Designing an Executive Maisonette Without Losing Its Scale

Key Takeaways

• Preserving the original openness of an executive maisonette often creates a more comfortable and timeless home than maximising every available wall with built-in storage.
• A well-planned layout, consistent materials, and carefully placed furniture help maintain visual continuity between the two storeys while making each space feel purposeful.
• Choosing the right storage solutions allows homeowners to reduce clutter without making living areas feel enclosed or overly customised.
• Lighting, colour palettes, and the strategic use of glass, mirrors, and open sightlines contribute significantly to making large HDB homes feel brighter and more spacious.
• Working with an experienced interior design firm helps renovation decisions respect the unique proportions of an executive maisonette while meeting the practical needs of modern family living.

Why Executive Maisonettes Continue to Stand Out Among HDB Flats

Executive Maisonettes continue to attract homeowners because they offer something increasingly rare in Singapore’s HDB landscape: generous living space spread across two levels. HDB no longer builds executive maisonettes, making them available only through the resale market. Their limited supply, combined with spacious layouts and flexibility, continues to make them a sought-after option for families looking beyond newer flats.

Unlike many modern HDB flats, where every square metre must serve multiple purposes, an executive maisonette provides the opportunity to create distinct living, dining, work and private zones. This makes thoughtful interior design even more important. The goal is not simply to modernise the home, but to preserve the openness and sense of scale that make this flat type so distinctive.

Features that make executive maisonettes desirable include:

• Separate living and private zones: The split-level layout naturally separates entertaining spaces from bedrooms, creating greater privacy while reducing everyday noise between floors.
• Larger floor area: Executive maisonettes typically offer significantly more usable space than newer HDB flats, giving homeowners greater flexibility when planning furniture, storage and circulation.
• Greater renovation potential: The generous footprint allows for creative design solutions such as open kitchens, enlarged communal spaces, home offices or multi-functional family areas without compromising comfort.
• Adaptability for changing lifestyles: Families can easily create spaces for growing children, elderly parents, home offices or changing lifestyle needs thanks to the generous floor plan.

While these qualities create exciting design opportunities, they also require careful planning. In our experience, the most successful executive maisonette renovations preserve the home’s original sense of scale while introducing practical improvements that suit modern lifestyles.

The Biggest Mistakes That Reduce the Scale of an Executive Maisonette

One of the most common misconceptions is that a larger home should contain more built-in features, more decorative elements and more customised storage. In reality, excessive additions often work against the strengths of an executive maisonette.

The goal is to enhance the home’s openness while introducing practical improvements that support everyday living.

Common renovation mistakes include:

• Installing excessive built-in cabinetry: Floor-to-ceiling storage across open communal spaces can overwhelm the interior and reduce the sense of openness. Built-ins should be incorporated only where they genuinely improve functionality.
• Creating unnecessary partitions: Dividing already spacious rooms into smaller enclosed areas interrupts natural light and limits visual continuity, making the home feel smaller than it actually is.
• Using too many different finishes: Frequent changes in flooring materials, wall colours, textures or ceiling treatments break up the visual flow between spaces. A consistent material palette creates a more cohesive interior.
• Selecting furniture that is out of proportion: Oversized sofas, dining tables or storage units can dominate a room and restrict movement. Furniture should complement the scale of the space rather than overpower it.
• Treating each floor as a separate design project: Both levels should feel connected through a consistent design language. Colours, finishes, lighting and materials should work together to create a unified home.

A successful executive maisonette renovation focuses on improving functionality without sacrificing the generous proportions that distinguish these homes from other HDB layouts.

How to Design an Executive Maisonette Without Compromising Its Spaciousness

Designing an executive maisonette successfully starts with respecting the home’s original proportions. Instead of filling every available space, each design decision should improve functionality while maintaining openness. A thoughtful layout, cohesive finishes and well-planned storage all contribute to a home that feels spacious, organised and comfortable for years to come.

Prioritise an Open and Connected Layout

One of the greatest advantages of an executive maisonette is its generous communal space. Keeping the living, dining and kitchen areas visually connected allows natural light to travel further and creates a stronger sense of openness.

Where structural limitations allow, homeowners often choose to:

• Open the kitchen to improve interaction between family members.
• Remove unnecessary partitions that no longer suit modern lifestyles.
• Define functional zones through furniture placement instead of additional walls.
• Maintain clear walkways between spaces to improve circulation.

