8 Best Interior Design & Renovation Firms in Singapore 2026 — HDB BTO, Resale & Condo (Costs + How to Vet)
Lifestyle

8 Best Interior Design & Renovation Firms in Singapore 2026 — HDB BTO, Resale & Condo (Costs + How to Vet)

Choosing a renovation firm is the highest-stakes decision of any home move — get it wrong and you lose months and tens of thousands of dollars. Singapore's ID scene in 2026 runs from established full-service firms that handle HDB BTO to resale to condo, to design-led studios for distinctive condo/landed work, plus tech-enabled end-to-end platforms. We mapped 8 across those tiers — with real 2026 cost ranges by flat type, the must-do vetting checklist (HDB licensing, CaseTrust-RCMA, Qanvast Trust deposit protection), BTO-vs-resale scope, and which suits a budget BTO vs a design-first condo.

Marcus Wong9 June 202611 min read

Choosing a renovation firm is the highest-stakes decision of any home move — get it wrong and you lose months and tens of thousands of dollars. Singapore's ID scene in 2026 spans established full-service firms, design-led studios, and tech-enabled platforms.

> Before you do anything else: use Qanvast to shortlist firms, compare quotes, and — most importantly — use its Trust Program, which holds your payment and releases it to the firm by completed milestone. It's the single best protection against a firm taking your deposit and disappearing.

Pricing throughout is approximate 2026 and varies hugely by scope, materials, and carpentry volume — always get a written quote and compare line-by-line.

How to use this list

TierFirmsBest for
Established full-serviceSwiss Interior, Weiken.com, Icon Interior DesignFirst-time BTO + resale, all-rounder reliability
Design-led / premiumThe Carpenters Design Group, Free Space Intent, AkihausDistinctive condo/landed, design-first owners
Boutique / space-smartMr Shopper StudioCompact homes, storage optimisation
Tech-enabled platformLivspaceFixed-price transparency + warranty

What renovation actually costs in 2026

PropertyTypical rangeNotes
3-room BTO~S$35k-50kMinimal hacking
4-room BTO~S$45k-65kThe SG mainstream
5-room / exec BTO~S$55k-80kMore carpentry
Resale flat+30-50% vs BTOHacking, rewiring, replumbing, surprises
Condo~S$60k-120k+Highly variable by size + finish

Carpentry is usually the single biggest line item. Money-saving levers: keep the existing layout, reduce custom carpentry, choose mid-tier materials. Always hold a 10-15% contingency for variation orders — especially on resale flats where hidden issues surface once hacking starts.

The vetting checklist (do NOT skip)

  1. HDB licensing — for HDB flats, the contractor must be on HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors; hacking/structural works require an HDB-licensed contractor
  2. CaseTrust-RCMA accreditation — standard renovation contract + prescribed deposit structure + deposit performance protection if the firm folds
  3. Qanvast Trust Program — milestone-based payment protection (the strongest anti-scam safeguard)
  4. Milestone payment schedule — never pay a large lump sum upfront; 50%+ before real work = red flag
  5. Everything in writing — every item, material, dimension, brand
  6. The assigned designer — at bigger firms, your designer matters more than the brand; vet their personal portfolio
  7. Recent reviews + completed projects in your exact flat type

Red flags: 'today-only' pressure, no written contract, no fixed showroom, quotes far below everyone else, large upfront deposits.

ID firm vs contractor vs Qanvast

  • ID firm = design + project management + build, single accountability — what most BTO/condo owners want
  • Renovation contractor = executes works, no design direction — cheaper if you'll design + project-manage yourself
  • Qanvast = discovery platform + Trust Program escrow — the matchmaker, not the renovator

The smart move: find your ID firm through Qanvast (compare + Trust protection), engage them directly via the platform.

Timeline — start 2-3 months before key collection

StageTime
Research + shortlist (Qanvast)Start 2-3 months out
Quotes from 3-5 firms + meet designers2-4 weeks
Compare, negotiate, choose1-2 weeks
Design + 3D + materials + contract2-4 weeks
Build — BTO6-10 weeks
Build — resale10-16+ weeks

For HDB BTO: you can only renovate after key collection, but engage your firm + finalise design *before* keys so work starts immediately — popular designers book out fast.

