and organise delivery to ensure a seamless and stress-free process.
We also have a new service called ‘Designed in a Day’, which is especially beneficial for longer term expats who need a refresh and some updating of some items of furniture. It includes coming to your home and assessing the space, helping with moving furniture and styling the spaces using your existing pieces. We bring in a handyman to hang artworks, and also help you to source any pieces needed to complete your home. This is a boutique service I offer in conjunction to my regular clients – and the demand has been high, which is great.
Tell us about some of your renovation projects
We have furnished and renovated condos, shophouses, black-and-whites, penthouses and Good Class Bungalows (GCB).
Just completed is a full renovation of a $40 million GCB, which includes a new tennis court, pool, wine cellar, gym and nine bathrooms and two kitchens! Everything has been stripped back and redone. It’s been an amazing project over the last year and a half, and the final result is stunning.
Why is hiring an interior designer beneficial?
Havana Interiors designs clever spaces that are functional, beautiful and mindful of what will be the best long-term design. We also save you money as we’ve done this many times over – we have the contacts, ideas and problem-solving skills to ensure you don’t have any costly mishaps along the way. We stay away from ‘fast furniture’ and select pieces that stand the test of time, both in design and quality. It’s better for the environment and also your wallet as you don’t need to replace items after a few years.
Clients often show me their home country property, so when designing their Singapore residence I can ensure the pieces will fit and suit their home overseas when they relocate.
Hiring Havana Interiors means you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience of all things building and furniture. We’ll save you from any potential issues as this is what I live and breathe (and also dream about at night)! We’ve built strong relationships with stores and suppliers over the years, both in Singapore and abroad. Having your home perfectly designed and cohesive is worth the investment for happiness and a carefree lifestyle.
As an interior designer, do you have a specific aim or style?
We aim to encapsulate the feeling of peace and calm in the home, with a relaxed vibe and a neutral palette where colours can be added to reflect each season. Each item is selected with purpose and care to fit the design of the room, and the clients’ needs. Since many people live in apartments here, I bring the outdoors in with plants and as much natural light as possible, to ground us with nature and back to the feeling of tranquillity.
What do you love most about your job?
My favourite part is getting to know people I wouldn’t have met otherwise! My clients range in age and ethnicity, and I get to see their artefacts and trinkets from their travels or expat stints around the world, which I incorporate in my designs. This also gives me an insight into their personality and their style. Seeing the transformation still excites me, but also witnessing the clients delight in their new home gives me great personal satisfaction!
grace@havana-interiors.com | havana-interiors.com
WTP Style – Naazli Somjee
How can WTP help our readers in terms of their interior design?
When clients move from abroad, we are happy to work with them via email on setting up and furnishing their space in Singapore so when they arrive, they can move in fuss free. We can even assist them down to the nitty gritty of bed linens and kitchen items so they don’t need the stress of trying to figure out where to purchase these items. In some cases, a client has the home pretty much set up and simply wants to swap out one piece, we can assist by looking at their overall space and existing pieces and help them match the new piece to the space. And, if the project is more extensive, we can do everything from the moveable furniture to the decorative items like cushions, carpets, artwork, lights and curtains. As home stylists, we help with spatial planning and colour coordination.
What we also do, which is special, is avoid a decorator’s cookie-cutter style – rather we listen to the client in terms of how they live. Then we can propose a design that works for them and their personality. Small-batch production also means that not every client gets the same look. WTP Style can also help with interior design that doesn’t need a massive overhaul to the space if someone is only renting the apartment.
How does a client know they will work well with an interior designer?
A first meeting with the designer to go through ideas and inspiration together will establish what kind of working relationship you want from the start. The conversation here is what gives you an inkling of whether you gel or not. You need to be able to share details of your life and space with your designer. If you feel comfortable doing this, then you are off to a great start! Having a designer help you see how you can evolve your design ideas is also a big plus. The most important thing is to have a one-on-one conversation with the designer as that helps you understand one other.
Is there a specific look or style that you work with?
As home stylists, we listen to the client to find out what they want, and work based on that, not just a standard template. We start by discussing the over-arching theme or an all-important piece around which they may want to build the design theme. We also need to take into account functionality or practicality of a space, like if there is an elderly parent or if there’s a need for separate work from home spaces.
I love to encourage my clients to play with colours and a juxtaposition of contemporary plus vintage, pattern plus plain, rustic or ethnic, for example, depending on what they love. The idea is to showcase more of their personality and less of mine. Even if they struggle to articulate exactly what they want, I work to understand the feeling they are trying to evoke. Our collection in the showroom is ever evolving to reflect this.
What do you love about your job?
