Like in fashion, interior - design trends come and go. Minimalist, Mid - Century Modern, and hygge - inspired Scandinavian interiors are already design classics. But which emerging styles are hot right now? Here are five of our favourites.
Like in fashion, interior - design trends come and go. Minimalist, Mid - Century Modern, and hygge - inspired Scandinavian interiors are already design classics. But which emerging styles are hot right now? Here are five of our favourites.
LUXURY ECLECTICISM
This style is mostly informed by hospitality settings around the world, such as the Il Sereno Hotel at Lake Como by Patricia Urquiola and the White Grass restaurant at Chijmes by Takenouchi Webb, says Eileen Tan of Space Furniture.
“When people travel, they are exposed to a variety of styles, picking up elements from different regions for a globalised take on interiors. They also enjoy the luxurious look of hotels and would like to replicate that back at home.”
This eclecticism of style is bound by a common thread of luxury; for example, statement pieces such as the Flos IC light by Michael Anastassiades, the Classicon Pli table by Victoria Wilmotte, or the Maxalto Febo chair by Antonio Citterio.
“Itʼs important to note that this style can be affordable. You can achieve a richness that suggests luxury with paint such as a deep emerald green wall juxtaposed with a gold or brass lamp,” Eileen adds. However, avoid high chrome pieces.
LOFT
Loft living is all about enjoying the high life, most quintessentially in New York or London; and now also in Singapore – thanks to Space Sense Studioʼs unique interpretation of a style characterised by soaring ceiling heights, structural variation, light-flooded interiors and a cavernous space. Designer Kelvin Teo says: “A loft originally referred to an industrial-looking space with double volume (height). These spaces eventually became a home-cum-workspace. They have evolved and developed into a culture and lifestyle.”
The loft interior lends itself well to an industrial chic feel – try teaming natural materials such as bricks, stone and wood, with steel frames tinged with a rustic texture. Track lighting and exposed bulbs heighten the mood, which can accommodate either Scandinavian-style or futuristic-looking furniture, Kelvin adds.
TROPICAL METROPOLITAN
Lush and plush, and drawing inspiration from equatorial climes, the tropical metropolitan look is a specialist design solution devised by Metaphor Studioʼs Stephen Goh in response to specific site conditions.
Call it South-east Asian influences coupled with urban aspirational leanings. Stephen eschews temporal trends, creating spaces that are “humane and truthful to their material expression”, instead.
Thus, organic composition is key, as the fluidity of elements flows beyond their boundaries to connect with their context. Mood and texture take their cue from the natural world – think stone, palms, wood – in a minimalist composition “to achieve a humanistic visual comfort and clarity of elements in the space”, says Stephen. As for furniture, practically anything goes!
CONTEMPORARY SINGAPOREAN
Thereʼs contemporary – and then thereʼs contemporary with a deft local touch. A new generation of savvy, smart-traveller Singaporeans is straddling the old and new by giving our heritage a contemporary twist, says Collective Designs.
Describing the look as a “post-2015 elegance”, Selina Tay and Michell Ang say the style is a marriage between the classic Western interior (cool marble floors, clean smooth walls, minimalist openings) and a hodgepodge of South-east Asian flavours and traditions (Peranakan turquoise, marigold and cobalt shades, Eurasian bronzes and woods, and Thai gold shot silks), as seen in some cafes along Tiong Bahru Road.
The focus is on antique art, furniture pieces and simply framed batiks and beadings. Most importantly, they say, “this style works with our typical homesʼ north-south-facing filtered light”.
POP COLOUR
Interiors are breaking free from years of pared-back restraint and now embrace colour – lots of it – in a freestyling jubilance that mixes decor styles, eras and hues with confidence. Primary colours, introduced as pop accents against larger expanses of neutrals, are bright and graphic. Designer Kelvin Teo of Space Sense Studio says: “This concept is refreshing and fun; it brightens your day.”
The colourful interior is not a new concept, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. But contemporary applications in a European-led context are strongly influenced by Mid-Century Modernist palettes, which were more eclectic.
How to use it? “Itʼs a personal preference,” says Kelvin. “I like to keep the fixtures more neutral – think white, grey or wood – and the pops of colour will come from the furnishings and decor to maintain a good balance.” For example, anchor a sofa with a colourful rug.