Pair with

*Cover image: Pexels (modern living-room interior — multi-brand category image per image-source policy). Firm details are general positioning; confirm current packages, pricing, HDB licensing, and CaseTrust-RCMA status directly with each firm.*

8 Singapore interior design & renovation firms at a glance — 2026

FirmTypeBest forNote
Swiss InteriorEstablished full-serviceFirst-time BTO, all-rounderBroad style range
Weiken.comEstablished full-servicePackage-driven BTO/resaleScandi/muji/contemporary
Icon Interior DesignEstablished full-servicePractical mid-market HDB/condoDependable all-rounder
The Carpenters Design GroupDesign-led / premiumDistinctive condo/landedBigger budgets
Free Space IntentAward-decorated, largeDesign-ambitious briefsResidential + commercial
AkihausDesign-ledCoherent design visionArchitectural detailing
Mr Shopper StudioBoutique, space-smartCompact/small homesStorage optimisation
LivspaceTech-enabled platformFixed-price transparencyProductised + warranty
1
Swiss

Swiss Interior — Established Full-Service (HDB + Condo)

Swiss Interior is one of Singapore's larger, longer-established interior design firms — a safe-pair-of-hands all-rounder that handles HDB BTO, resale flats, and condominiums end-to-end. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: turnkey full-service (design concept + 3D visuals + project management + in-house/partner carpentry), a broad portfolio spanning modern contemporary, Scandinavian, muji, and luxe styles, so they're not locked to one aesthetic. WHO IT SUITS: owners who want an established firm with a deep portfolio and structured processes rather than a one-person studio — particularly first-time BTO owners who value hand-holding through the whole renovation. WHAT TO CHECK: which specific designer is assigned to you (at bigger firms the designer matters more than the brand), recent completed projects in your exact flat type, and the milestone payment schedule. CONFIRM current package pricing directly — published packages change, and the final number depends on your scope, materials, and carpentry volume.

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2
Weiken.com

Weiken.com — Structured Packages, Scandi/Muji/Contemporary

Weiken.com is a well-known mid-to-large Singapore ID firm with a strong online presence and a process-driven approach to HDB + condo renovation. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: structured renovation packages, solid space planning, and a clean contemporary / Scandinavian / muji aesthetic that photographs well and suits the mainstream SG taste — a reliable default for BTO and resale owners who want a clear, organised journey from concept to handover. WHO IT SUITS: owners who like the reassurance of a defined package and a firm with visible reviews + a large completed-project gallery, rather than a fully bespoke (and pricier) design studio. WHAT TO CHECK: exactly what the package includes vs excludes (carpentry runs, appliances, haulage, sanitary fittings are common add-ons), the assigned designer's own portfolio, and the deposit/payment milestones. As always, get the current quote in writing and compare it line-by-line against 2-3 other firms.

Free quote / design consultation

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3
Icon

Icon Interior Design — Mainstream HDB + Condo Full-Service

Icon Interior Design is an established Singapore residential firm covering HDB BTO, resale, and condo projects with full-service design + build. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: dependable mainstream residential work across a range of styles (contemporary, modern luxe, transitional), with the project-management muscle to coordinate the trades — carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, painting — so owners aren't juggling subcontractors themselves. WHO IT SUITS: BTO and resale owners who want a competent full-service firm without paying the premium of a high-design studio — the practical middle of the market. WHAT TO CHECK: as with any larger firm, the individual designer assigned to you is the real variable — ask to see their personal completed projects (not just the company gallery), confirm the warranty/defects-rectification terms, and pin down the payment schedule. Pricing varies widely by scope; get the written quote and benchmark it.

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4
The

The Carpenters Design Group — Bespoke, Design-Forward

The Carpenters Design Group (often just 'Carpenters') is a design-forward Singapore firm known for bespoke, curated interiors — the step up when distinctive design matters more than the lowest quote. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: a strong visual identity, considered material palettes, and statement spaces that go beyond the standard BTO package look — typically condo, landed, and higher-end HDB projects. WHO IT SUITS: owners with a bigger budget who care about design distinctiveness and are renovating a condo or landed home, or a BTO owner willing to invest more for a non-generic result. WHAT TO CHECK: design-led firms command higher fees, so be clear on the design fee vs build cost split, the scope of customisation, and timeline (bespoke detailing takes longer). Ask for projects similar to yours in property type + budget band, and confirm who handles on-site project management. Get the quote in writing and understand exactly what drives the premium.

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5
Free

Free Space Intent — Award-Decorated, Large Portfolio

Free Space Intent is one of Singapore's larger award-decorated interior design firms, with a broad residential + commercial portfolio. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: scale, a long list of design awards, and the ability to deliver across a wide range of styles and project sizes — from HDB and condo homes to commercial fit-outs — backed by the resources of a sizeable established firm. WHO IT SUITS: owners who want the reassurance of an award-recognised firm with a large body of completed work, and who may have a more design-ambitious brief. WHAT TO CHECK: at a firm of this scale, your specific designer + project team are what determine your experience — ask who they are and to see their personal portfolio. Confirm the project-management process, the warranty terms, and the milestone payment schedule. Awards signal capability but don't replace your own due diligence on the assigned team; get the written quote and compare.

