Trends – they come and go. The problem is, when it comes to designing your home, it can feel impossible to keep up. If you’re in the midst of designing your home, or just want to know what the projections are for 2022/23, you’re in the right place.
We spoke to Nadia from leading interior design studio BuildBuilt to find out which trends are here to stay for the foreseeable future, and which will go.
1. Multi-Functional Spaces
If there’s anything the pandemic showed us, it’s that home is more than just a place to eat and sleep – it’s also where we work, and even play. As the lines separating work and home become more blurred than ever, Nadia shares that single-use spaces are a “thing of the past” and that homeowners now prefer spaces that allow for versatility and flexible living
This seating area in the living room of this Bukit Purmei flat doubles as storage space.
Image credit: BuildBuilt
In Singapore, especially, where land is scarce, multi-functional spaces are a great way to maximise utilisation of space in any given area. Think a home office that doubles as a chill, night time hangout space, or an open kitchen with countertops doubling as a dining area.
2. Natural Design Elements
With travel and tourism practically nonexistent over the course of the pandemic, many Singaporeans have, understandably, developed a sense of cabin fever. To overcome this, Nadia shares that many have taken the steps to turn their homes into a personal sanctuary, to create a retreat right in the comfort of their own home.
Image credit: BuildBuilt
By incorporating organic shapes and textures, and using natural materials, for example rattan weaves and cane furniture, homeowners are able to achieve the relaxing island-chic vibe. Adding soft curves and neutral colours further adds to the calming spa-like ambience.
Image adapted from: Marrakech Design, Harvey Maria
In terms of flooring, tiles with organic handmade textures in natural colour variations like hues of green and blue that evoke a soft natural look tend to be popular. Nadia expects this trend to stay even as “the world slowly emerges with travel restrictions easing up”.
3. Healthy Homes
As a result of the pandemic, cleanliness and hygiene are now more heavily enforced than ever. For many homeowners, “healthy” homes have become particularly popular, especially among those with young children, the elderly or the immunocompromised at home.
This trend takes the form of materials with anti-bacterial properties such as paints and carpentry laminates, as well as low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. If you’re wondering what exactly the latter means, think floor vinyls that don’t emit high levels of chemicals into the air.
Image credit: @gowithgush
Its popularity is clearly seen in the increased and continued introduction of such materials from suppliers and greater uptake among homeowners. Anti-bacterial and low VOC paint is used for walls and ceilings, anti-bacterial carpentry laminates for built-in storage and kitchen cabinets, while low VOC floor vinyl, as its name suggests is used for floor finishes in the home.
4. Avant-Basic
The Avant-Basic design trend is characterised by maximalism and bright, creative decor.
Popularised by social media, it is the design style of choice among the younger generations like Millenials and Gen-Zs, in rejection of minimalism and other “clean” aesthetics such as Scandinavian and Japanese design, which have ruled the drawing boards for so long.
Image adapted from: BuildBuilt
A combination of several decorating inspirations, Nadia says it “puts together vintage inspirations with contemporary ones in a vibrant and intentionally kitschy application”. This style, in particular, is an expression of the desire for freedom and uniqueness more so than ever.
5. Modern Lux Designs
Luxury design – defined by its refined and elegant feel, it’s a classic style that remains timeless. While the crisis presented by the pandemic inevitably saw a fall in demand for luxury design as it became less affordable, as the world bounces back, Nadia says it has been one of the “fastest (styles) to rebound”.
Muted tones and chic furniture make modern lux a timeless, classic design style.
Image credit: Pinterest
Nadia foresees more homes slowly moving away from the “holiday resort” look and back towards something more classic in the future.
Top interior design trends of 2022/23
As we emerge from the pandemic nearly 2 years later, practically everything has changed – interior design trends are no exception. From our conversation with Nadia, however, one thing is clear: staying on top of trends is impossible, and expensive.
When designing your home, just go with what you like. After all, you are the one who will have to literally live with your decisions after they are made, so make sure you stay true to your tastes and preferences, not anyone else’s.
For more home inspo, check out:
- How to decorate your home the Japandi way
- Most stylish bedside tables
- Tips to nail the Jungalow look
Cover image adapted from: BuildBuilt, BuildBuilt
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