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17 Design Ideas Trending for 2017
Some old favourites mix with surprising new picks in what's in for your homes this new year
Chiquit Brammall
29 December 2016
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
It’s the new year, and with it, big plans to refresh your home. Here’s a preview of 2017 design trends to inspire you, picked out from Houzz data gathered from popular photos and stories, as well as expert forecasts.
1. Japanordic: Scandi-style with a Japanese twist
Testament to our love for things Scandinavian and Japanese, popular Singaporean blogger Mr. Brown posted on social media over the holidays: “Half of Singapore is in Iceland/Finland/Norway and the other half is in Hokkaido issit?”
Danish designers have been taking inspiration from Japanese design since 1863, coining the design term Japanordic, but it’s only recently that Singapore homes got in on this style fusion. We’re developing our own version of Scandi-style with a Japanese twist, and we’re going to see more if this, especially in space-starved homes, this year.
Testament to our love for things Scandinavian and Japanese, popular Singaporean blogger Mr. Brown posted on social media over the holidays: “Half of Singapore is in Iceland/Finland/Norway and the other half is in Hokkaido issit?”
Danish designers have been taking inspiration from Japanese design since 1863, coining the design term Japanordic, but it’s only recently that Singapore homes got in on this style fusion. We’re developing our own version of Scandi-style with a Japanese twist, and we’re going to see more if this, especially in space-starved homes, this year.
2. See more green(ery)
Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017 is a fresh and zesty shade called Greenery. On the heels of a rough 2016, the hue brings hope and renewal, as well as a dose of nature’s colour indoors.
Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017 is a fresh and zesty shade called Greenery. On the heels of a rough 2016, the hue brings hope and renewal, as well as a dose of nature’s colour indoors.
3. Decorate with denim
The other colour of the year is Denim Drift, according to paint authority Dulux. Like Greenery, this is a colour that seeks to counter the past year’s topsy-turviness – blue is relaxing and calming. And the fun thing is that you can use both colours together as they’re complementary!
8 ways to dabble in denim for casual chic rooms
The other colour of the year is Denim Drift, according to paint authority Dulux. Like Greenery, this is a colour that seeks to counter the past year’s topsy-turviness – blue is relaxing and calming. And the fun thing is that you can use both colours together as they’re complementary!
8 ways to dabble in denim for casual chic rooms
4. Grey is still in
This favourite neutral is still going on strong, and why not – it’s very versatile and sophisticated-looking.
Inspiration from the 10 most popular family rooms of 2016
This favourite neutral is still going on strong, and why not – it’s very versatile and sophisticated-looking.
Inspiration from the 10 most popular family rooms of 2016
5. Muted metals
Rose gold (or copper) was big in 2016, and will still figure in a lot of designs in 2017 – it’s a popular choice for bathroom and lighting details – but a matte yellow gold is gaining ground. It’s glamorous without being garish, and brings just the right touch of quiet luxury.
This house gleams with muted metals
Rose gold (or copper) was big in 2016, and will still figure in a lot of designs in 2017 – it’s a popular choice for bathroom and lighting details – but a matte yellow gold is gaining ground. It’s glamorous without being garish, and brings just the right touch of quiet luxury.
This house gleams with muted metals
6. Repurposed treasures
Homeowners who can’t let go of childhood furniture – granny’s sewing machine, for example – are finding functional ways to incorporate them in their homes.
Trunks, crates and sewing machines: set these aside!
Homeowners who can’t let go of childhood furniture – granny’s sewing machine, for example – are finding functional ways to incorporate them in their homes.
Trunks, crates and sewing machines: set these aside!
7. Open-concept kitchen and dining area
As more and more Singaporeans discover the double joys of cooking and entertaining at home, open-concept kitchen and dining areas are becoming sought after.
Ideas from the 10 most popular dining space photos of 2016
As more and more Singaporeans discover the double joys of cooking and entertaining at home, open-concept kitchen and dining areas are becoming sought after.
Ideas from the 10 most popular dining space photos of 2016
8. Eat-in kitchens
Similarly, eat-in kitchens – where cooking and eating are brought together in the same space – are also enjoying the spotlight. Whether it’s a breakfast nook, a bar extension to your kitchen island, or a cafe corner, eat-in kitchens encourage more social time.
Eat-in kitchens are also a great solution for homes where you don’t really need (or often use) a dining area.
Lessons from 5 small kitchens that encourage socialising
Similarly, eat-in kitchens – where cooking and eating are brought together in the same space – are also enjoying the spotlight. Whether it’s a breakfast nook, a bar extension to your kitchen island, or a cafe corner, eat-in kitchens encourage more social time.
Eat-in kitchens are also a great solution for homes where you don’t really need (or often use) a dining area.