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6
Akihaus

Akihaus — Design-Led, Architectural Interiors

Akihaus is a design-led Singapore firm known for considered, architectural interiors — the choice for owners who treat their home as a design project rather than a checklist of carpentry. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: a thoughtful, design-driven approach with attention to spatial flow, proportion, and material detailing, often on condo and landed homes (and design-conscious HDB owners). WHO IT SUITS: owners who prioritise a coherent design vision and are willing to invest in it — people who've saved reference images for years and want a designer who'll elevate, not just execute, the brief. WHAT TO CHECK: design-forward studios typically charge a design fee and work to a more considered (longer) timeline, so align on budget, fee structure, and schedule upfront. Ask to see completed projects in a similar style + property type, and clarify how build/project management is handled (in-house vs partner contractor). Get the written quote and understand the design-fee component.

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7
Mr

Mr Shopper Studio — Boutique, Space-Planning & Storage-Smart

Mr Shopper Studio is a boutique design-forward Singapore ID known for space-planning and storage-smart design — particularly valuable for compact HDB flats and smaller condos where every square metre counts. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: a considered, often data- and lifestyle-informed approach to layout and storage, turning awkward or small spaces into functional, stylish homes without the generic 'package look'. WHO IT SUITS: owners of smaller or oddly-configured homes who need clever space optimisation, and style-conscious buyers who want a boutique studio's attention rather than a high-volume firm's conveyor belt. WHAT TO CHECK: boutique studios offer closer designer attention but have less capacity, so confirm their availability for your timeline. Clarify the design fee, the scope of custom carpentry (their storage solutions are often bespoke), and project-management arrangements. Ask for completed projects in your flat size, and get the written quote — bespoke storage design can carry a premium that's worth it for small homes.

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8
Livspace

Livspace — Tech-Enabled End-to-End Platform

Livspace is a tech-enabled interior design platform (operating across the region including Singapore) that takes a more standardised, end-to-end approach than a traditional bespoke studio. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: in-house + partner designers matched to you, a digital design-and-quote process with itemised fixed-price quotes, productised carpentry/materials catalogues, and a warranty on the work — appealing to owners who want transparency and a structured, app-tracked journey rather than the open-ended back-and-forth of some traditional firms. WHO IT SUITS: BTO and condo owners who value upfront fixed pricing, clear cataloguing, and process transparency, and who are comfortable with a more systematised (less fully-bespoke) design model. WHAT TO CHECK: confirm exactly what the fixed quote covers vs add-ons, the warranty terms + who services them, and the designer assigned (the platform model still hinges on your individual designer). Read recent reviews for project-management consistency, and as with every firm, benchmark the quote against 2-3 traditional firms on identical scope.

Free design consultation with an expert interior designer

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does HDB BTO vs resale vs condo renovation cost in Singapore in 2026?

TYPICAL 2026 BALLPARK RANGES (these vary hugely by scope, materials, carpentry volume, and finish level — treat as a starting reference, not a quote): HDB BTO (new flat, minimal hacking needed): 3-room ~S$35,000-50,000; 4-room ~S$45,000-65,000; 5-room / executive ~S$55,000-80,000. RESALE FLATS: typically 30-50% MORE than an equivalent BTO — because older flats need more hacking, full rewiring, replumbing, possible structural/waterproofing works, and removal of the previous owner's fittings. A 4-room resale can easily run S$60,000-90,000+. CONDOS: highly variable — ~S$60,000-120,000+ depending on size, whether it's new (developer-finished, less work) or resale, and the finish level; high-end condo + landed projects go well beyond. WHAT DRIVES THE NUMBER: (1) CARPENTRY is usually the single biggest line item (built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, feature walls) — more carpentry = more cost. (2) HACKING + masonry (removing walls, re-tiling). (3) Electrical rewiring + additional points. (4) Material/finish tier (laminate vs quartz vs sintered stone, etc). (5) Whether you need new windows, aircon, or sanitary ware. MONEY-SAVING LEVERS: keep existing layout (avoid hacking walls), reduce custom carpentry (use freestanding furniture), choose mid-tier materials, and don't over-spec rooms you'll rarely use. BUDGET BUFFER: always hold back 10-15% contingency for variation orders + surprises (especially in resale flats where hidden issues surface once hacking starts). Get the written quote and compare scope line-by-line across 2-3 firms — the lowest bottom-line number often just means items were left out.

How do I vet a renovation firm and avoid getting scammed (deposits, CaseTrust, HDB licensing)?

