Our Interior Design SG Confessions: 10 Terrible Things We Did During Your Home Renovation

Look, being an interior designer in Singapore isn’t easy. You're juggling budgets, timelines, expectations, and at least three WhatsApp groups that are constantly typing. For most homeowners, the renovation journey is a huge undertaking, and they trust us to transform their house into their dream home.

But let's be honest; Sometimes, despite our best intentions and meticulous attention to detail, things don’t quite go as planned. Or maybe (just maybe) clients think we’re secretly out to ruin their lives, one design detail at a time. As an established interior design company in Singapore, we believe in honesty. It's the foundation of client satisfaction.

So here it is. A brutally honest, tongue-in-cheek confession of all the "terrible" things we’ve learned throughout our projects.

1. Our 3D Renders Look Slightly Better Than Reality

The visuals are designed to inspire and help you visualise the concept. But sometimes the light, scale, or material finish turns out a little different in real life. The subtle textures and patterns can be tricky to replicate perfectly. We’re not magicians, but every project helps us learn how to close that gap between digital ideas and physical spaces.

2. Our Timeline is a Creative Suggestion

We present a schedule, and our project management team is dedicated to it. However, the renovation process involves numerous moving parts, including contractors, industry partners, and unexpected discoveries behind walls. While we always aim for a smooth job, sometimes a delay is necessary to ensure quality. We're learning to build better buffers and communicate proactively when the timeline needs to be "creative."

3. We Completely Ignore Your Budget

Okay, not completely! But we get carried away with the possibilities. When discussing renovation ideas, our first instinct is to show you the ultimate dream. But don't worry about hidden charges. Once the initial excitement settles, we’ll bring the design back down to earth, helping you make the right choice to manage the final renovation cost and save money without sacrificing the core aesthetic.

4. We Say “Everything Can” (Until It Can’t)

From bathtubs in BTOs to floating vanities in HDB bathrooms, we love to take on a challenge. The essence of good interior design is innovation. But sometimes, the practicalities of a unit's layout or HDB rules catch up, and we have to revise the plan. The intention is always to explore every idea to make your home more functional, even if it needs reshaping.

5. We Recommend White Sofas for Your 2 Kids and 1 Dog

Because nothing says modern luxury and simplicity like a pristine white couch that you’re too scared to sit on, bonus points if it’s fabric, so spills become a permanent memory. It’s a classic battle between aesthetics and functionality, and sometimes we lean too hard into the magazine look.

6. We Install Lighting That Looks Amazing in Photos But Not in Real Life

Yes, your living room has perfect mood lighting for an Instagram reel. But if you want to read or chop onions without squinting, you’ll need a torchlight. Getting the lighting right is key to creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable. We now plan for layers of light, not just the dramatic shot.

7. We Overbuild Carpentry That Leaves No Breathing Space

Storage is important in Singapore, but so is airflow and room to grow. Sometimes we go overboard with built-ins, cramming every wall with storage. But a great design needs breathing space. We’re learning to leave room for flexibility, ensuring the house feels spacious rather than suffocating.

8. We Suggest Trendy Finishes You’ll Hate in 2 Years

Zebra terrazzo? Matt black everything? Rattan cupboard doors? This is where our creativity can get wild. You’ll love it until TikTok tells you it's outdated. We're working on finding that sweet spot between timeless style and trendy materials, so you don’t feel the urge to redo everything in just a few years.

9. We Don’t Think About Ventilation Until Your Wardrobe Stinks

Your walk-in wardrobe looks amazing until your clothes start to smell like a week-old gym bag because there's no airflow. This small detail has a significant impact on the quality of life. Airflow is now a non-negotiable part of our design process checklist.

10. We Make You Sign Off on Stuff You Don’t Understand

Floor plan? Wet works? Isometric elevation with laminate codes? Sure, you nodded through it all. But now you're wondering how your beige feature wall turned out lilac with a glossy stripe. We get excited about the technicals, but we’re committed to simplifying the process and guiding you through every decision, no matter how small.

How These Confessions Improve Your Renovation

These confessions aren’t just for laughs; they represent valuable lessons learned on the job. Every mistake has sharpened our design process and strengthened our commitment to our clients. Here’s the silver lining and what our experience means for your home renovation.

1. You'll Get Clarity & Confidence: We move beyond renders by giving you physical samples of materials and textures to see and feel. We also explain every technical detail in plain English, so you are always empowered and in control of the vision.

2. You'll Get Transparency & Peace of Mind: You receive a detailed, transparent budget with zero hidden charges and a realistic project schedule you can trust. No surprises, just clear communication throughout the entire renovation process.

3. You'll Get a Home That Lasts: We deliver a design that is both innovative and timeless. You get a home that feels fresh and exciting today but remains stylish for years to come, ensuring your investment is a source of pride.

4. You'll Get a Home That Works for You: We design for your real-life needs, not just a photoshoot. This means you get a home with clever storage and truly functional spaces that perfectly match your family’s lifestyle.

5. You'll Get Thoughtful, Everyday Comfort: We focus on the small details that create a significant impact on your daily life. You get a home with professionally planned light and proper ventilation, ensuring comfort is built in, not an afterthought.

Ready to start your home renovation journey with us? Contact us for a free consultation. 

How to Find an Honest Partner for Your Home Renovation SG

Reading this, you might be nervous about starting your renovation. But a good firm learns from its experiences. When you search for ID firms, look beyond the glossy portfolio.

• Check for Authenticity: Look for verified reviews that discuss the process, not just the outcome.

• Ask About Their Process: How do they handle challenges? How do they manage the budget and timeline?

• Find a Personality Match: Your interior designer will be a part of your life for months. Choose a company whose communication style resonates with you. 

Final Thoughts (Before You Fire Us)

Of course, we’re being dramatic. Most interior designers are passionate about their work. We want your home renovation in Singapore to be a success and for you to love the result. But behind every Pinterest-worthy home is a whole lot of learning moments.

The Design Factory is built on a foundation of honesty, creativity, and a commitment to bringing your dream to life. So, whether you're a homeowner planning your renovation or just here for the tea, remember: a little humour goes a long way. And communication goes even further.