Lessons from 5 small kitchens that encourage socialising
9. Open shelving
For a long time, Asian homes have eschewed the idea of open shelving in kitchens as wok hei (‘breath of the wok’) and oily fumes that waft through the air can stick to your clean tableware and cookware. But with more powerful cooker hoods and the need for a brighter kitchen, we’re learning to work open shelves into our cook spaces.
10 tips when designing open shelving for your kitchen
For a long time, Asian homes have eschewed the idea of open shelving in kitchens as wok hei (‘breath of the wok’) and oily fumes that waft through the air can stick to your clean tableware and cookware. But with more powerful cooker hoods and the need for a brighter kitchen, we’re learning to work open shelves into our cook spaces.
10 tips when designing open shelving for your kitchen
10. Country style is still cooking
Whether it’s Shaker, French country or log cabin, there’s plenty of design inspiration for your country-style kitchens. Country-style details that are also trending include brass hardware and butler sinks.
10 ideas from the most popular kitchen photos of 2016
Whether it’s Shaker, French country or log cabin, there’s plenty of design inspiration for your country-style kitchens. Country-style details that are also trending include brass hardware and butler sinks.
10 ideas from the most popular kitchen photos of 2016
11. White and wood
It’s the go-to colour scheme and one that’s typically associated with Scandi-inspired styles. Now we’re seeing white and wood in country-style kitchens…
It’s the go-to colour scheme and one that’s typically associated with Scandi-inspired styles. Now we’re seeing white and wood in country-style kitchens…
…mid-century modern living rooms…
12. Tone-on-tone tranquility
It’s all about mixing textures to get this soothing look for the bedroom.
Dreamy tips from the 10 most popular bedroom photos of 2016
It’s all about mixing textures to get this soothing look for the bedroom.
Dreamy tips from the 10 most popular bedroom photos of 2016
Tone-on-tone tranquility doesn’t just apply to bedrooms. It applies to another trend – white-on-off-white – that works in almost any room.
Spotted! 13 designs that show white done right
Spotted! 13 designs that show white done right
13. Bespoke space-saving solutions for the bedroom
Built-ins are mixing form with function in the bedroom, with headboards incorporating storage solutions.
Built-ins are mixing form with function in the bedroom, with headboards incorporating storage solutions.
14. Home office niche
No room for a home office? You can carve out space in a corner nearly anywhere in your home!
Ideas from the 10 most popular home offices of 2016
No room for a home office? You can carve out space in a corner nearly anywhere in your home!
Ideas from the 10 most popular home offices of 2016
15. Industrial meets rustic, but with a sophisticated flair
Industrial style is not about to exit. However, it’s getting a more rustic touch, and at the same time growing up into a more sophisticated style with clean lines and more polished surfaces.
Ideas from the 10 most popular bathroom photos of 2016
Industrial style is not about to exit. However, it’s getting a more rustic touch, and at the same time growing up into a more sophisticated style with clean lines and more polished surfaces.
Ideas from the 10 most popular bathroom photos of 2016
16. Pets matter
This cat-centric living room was one of The Best of 2016’s Rooms of the Week, showing that Singaporeans consider their furry loves in the design of their homes. From bespoke designs like this, to spaces that incorporate pet paraphernalia, you’re sure to create a warm welcome for your pets.
Scandi-style flat a stage for Star Wars and kittens
This cat-centric living room was one of The Best of 2016’s Rooms of the Week, showing that Singaporeans consider their furry loves in the design of their homes. From bespoke designs like this, to spaces that incorporate pet paraphernalia, you’re sure to create a warm welcome for your pets.
Scandi-style flat a stage for Star Wars and kittens
17. Multi-generational homes
Singapore may be leading the way in design for multi-generational homes. This inter-terrace home was designed for three generations, and won the SIA Architectural Design Award‘s Building of the Year in 2016. It’s also one of The Best of 2016’s Singapore Houzz Tours, and featured in Houzz around the world.
Future-ready home is designed for lots of family time
TELL US
What design trend do you think will be big in 2017?
MORE
Houzz USA: 28 Design Ideas Coming to Homes Near You in 2017
How to Future-Proof Your Favourite Decor Fads
Singapore may be leading the way in design for multi-generational homes. This inter-terrace home was designed for three generations, and won the SIA Architectural Design Award‘s Building of the Year in 2016. It’s also one of The Best of 2016’s Singapore Houzz Tours, and featured in Houzz around the world.
Future-ready home is designed for lots of family time
TELL US
What design trend do you think will be big in 2017?
MORE
Houzz USA: 28 Design Ideas Coming to Homes Near You in 2017
How to Future-Proof Your Favourite Decor Fads
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