The relationship is so personal because someone has invited me into their home – I meet the most fascinating people who end up becoming fast friends! Also, I love that every project is different, and that each time I’m bringing someone’s vision to life. I love also being able to incorporate artwork, artefacts and textiles from a client’s heritage and travel journey into the space so it truly feels like a space that is unique to them. Your home environment affects your mental health, sleep patterns, ability to switch off and rest. Helping clients to understand that about their homes and creating the spaces that they feel safe and calm is just an incredible feeling for me.
Originals – Geri Murphy
How can Originals help our readers with their interior design?
We may not be professional interior designers, but we’re passionate about helping our customers create spaces that feel uniquely theirs. Whether it’s offering guidance on space planning or recommending pieces that complement their home, we’re here to bring their vision to life.
Step into our showroom and explore over 40 thoughtfully designed settings, each telling a story of craftsmanship, culture, and character. Drawing inspiration from around the world – India, Africa, Europe, and Asia – our curated displays highlight rich textures and natural materials, offering loads of inspiration to shape your personal style.
Do you specialise in specific looks or styles?
Our collection is designed for versatility, but we’re naturally drawn to three key styles: Wabi Sabi, Japandi, and Rustic. These aesthetics embrace simplicity, balance and organic beauty, providing a cohesive direction for those seeking harmony in their interiors.
At our core, we believe in timeless design and quality craftsmanship. Many of our pieces – such as bed frames, dining tables, and sideboards – have remained relevant for decades. This goes to show that well-made furniture isn’t just a trend; it’s a long-term investment in your home.
What is your team passionate about?
Beyond aesthetics, we’re deeply committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing. Every piece in our collection is carefully chosen to reduce environmental impact, from ethically sourced timber to durable materials designed to last. Sustainability isn’t just a consideration – it’s woven into everything we do.
In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, we take a different approach. We encourage mindful choices, favouring quality over quantity. Our goal is to offer furniture that our customers love for years, not just seasons, making every purchase a meaningful step towards a more sustainable future.
How do you incorporate these eco-friendly elements into your designs?
Sustainability is at the heart of our craftsmanship. Our timber furniture is made from responsibly sourced solid teak and oak, ensuring that every piece carries both warmth and environmental integrity. Our sofas come with removable, washable covers; this extends their lifespan while offering adaptability to changing styles.
If you’re looking to refresh your home with timeless, eco-conscious furniture, and create spaces that not only look beautiful but also contribute to a healthier planet, we invite you to explore our collection.
1 Bukit Batok Street 22, #05-02/03
6471 9918 | originals.com.sg
Arete Culture – Caroline Chin Geyler
How would you recommend a reader choose the right interior designer for them?
I think expertise counts just as much as the connection you have with your interior designer. An interior designer’s job is to push you out of your comfort zone so you consider ideas and products that you wouldn’t have before. After all, you have hired them because you like their taste and their work. It’s quite an intimate process, so trust in your designer is fundamental in making the journey fun and comfortable.
I recommend having an in-person conversation with potential designers, home stylists or decorators before hiring them. You should also look at client reviews for comments on the process. The way we work with each client is different. We’ve done whole projects where the homeowners are out of the country and have literally given us keys to their space. We’ve also done homes where the client has a keen interest in decorating and wants to be more involved in the process. The thread that binds these projects is the client’s trust and comfort in us, which is often something mutually established from the first meeting.
Do you work with specific looks or styles?
Our projects are less about adhering to a specific style and more about fusing the characteristics of a space, the functionalities required and lifestyles of our clients. To that end, Arete Culture always aim for homes that feel cohesive, comfortable, and most importantly, are an extension of our clients. We believe the end result is a reflection of our clients’ aesthetic sensibilities, fine-tuned with a designer’s eye for tactile, subtle details. Their homes are always spaces that they intuitively resonate with.
Our process takes away the stress that comes with building a home to allow our clients clarity on what they need from their space. This way, we can understand how to design a home that has longevity – a space that will grow with them as their lifestyle changes and their needs evolve. This is why our interior design concepts tend to forgo excessive built-ins. While useful in increasing storage or creating focal points at home, the designs can feel limiting in the years to come.
With our roots in interior styling, we prefer to focus on building good, classic bones for the home. We then supplement that with versatile standalone pieces that can be moved around more easily. These pieces are always made with hard-wearing solid wood, natural stone, glass and powder-coated steel. Or they are upholstered in fabrics that will always provide a great base to style with, in greys, creams and blues.
What do you love about your job?
I love helping our clients understand that the homes we live in have such a big impact on our lives. Having a well-designed home doesn’t just mean it looks beautiful, but that it functions the way you need it to and can transform your mood and wellbeing. I particularly love moments when clients open the door to their freshly made-over space. Knowing we as home stylists have helped them bring their dream space to life is something I will never take for granted.
