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5 Common Home Space Planning Mistakes to Avoid During Your Renovation

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
28/1/2025
An Eclectic Condo by Renologist
An Eclectic Condo by Renologist

Singapore’s homes are famously compact, making every square metre of space precious. That’s why home space planning plays a pivotal role in creating a home that’s not only stylish but also functional and comfortable for everyday living.

But let’s be honest: space planning is easier said than done. From balancing aesthetics with functionality to accounting for flow and storage, it’s a complex process that requires careful attention to detail.

To help you make the most of your renovation journey, here are five common home space planning mistakes to avoid, so you can create a home you’ll love living in.

1. Skimping on Walking Space

A Scandinavian HDB by Darwin Interior
A Scandinavian HDB by Darwin Interior

It’s tempting to maximise every bit of room for furniture or storage, but forgetting to leave enough space for walking paths can turn your home into an obstacle course.

For example, narrow walkways between furniture or built-ins can make your daily movements a chore. Imagine trying to sidestep awkwardly around your dining table or squeezing past your bed to reach the bathroom. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s uncomfortable.

Why This Matters: Wide walking paths don’t just improve flow; they create a sense of openness that makes even a small home feel larger.

Solution:

  • Leave at least 90 cm of clearance for main walking paths.
  • In high-traffic areas, like the kitchen or hallway, you might want even more space for ease of movement.
  • If your room is particularly tight, consider built-ins with sliding doors or multi-functional furniture to save space without sacrificing comfort.

2. Not Allocating Buffer Zones Around the Cooking Hob

A Wabi Sabi HDB by Dailyceed Design Studio
A Wabi Sabi HDB by Dailyceed Design Studio

Kitchens are the heart of many homes, especially in Singapore, where cooking is a central part of our culture. But a poorly planned kitchen layout can lead to daily frustrations—particularly when it comes to the cooking hob.

Picture this: you’re in the middle of preparing a family meal, and your wok’s handle keeps hitting the side wall or cabinetry because there’s no room to manoeuvre. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Why This Matters: Without sufficient space around your cooking hob, even the simplest tasks—like flipping a pancake or stirring a curry—can become unnecessarily complicated.

Solution:

  • Leave at least 25 cm of space on both sides of your hob. This gives you the flexibility to handle larger cookware and ensures better safety.
  • For compact kitchens, explore layouts like galley or U-shaped designs, which can help you make the most of the available space.

3. Ignoring Clearance for Ceiling Fans

A Scandinavian Japandi Masionette by Yangs Inspiration Design
A Scandinavian Japandi Masionette by Yangs Inspiration Design

Ceiling fans are a popular choice in Singapore homes, offering an energy-efficient way to stay cool in our tropical climate. However, their effectiveness—and your safety—can be compromised if they’re installed too close to walls, furniture, or other fixtures.

Why This Matters: Proper clearance ensures that your ceiling fan provides optimal airflow while preventing accidents or damage to nearby objects.

Solution:

  • Maintain a distance of 40-60 cm between the fan blades and walls or built-ins.
  • Consult with your designer to determine the right fan size and placement based on your room’s dimensions. For smaller rooms, opt for compact fans or alternative cooling solutions like wall-mounted fans.

4. Overlooking Toilet Bowl Spacing

A Scandinavian Bohemian HDB by The Interior Lab
A Scandinavian Bohemian HDB by The Interior Lab

Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in your home, but they’re among the most frequently used. A poorly planned layout—especially around the toilet bowl—can make your bathroom feel cramped and uncomfortable.

Why This Matters: Adequate spacing around the toilet bowl isn’t just about comfort; it also affects hygiene and accessibility.

Solution:

  • Allocate at least 75-76 cm of space for the toilet bowl, with approximately 38 cm on each side.
  • If you’re working with a particularly small bathroom, consider space-saving fixtures like wall-mounted toilets or compact basins.

5. Not Leaving Enough Legroom Between the Sofa and Coffee Table

A Minimalist HDB by Original Copy
A Minimalist HDB by Original Copy

When designing your living room, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like sofas and TV consoles while overlooking smaller details—like the clearance between your sofa and coffee table.

