Eclectic Interior Design in Singapore: A Guide to Living with Story and Soul

By: Lynette Lin
September 24, 2025

Introduction

In Singapore, eclectic interior design is less about following a single trend and more about embracing what makes a home truly personal. It thrives on stories—objects found, pieces repurposed, memories layered into the design.

Take a project that we have done on  38 Kim Pong Road in Tiong Bahru, the home of Jin, an eco-conscious creative who lives by the belief that “you don’t need everything brand new.” 

Her flat is alive with second-hand finds from Salvation Army, Junkies’ Corner, and Carousell. An old study table was transformed into a bathroom vanity, leftover tiles became a coffee table, and even kitchen curtains were crafted from recycled plastic by local artist Kang. Peranakan tiles, Wu Guanzhong’s artwork, and cheerful hand-painted walls come together to create a space that feels at once sustainable and soulful.

 

Or Our Home in Bedok North, where Keith and Lin Na turned a blank, wall-less HDB into a colorful, ever-evolving treasure trove. With an open plan connecting dining, sofa, and workspace, their flat feels airy and flexible. Vintage furniture, Moroccan tiles, and handmade art add vibrancy, while little updates—a plant here, a postcard there—keep it alive. For them, home is not static but an ongoing story of comfort, care, and character.

 

Together, these projects show what eclectic interior design in Singapore is really about: homes that evolve, that embrace imperfection, and that feel unmistakably lived in.

The Essence of Eclectic Interior Design

Eclectic design is not about chaos—it’s about balance through contrast. Vintage blends with modern, bold tiles meet clean white walls, and heirlooms sit beside travel mementos. It’s a style that invites experimentation while still holding harmony. The secret lies in curation: knowing what to mix, what to reuse, and what to let shine.

Origins of Eclectic Interior Design

Globally, eclectic interiors draw from many influences—classic European, Asian heritage, modern art, and global crafts. But in Singapore, it has a distinct character: resourceful, layered, and deeply personal. It reflects a culture of thrift, creativity, and reinvention. In 38 Kim Pong Road in Tiong Bahru, that meant elevating pre-loved pieces with new purpose. In Our Home in Bedok North, it meant letting daily life slowly shape the interior. In both, eclectic design isn’t a style to copy—it’s a way of living.

The 5 Core Elements of Eclectic Interior Design

Mix of Styles: Old with new, refined with humble, global with local.

Pattern & Color Play: Tiles, textiles, and art introducing energy, anchored by neutral backdrops.

Textures in Dialogue: Wood, rattan, stone, fabric, and even repurposed plastics layered to create depth.

Personal Narrative: Every object carries a story—whether thrifted, handmade, or collected over time.

Evolving Spaces: Homes that adapt and grow with their owners, always open to change.

How to Bring Eclectic Interior Design Into Your Home

Start with Meaning
Look for what you already love—heirlooms, art, travel finds—and let them guide the design.

Embrace Second-Hand
Pre-loved furniture and repurposed pieces add character and reduce waste. The beauty of eclectic homes lies in their imperfections.

Layer Boldly, Edit Wisely
Play with prints, tiles, and colors, but balance them with calm surfaces so the design feels curated, not cluttered.

Let Life Shape the Space
Homes evolve with time—don’t rush to finish them. Add slowly, update often, and let comfort lead.

Source with Story
From thrift shops to artisan studios like Journey East, Second Charm, or Scene Shang, seek pieces that feel alive with history and craft.

 

Thinking about eclectic interior design in Singapore? Let’s shape a home that’s layered with story, full of soul, and always evolving—just like life itself.