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART — renovation horror stories almost always trace back to skipped due diligence. THE VETTING CHECKLIST: (1) HDB LICENSING — for HDB flats, the contractor must be on HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). Hacking + structural-related works require an HDB-licensed renovation contractor; using a non-listed contractor for HDB works can mean penalties + you bear liability. Check the directory on HDB's website. (2) CASETRUST-RCMA ACCREDITATION — look for firms jointly accredited under CaseTrust + the Renovation and Decoration Advisory Centre (RCMA). Accredited firms use a STANDARD RENOVATION CONTRACT, must follow a prescribed deposit-payment structure, and carry deposit performance protection — a major safety net if the firm folds mid-project. (3) QANVAST TRUST PROGRAM — if you source through Qanvast, its Trust Program holds your renovation payments and releases them to the firm by completed milestone (plus insurance coverage up to a cap). This is one of the strongest protections against a firm taking your deposit and disappearing. (4) PAYMENT SCHEDULE — insist on milestone-based payments tied to completed stages; NEVER pay a large lump sum upfront. A common red flag is a firm demanding 50%+ before work meaningfully starts. (5) WRITTEN CONTRACT — every item, material, dimension, and brand spelled out; verbal promises are worthless. (6) REVIEWS + COMPLETED PROJECTS — read recent Google/Qanvast reviews (look for project-management + after-sales complaints, not just pretty photos), and ask to see completed projects in your flat type. (7) THE ACTUAL DESIGNER — at larger firms, your assigned designer matters more than the brand; vet their personal portfolio. RED FLAGS: pressure to sign 'today only' deals, reluctance to put things in writing, no fixed address/showroom, quotes far below everyone else (corners will be cut), and large upfront deposits. Get 3+ quotes minimum.

Interior designer (ID firm) vs renovation contractor vs Qanvast — what's the difference and which do I need?

THEY'RE DIFFERENT THINGS: (1) INTERIOR DESIGNER / ID FIRM — provides DESIGN (concept, 3D visuals, material + layout selection, styling) AND usually manages the build by coordinating contractors on your behalf (design + project management + carpentry). You pay for design expertise + a single point of accountability. Best for: owners who want a cohesive designed result and don't want to manage trades themselves (most BTO/condo owners). All 8 firms in this list are ID firms / design-build outfits. (2) RENOVATION CONTRACTOR — executes the physical works (hacking, masonry, electrical, plumbing, tiling, carpentry) but typically does NOT provide design direction. Cheaper if you already have a clear design + are willing to project-manage + source materials yourself. Best for: experienced owners, simple refreshes, or those on a tight budget who'll do the design legwork. For HDB flats the contractor must be HDB-listed regardless. (3) QANVAST — is NOT a firm; it's a DISCOVERY PLATFORM / marketplace that helps you find + shortlist ID firms, browse real completed projects + reviews, request quotes from multiple firms, and (crucially) use the Qanvast Trust Program for milestone-based payment protection. Think of it as the matchmaker + escrow layer, not the renovator. WHICH DO YOU NEED: most Singapore homeowners doing a full BTO/resale/condo renovation want an ID FIRM (design + build + accountability), and the smart move is to FIND that firm through Qanvast (to compare options + get Trust Program protection). Go direct-to-contractor only if you have the design sorted and the time/expertise to project-manage. PRO TIP: you can use Qanvast to shortlist 3-5 firms, get quotes, then engage the ID firm directly through the platform to keep the Trust Program protection.

How long does renovation take, and when should I start engaging firms (BTO key collection timeline)?

RENOVATION DURATION (from works commencing, not from first enquiry): HDB BTO (new flat, minimal hacking) typically 6-10 weeks; RESALE flats 10-16+ weeks (more hacking, rewiring, waterproofing + potential surprises add time); CONDOS vary widely with size + scope. Add buffer time — variation orders, material delays, and defects-rectification routinely push timelines. WHEN TO START ENGAGING FIRMS: begin 2-3 MONTHS BEFORE your key collection / move-in target. The realistic sequence: (1) 2-3 months out — research + shortlist firms (use Qanvast), browse portfolios, read reviews. (2) Get quotes from 3-5 firms + meet the designers (this alone takes 2-4 weeks of back-and-forth). (3) Compare quotes line-by-line, negotiate, choose. (4) Design + 3D + material selection + contract signing (2-4 weeks). (5) Then the build (6-16+ weeks per above). FOR HDB BTO SPECIFICALLY: you can only start renovation AFTER key collection, but you should engage your firm + finalise the design BEFORE keys so works can start immediately — popular firms + designers book out, especially around peak BTO completion waves. Engaging late = either waiting for your preferred designer or settling for whoever's free. ALSO: HDB has rules on renovation timeframes + permitted hours (generally no noisy/hacking works on Sundays + public holidays, and restricted hours otherwise) — your HDB-listed contractor handles the permits, but confirm. PRO TIP: don't sign with a firm before key collection without confirming the contract protects you if your BTO completion date shifts (delays happen) — clarify deposit + scheduling terms for that scenario.

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