Why This Matters: Insufficient legroom can make your living area feel crowded and disrupt the flow of movement, especially when entertaining guests.

Solution:

  • Leave at least 60 cm of space between the sofa and coffee table. This ensures easy movement and a comfortable seating arrangement.
  • If you’re dealing with limited space, consider a smaller coffee table or modular furniture that can be rearranged as needed.

Additional Space Planning Tips

Good space planning goes beyond these five points. Here are a few more tips to consider as you work with your interior designer:

  1. Account for Built-Ins Early: Many Singaporean homeowners choose built-ins for their space-saving benefits. But these should be planned early to ensure they don’t crowd the room or limit future flexibility.
  2. Think Vertical: When floor space is limited, vertical storage solutions—like shelves, lofts, or tall cabinets—can help you maximise storage without compromising on floor area.
  3. Factor in Future Needs: Whether it’s a growing family or evolving lifestyle needs, plan your space with the future in mind. For instance, opt for flexible layouts that can accommodate changes over time.
  4. Test Your Layouts: Use design tools or work with your interior designer to visualise layouts before committing. This can help you identify potential issues early on.

Why Home Space Planning Matters

Overlooking space planning details can lead to regrets down the road—from daily inconveniences to costly renovations. That’s why working with a skilled designer who understands your needs and the constraints of Singaporean homes is so important.

Good space planning doesn’t just make your home look great—it enhances your quality of life by making everyday activities more seamless and enjoyable.

How EZiD Makes Home Space Planning Easier

A Modern Rustic HDB by Swiss Interior
A Modern Rustic HDB by Swiss Interior

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s where we come in.

At EZiD, we specialise in connecting homeowners with Singapore’s top 50 interior designers, all vetted for their expertise and reliability. Whether you’re planning a small HDB renovation or designing your dream condominium, our platform makes it easy to find a designer who suits your style and budget. No more endless searches or second-guessing—just a smooth, stress-free renovation process from start to finish.

Ready to get started? Let EZiD match you with the perfect designer today—for free. Share your renovation needs with us and take the first step towards your dream home!

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

5 Common Home Space Planning Mistakes to Avoid During Your Renovation

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
28/1/2025
An Eclectic Condo by Renologist
An Eclectic Condo by Renologist

Singapore’s homes are famously compact, making every square metre of space precious. That’s why home space planning plays a pivotal role in creating a home that’s not only stylish but also functional and comfortable for everyday living.

But let’s be honest: space planning is easier said than done. From balancing aesthetics with functionality to accounting for flow and storage, it’s a complex process that requires careful attention to detail.

To help you make the most of your renovation journey, here are five common home space planning mistakes to avoid, so you can create a home you’ll love living in.

1. Skimping on Walking Space

A Scandinavian HDB by Darwin Interior
A Scandinavian HDB by Darwin Interior

It’s tempting to maximise every bit of room for furniture or storage, but forgetting to leave enough space for walking paths can turn your home into an obstacle course.

For example, narrow walkways between furniture or built-ins can make your daily movements a chore. Imagine trying to sidestep awkwardly around your dining table or squeezing past your bed to reach the bathroom. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s uncomfortable.

Why This Matters: Wide walking paths don’t just improve flow; they create a sense of openness that makes even a small home feel larger.

Solution:

  • Leave at least 90 cm of clearance for main walking paths.
  • In high-traffic areas, like the kitchen or hallway, you might want even more space for ease of movement.
  • If your room is particularly tight, consider built-ins with sliding doors or multi-functional furniture to save space without sacrificing comfort.

2. Not Allocating Buffer Zones Around the Cooking Hob

A Wabi Sabi HDB by Dailyceed Design Studio
A Wabi Sabi HDB by Dailyceed Design Studio

Kitchens are the heart of many homes, especially in Singapore, where cooking is a central part of our culture. But a poorly planned kitchen layout can lead to daily frustrations—particularly when it comes to the cooking hob.

Picture this: you’re in the middle of preparing a family meal, and your wok’s handle keeps hitting the side wall or cabinetry because there’s no room to manoeuvre. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Why This Matters: Without sufficient space around your cooking hob, even the simplest tasks—like flipping a pancake or stirring a curry—can become unnecessarily complicated.

