5 Budget Ways to Incorporate 2018 Design Trends at Home
Give your home a fresh update for the new year with these five simple trends
Suffice to say, 2017 has been an interesting year for interior design — we witnessed the true explosion of the millennial pink trend, incorporated more jewel tones in our homes, and, as inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year, made room for even more plants.
With the new year just weeks away, consider these suggestions on how you can give your home a season-appropriate facelift without a major overhaul.
With the new year just weeks away, consider these suggestions on how you can give your home a season-appropriate facelift without a major overhaul.
2. Sustainability
Greenery may be 2017’s colour, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a mention for next year. As consumers become increasingly aware of conversations around fast consumption, waste, and climate change, the focus on sustainability will only grow stronger. For 2018, we will see a move towards upcycled goods and vintage furniture, as well as pieces made from ethical, traceable production sources.
Guide to sustainable furniture in Singapore
Greenery may be 2017’s colour, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a mention for next year. As consumers become increasingly aware of conversations around fast consumption, waste, and climate change, the focus on sustainability will only grow stronger. For 2018, we will see a move towards upcycled goods and vintage furniture, as well as pieces made from ethical, traceable production sources.
Guide to sustainable furniture in Singapore
Mr Marius
Ethnicraft’s Pirouette Rack was inspired by simpler times and timeless furniture. It’s part of the Mr Marius range, and is sustainably sourced from European forests.
Budget tip: Don’t have the cash to splash on new, sustainably-sourced pieces or vintage designer pieces? Look towards upcycled pieces made with pallets, for example, or visit a secondhand furniture store for value buys.
Budget tip: Don’t have the cash to splash on new, sustainably-sourced pieces or vintage designer pieces? Look towards upcycled pieces made with pallets, for example, or visit a secondhand furniture store for value buys.
3. Earthen luxury
Warm earth tones were the star at this year’s Milan Furniture Fair. Think vibrant earth hues – brazen burgundies, warm terracottas, deep khakis, and burnt oranges.
Not sure you can pull off such bold colours? Start by experimenting with bright pops in your dining room. Soft, warm lighting used more for rooms that see more night use will create a cosy glow that complements the deep colours for a sense of harmony.
Alternatively, have an accent wall and surround the rest of the room with neutrals and subdued hues to balance the richness of your new wall.
Warm earth tones were the star at this year’s Milan Furniture Fair. Think vibrant earth hues – brazen burgundies, warm terracottas, deep khakis, and burnt oranges.
Not sure you can pull off such bold colours? Start by experimenting with bright pops in your dining room. Soft, warm lighting used more for rooms that see more night use will create a cosy glow that complements the deep colours for a sense of harmony.
Alternatively, have an accent wall and surround the rest of the room with neutrals and subdued hues to balance the richness of your new wall.
Budget tip: Such rich colours are energetic and dynamic and may not be for everyone. If you want in on this trend but don’t want to splash out on a new paint job, stick to home accessories decked out in richer colours. They’re easy to switch up and a breeze to decorate with.
4. Curves are in
We’re doing away with straight edged minimalism and embracing curvy, organic shapes for the new season. Curved lines break the linearity in larger rooms, thereby creating a more welcoming and homely vibe.
Tip: Want to soften a room with pin-straight walls and hard corners? Decorate with a curved centrepiece, such as a sofa or a coffee table, and arrange it in the middle of the room for a more cohesive look.
For homes with awkward corners or curved walls, stick to longer, curved pieces to even out the geometry in the room – you can afford to follow the lines of your wall but be careful not to overdo it with the curvilinear look. Stick to one or two statement pieces to keep this contemporary look fresh.
How to get curves in all the right spaces
We’re doing away with straight edged minimalism and embracing curvy, organic shapes for the new season. Curved lines break the linearity in larger rooms, thereby creating a more welcoming and homely vibe.
Tip: Want to soften a room with pin-straight walls and hard corners? Decorate with a curved centrepiece, such as a sofa or a coffee table, and arrange it in the middle of the room for a more cohesive look.
For homes with awkward corners or curved walls, stick to longer, curved pieces to even out the geometry in the room – you can afford to follow the lines of your wall but be careful not to overdo it with the curvilinear look. Stick to one or two statement pieces to keep this contemporary look fresh.
How to get curves in all the right spaces
Budget tip: Don’t need a new sofa or coffee table? Embrace curves through the little things: swapping out your accessories for round rugs and mirrors can be an easy but effective way of balancing a room with harsh lines.
Another simple fix is to assess your lighting: opting for more bulbous shapes can also give the illusion of a cosier space.
Another simple fix is to assess your lighting: opting for more bulbous shapes can also give the illusion of a cosier space.
5. Wallpapering
We’re giving the go-ahead to deck the walls. Wallpapering is an easy way to revitalise worn-out walls, or to change the look of a room entirely. Go back to basics with natural textures – they bring a sense of calm and add a rustic touch to keep your space looking inviting. Try out a Japanese-themed wallpaper to centre your home around the laid-back, zen style of living.
For peace of mind, install bold, geometric designs this new year – the orderly structure anchors our thoughts and we subconsciously relax when we visualise rigid prints. Besides, these hark back to the retro patterns and Peranakan motifs that have been making a resurgence this year.
We’re giving the go-ahead to deck the walls. Wallpapering is an easy way to revitalise worn-out walls, or to change the look of a room entirely. Go back to basics with natural textures – they bring a sense of calm and add a rustic touch to keep your space looking inviting. Try out a Japanese-themed wallpaper to centre your home around the laid-back, zen style of living.
For peace of mind, install bold, geometric designs this new year – the orderly structure anchors our thoughts and we subconsciously relax when we visualise rigid prints. Besides, these hark back to the retro patterns and Peranakan motifs that have been making a resurgence this year.
Budget tip: Go for vinyl wallpapers as these stand up to Singapore’s humidity better. Aftercare is easy too – all you have to do is give your wallpaper a gentle wipe-down every few months with warm water and mild soap (never use an abrasive cleaner!), then use a dry cloth to remove as much moisture as possible before letting your wallpaper air-dry.
If you don’t want to invest in wallpapering an entire wall, incorporate the trend by wallpapering smaller areas: cupboard doors, shelves, and small closet spaces work best.
If you don’t want to invest in wallpapering an entire wall, incorporate the trend by wallpapering smaller areas: cupboard doors, shelves, and small closet spaces work best.
TELL US
How will you be refreshing your home for the new year? Share your tips and tricks in the Comments below.
How will you be refreshing your home for the new year? Share your tips and tricks in the Comments below.
The Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi celebrates the beauty of imperfection in every stage of an object’s life.
Embracing furniture or accessories that look rougher around the edges is a perfect example of wabi-sabi, such as natural patinas on worn leather, and handmade furniture made from recycled materials.
Budget tip: Handmade pieces and organic materials can be an investment, so impart small touches of wabi-sabi among existing materials. A humble ceramic bowl patched kintsuge style or repurposed scrap linen used as a simple table runner can make a difference.