An open layout also makes the home feel more welcoming when entertaining guests while providing greater flexibility as family needs evolve. At The Interior Lab, we often evaluate how walls, furniture placement, and circulation work together before recommending structural changes, helping homeowners improve openness without compromising functionality. 

Choose Storage That Supports the Home Instead of Dominating It

Storage remains essential in every home, but more cabinetry does not always result in a better design. In an executive maisonette, oversized built-ins can easily overpower the generous proportions that make the property attractive.

Instead, focus on storage that blends naturally into the design.

Examples include:

• Limit full-height cabinetry to feature walls in communal areas 
• Under-stair storage that maximises otherwise unused space.
• Window seating with concealed compartments.
• Built-in wardrobes that integrate seamlessly with bedroom walls.
• Floating cabinets that provide storage while exposing more floor area.

Keeping selected areas visually open creates balance between functionality and spaciousness. Our designers often integrate storage into underutilised areas, such as staircases and window seating, so homeowners gain additional storage without overwhelming the interior. 

Create Visual Continuity Between Both Floors

Although the two storeys serve different purposes, they should feel like parts of the same home rather than separate projects.

Maintaining consistency across both levels helps strengthen the overall design.

Consider carrying one or more of the following elements throughout the maisonette:

• Similar flooring materials where practical.
• A cohesive colour palette.
• Matching timber tones or stone finishes.
• Consistent lighting styles.
• Repeating architectural details such as fluted panels or curved edges.

This continuity encourages the eye to move naturally throughout the home, making the entire space feel larger and more harmonious. We often recommend developing a consistent material palette early in the design process so every room feels connected from the ground floor to the upper level. 

Let Natural Light Become a Design Feature

Natural light has a significant impact on how spacious a home feels. Executive maisonettes often benefit from larger windows than newer flats, making daylight one of the home’s greatest assets. Maximise natural light through thoughtful design choices. Keep bulky furniture away from windows and choose lighter window treatments that allow daylight to flow throughout the home. 

Simple ways to brighten the home include:

• Selecting sheer curtains that soften sunlight without obstructing it.
• Using glass partitions where privacy requirements are minimal.
• Positioning mirrors to reflect daylight deeper into the interior.
• Choosing lighter wall colours to distribute light more evenly.
• Keeping window areas relatively uncluttered.

Combined with layered artificial lighting, these decisions create brighter interiors throughout the day and evening.

Design Priorities for Every Area of an Executive Maisonette

Different spaces within an executive maisonette require different design priorities. Understanding how each room functions helps homeowners make renovation decisions that preserve both comfort and scale.

A room-by-room approach lets each part of the executive maisonette serve its purpose while contributing to a cohesive overall design.

Room-by-Room Interior Design Ideas for an Executive Maisonette

Every room in an executive maisonette contributes to how spacious the home ultimately feels. Design each area with the overall layout in mind so every room connects visually and functionally with the rest of the home. This creates a smoother flow between spaces while allowing each area to serve its intended purpose. 

Design the Living Room Around Comfort and Conversation

The living room is one of the main communal spaces in an executive maisonette, making its layout an important part of the home’s overall flow. Because of its generous proportions, there can be a temptation to fill the room with oversized furniture or numerous decorative pieces. Instead, focus on creating a layout that encourages interaction while preserving open walkways.

Some practical design ideas include:

• Position seating to create a natural conversation area instead of pushing furniture against every wall.
• Leave sufficient clearance around the sofa and coffee table to improve movement.
• Use a feature wall sparingly so it enhances the room without becoming visually overwhelming.
• Incorporate layered lighting with ceiling lights, floor lamps, and wall lighting to create warmth during the evening.

A well-balanced living room should feel welcoming without appearing crowded.

Keep the Dining Area Visually Connected

The dining area works best when it feels like a natural extension of the living space. Maintaining visual continuity between both zones helps reinforce the openness of the maisonette.

Simple design strategies include:

• Selecting a dining table that suits the room’s proportions rather than choosing the largest possible size.
• Using pendant lighting to define the dining space without adding physical barriers.
• Maintaining consistent flooring throughout both areas.
• Allowing enough circulation space around dining chairs for comfortable movement.

This approach creates clearly defined spaces while maintaining an open-plan atmosphere.