Solution:

  • Leave at least 25 cm of space on both sides of your hob. This gives you the flexibility to handle larger cookware and ensures better safety.
  • For compact kitchens, explore layouts like galley or U-shaped designs, which can help you make the most of the available space.

3. Ignoring Clearance for Ceiling Fans

A Scandinavian Japandi Masionette by Yangs Inspiration Design
A Scandinavian Japandi Masionette by Yangs Inspiration Design

Ceiling fans are a popular choice in Singapore homes, offering an energy-efficient way to stay cool in our tropical climate. However, their effectiveness—and your safety—can be compromised if they’re installed too close to walls, furniture, or other fixtures.

Why This Matters: Proper clearance ensures that your ceiling fan provides optimal airflow while preventing accidents or damage to nearby objects.

Solution:

  • Maintain a distance of 40-60 cm between the fan blades and walls or built-ins.
  • Consult with your designer to determine the right fan size and placement based on your room’s dimensions. For smaller rooms, opt for compact fans or alternative cooling solutions like wall-mounted fans.

4. Overlooking Toilet Bowl Spacing

A Scandinavian Bohemian HDB by The Interior Lab
A Scandinavian Bohemian HDB by The Interior Lab

Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in your home, but they’re among the most frequently used. A poorly planned layout—especially around the toilet bowl—can make your bathroom feel cramped and uncomfortable.

Why This Matters: Adequate spacing around the toilet bowl isn’t just about comfort; it also affects hygiene and accessibility.

Solution:

  • Allocate at least 75-76 cm of space for the toilet bowl, with approximately 38 cm on each side.
  • If you’re working with a particularly small bathroom, consider space-saving fixtures like wall-mounted toilets or compact basins.

5. Not Leaving Enough Legroom Between the Sofa and Coffee Table

A Minimalist HDB by Original Copy
A Minimalist HDB by Original Copy

When designing your living room, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like sofas and TV consoles while overlooking smaller details—like the clearance between your sofa and coffee table.

Why This Matters: Insufficient legroom can make your living area feel crowded and disrupt the flow of movement, especially when entertaining guests.

Solution:

  • Leave at least 60 cm of space between the sofa and coffee table. This ensures easy movement and a comfortable seating arrangement.
  • If you’re dealing with limited space, consider a smaller coffee table or modular furniture that can be rearranged as needed.

Additional Space Planning Tips

Good space planning goes beyond these five points. Here are a few more tips to consider as you work with your interior designer:

  1. Account for Built-Ins Early: Many Singaporean homeowners choose built-ins for their space-saving benefits. But these should be planned early to ensure they don’t crowd the room or limit future flexibility.
  2. Think Vertical: When floor space is limited, vertical storage solutions—like shelves, lofts, or tall cabinets—can help you maximise storage without compromising on floor area.
  3. Factor in Future Needs: Whether it’s a growing family or evolving lifestyle needs, plan your space with the future in mind. For instance, opt for flexible layouts that can accommodate changes over time.
  4. Test Your Layouts: Use design tools or work with your interior designer to visualise layouts before committing. This can help you identify potential issues early on.

Why Home Space Planning Matters

Overlooking space planning details can lead to regrets down the road—from daily inconveniences to costly renovations. That’s why working with a skilled designer who understands your needs and the constraints of Singaporean homes is so important.

Good space planning doesn’t just make your home look great—it enhances your quality of life by making everyday activities more seamless and enjoyable.

How EZiD Makes Home Space Planning Easier

A Modern Rustic HDB by Swiss Interior
A Modern Rustic HDB by Swiss Interior

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s where we come in.

At EZiD, we specialise in connecting homeowners with Singapore’s top 50 interior designers, all vetted for their expertise and reliability. Whether you’re planning a small HDB renovation or designing your dream condominium, our platform makes it easy to find a designer who suits your style and budget. No more endless searches or second-guessing—just a smooth, stress-free renovation process from start to finish.

Ready to get started? Let EZiD match you with the perfect designer today—for free. Share your renovation needs with us and take the first step towards your dream home!

Share this article