Make Room – Barbara Fritschy
Tell us about Make Room and how it can help our readers with their interior design.
We believe that great design should be easy, accessible and tailored to fit your lifestyle. Make Room was founded over a decade ago, and built on the idea that everyone deserves a beautiful, functional home – without the hassle. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or undergo a full-home renovation, our team ensures a seamless experience from concept to completion.
We take care of everything: space planning, material selection, renovation coordination, furniture sourcing, carpentry detailing and final styling, all while making sure the process remains transparent, flexible and stress-free.
Give us an insight into your renovation projects.
No two projects are the same. We specialise in curating unique spaces that reflect our clients’ personalities, balancing aesthetics with practicality. Our portfolio ranges from modern minimalist apartments and cosy Scandinavian-inspired homes to bold, statement-making interiors filled with character.
As an interior designer, do you have a specific aim or style?
We love working with different textures, colours and materials to bring depth and warmth to a space. Whether it’s transforming an HDB flat into a light-filled sanctuary, redesigning a shophouse with a blend of vintage and contemporary elements, or optimising small spaces for maximum functionality, every project is crafted with a thoughtful, hands-on approach.
At the heart of Make Room is a team of passionate designers who live and breathe interiors. We’re obsessed with the details – the way natural light changes a space, how the right fabric or finish can make all the difference, and how every home should tell a story. More than just making things look good, we focus on how a space makes you feel. We want our clients to come home to a place that feels like them – one that’s beautiful, practical and an absolute joy to live in.
What do you love most about your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is seeing our clients light up when they step into their transformed space. We love the creative challenge of turning ideas into reality and helping people navigate the design process with ease.
Nothing beats the moment of a big reveal – when a once-empty space becomes a cosy, well-loved home. Whether it’s a small design tweak or a full-scale renovation, we love knowing that we’ve helped create a space where memories will be made.
20A Amoy Street
make-room.com | 6222 3042 | IG @makeroomsingapore
Patria Home & Decor – Patria Ramadha
How can Patria Home & Decor help our readers with their interior design?
From simple refreshes to seamless makeovers. Clients may be looking to redecorate a living and dining room, bedrooms, transform the entire home or move into an empty house. Patria is here to help, from conceptualising the design, selecting materials, finding the furniture, refurbishment work and curating accessories, to the finishing touches on makeover day. As home stylists, we have transformed many homes in Singapore, from black-and-white houses, big bungalows and luxury condos to HDBs. Our experienced team will help you to make your dream home a reality.
We have recently expanded our services to include commercial space designing and styling as well, from restaurants to offices.
What questions do you typically ask your clients before getting to work?
I always start with information on which areas of the home need help. Usually, my clients want to transform the whole part of the home, but many of them prioritise the open space (living, dining, balcony) and master bedroom first. What style they are looking for is the most important thing to ask to set the character of the home. Then I can envision how to bring out the personality of the client to my styling work. That’s why I believe every home should be different.
The family profile and daily routines or hobbies is an important aspect to ask about as it will actuate the space planning. What existing elements will they reuse and what other items will I need to source or create for them? I also need to establish if there are meaningful pieces that we need to highlight in the design. Lastly, I always try to work within my client’s budget, so it’s important to know whether they want a high-quality piece or something more affordable (without sacrificing quality). This will then determine where to source the furniture and other pieces.
Do you specialise in specific looks or styles?
I love to mix and match different styles – it helps in making a home look cosy without overlooking the luxe feel. I grew up admiring Art Deco, colonial and tropical designs. As I grew older, I started to fall in love with geometrics and textures in contemporary style. That background has brought a little bit of eclectic in my design. I guess I would define my style as ‘Contemporary Eclectic’. This style is actually perfect if you wish to use your current furniture and add on some new pieces to change the look.
Of course, as good home stylists will know, when it comes to designing clients’ homes, it’s not about what they like, but what the client likes. It’s important for me to capture my client’s personality. My job is really running through their vision through my filter and knowledge. I’ve had a range of enquiries from coastal style, bohemian and classic American to Hollywood glam. The advantage of being eclectic is I understand how to bring into play different types of style when it’s required.
What do you love about your job?
Everything! Mostly because I can fully express my creativity and ideas. While styling and sourcing is a big part of the job, being organised and project management are things I’m passionate about. It’s very gratifying to know that my work has contributed to enhancing other people’s quality of life. Because design and styling is not only about how it looks, but also how it works in daily life. A happy client is the best reward, and this is a pure satisfaction for me as a designer.
201 Joo Chiat Road, #02-05
8040 5274 | patriahomeanddecor.com
Still looking for some great interior design ideas? Head to our Homes page for more inspiration!