Transform the Staircase into a Design Feature

The staircase is one of the defining characteristics of an executive maisonette. Instead of treating it purely as a functional element, it can become an architectural focal point that connects both floors.

Popular design approaches include:

• Timber handrails paired with modern balustrades.
• Feature lighting along stair risers.
• Vertical timber slats that provide subtle definition without blocking light.
• Decorative wall finishes that draw the eye upwards.

Avoid enclosing the staircase unnecessarily, as maintaining visibility helps reinforce the home’s vertical openness.

Design Bedrooms for Flexibility

Bedrooms should provide a sense of calm while accommodating changing lifestyle needs over time. Instead of installing excessive built-in furniture, prioritise layouts that leave sufficient open floor space.

Good bedroom design often includes:

• Built-in wardrobes positioned along one wall rather than multiple walls.
• Neutral colour palettes that create a relaxing environment.
• Furniture sized appropriately for the room to maintain comfortable circulation. 
• Flexible layouts that can adapt as family needs change.

Keeping bedrooms uncluttered allows them to feel larger while improving everyday comfort.

Small Design Details That Make a Large Difference

Creating a spacious executive maisonette often comes down to the smaller design decisions. While layouts and furniture receive the most attention, subtle details significantly influence how the home is experienced on a daily basis.

Consider incorporating the following elements throughout the renovation:

• Use a consistent colour palette: Neutral colours combined with carefully selected accent tones create continuity across both floors without making the home feel repetitive.
• Select flooring thoughtfully: Using the same flooring material across connected spaces strengthens visual flow and reduces unnecessary transitions.
• Layer lighting instead of relying on a single source: Combining ambient, task, and accent lighting allows each room to adapt to different activities while enhancing depth.
• Introduce texture carefully: Timber, stone, fabric and metal finishes add warmth without creating visual clutter when used in moderation.
• Decorate intentionally: Artwork, plants, rugs and accessories should complement the space rather than compete for attention.Artwork, plants, rugs, and accessories should complement the space rather than compete for attention. A few carefully chosen pieces often have greater impact than numerous decorative items.

These finishing touches help preserve the spacious feel of an executive maisonette while adding personality that reflects the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Executive Maisonette Interior Design That Stands the Test of Time

A successful executive maisonette renovation is not defined by how many features are added, but by how well the home supports everyday living while preserving its spacious character. Thoughtful planning, cohesive design choices and purposeful use of space allow homeowners to enjoy the advantages of one of Singapore’s most distinctive HDB layouts for years to come. Every element, from the layout and storage solutions to the materials and lighting, should work together to enhance the home’s natural sense of scale.

As an experienced interior design firm, we believe every executive maisonette should reflect the people who live in it while retaining the qualities that make these homes so desirable. At The Interior Lab, we work closely with homeowners to create spaces that balance functionality, comfort and timeless design. If you’re planning to renovate your executive maisonette, we’d be happy to help you transform it into a home that feels spacious, cohesive and designed around your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an executive maisonette renovation usually take in Singapore?

The renovation timeline depends on the scope of work. Cosmetic updates may take several weeks, while full renovations involving electrical work, carpentry, flooring and kitchen remodelling typically require at least three months. Working with an experienced interior design firm supports proper planning and smoother project coordination.

Can an executive maisonette have an open concept kitchen?

Yes, many executive maisonettes can accommodate an open concept kitchen, provided the renovation complies with HDB regulations. Before removing any walls, homeowners should confirm if they are structural and obtain the necessary approvals where required. Before removing any walls, homeowners should confirm whether they are structural and obtain the necessary approvals where required.

What flooring works best for an executive maisonette?

Popular options include engineered timber, porcelain tiles, and vinyl flooring. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, maintenance preferences and the overall interior design concept. Using consistent flooring across connected spaces also helps maintain visual continuity.

Is it possible to add a home office without making the home feel smaller?

Yes. Instead of building permanent partitions, many homeowners use flexible furniture layouts, glass dividers or multi-functional rooms to create dedicated workspaces while preserving openness.

Why should I engage an interior design firm for an executive maisonette renovation?

Executive maisonettes present unique design opportunities and challenges due to their size and split-level layout. An experienced interior design firm can help optimise the layout, recommend practical design solutions, coordinate renovation works and create a cohesive home that makes the most of the available space.