UPGRADE YOUR SPACE

Consider these insider tips if you’re thinking of giving your home a makeover.

Anew year often brings new design trends that come in handy when you want to breathe fresh air into your living space. Wondering where to start? Here’s what industry experts feel will make a mark this year.

INDIVIDUALITY IS LUXURY

Globalisation and the internet means that design has become increasingly accessible to people from all walks of life, says Nikki Hunt of Design Intervention. However, this has also led to a homogenisation of style with homes from Bangkok to Berlin looking alike. But as we move into the next decade, people will begin looking for personalised touches that help accentuate their style and preferences. “They are looking for unique, localised elements that reflect who they are and what they love. Therefore, think about how you want to feel in each room and how you will use these rooms before you begin the design process,” says Hunt. Plan furniture placements and orientations before the lighting and electrical sockets are placed so that the elements all come together. You should prioritise your lighting options, too, Hunt advises, as “lighting creates ambience and mood, and can make or break a design.”

CONVENIENCE

IN A SINGLE TOUCH

The digital age has changed the way we think about our homes. These days, smart homes are befitting of a homeowner who wants convenience and accessibility along with beautiful aesthetics. But before you dive into the trend, weigh the pros and cons carefully, says Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant. “Pros include having products that are programmed to occupants’ needs, improved home security and, of course,

being environmentally friendly, as the systems can all be controlled for optimal energy efficiency.” Homeowners should also be aware that older living spaces will require rewiring and electrical upgrades in order to be smart home-ready.

Smart home tech is also becoming a must-have in kitchens, says the De Dietrich team. They believe consumers are always on the lookout for kitchen appliances that look good and are useful. The brand’s solution? Ovens that come with preprogrammed recipes, which saves time and helps you create meals your family will want to come home to every time.

SMART AUDIO SYSTEMS

Smart tech—technology enabled by artificial intelligence (Ai)—is also invading the audio industry and insiders are forecasting that it will grow to US$20 billion (SG$26.9 billion) in the next three years. The Experts Group’s sales director Henry Loh predicts that consumers will see Ai-enhanced audio products that incorporate extended smart functions like climate and lighting controls hit the market in the next few years. The brand is riding the wave with the release of its new Formation Suite, which boasts “the most stable and uninterrupted wireless home audio system,” according to Loh.

OLD, NEW AND HANDMADE

The best way to infuse your home with character is to mix old and new decorative items together to tell your story, says Jeremy Tay, director of

Prestige Global Designs. For home colours, try warm, earthy ones like brown, wine or yellow to add a touch of cosiness. Alternatively, consider a classical interior with a modern twist, he advises, which can be achieved by outfitting a classical-styled home with modern art pieces or contemporary furniture.

Handcrafted furniture and homeware is also the way to go in 2020, but not everything is of good quality, says Emperor’s Attic owner, Chantal Travers. “A truly quality piece of handcrafted furniture takes time to be made or restored, and is finished by skilled artisans who have likely been working in their field for decades,” she says. So before you invest in a handcrafted piece, do your research and speak to the business owners and staff to understand how it is made.

STORAGE IS KING

It’s a common requirement for most homeowners in Singapore, but most experts would urge you to consider how you’re going to create storage space in your home without affecting its overall aesthetics. “Where space is not an issue, a king-sized bed is best,” says Casey Tay, managing director of Simmons (SEA)

Pte Ltd. However, if you’d rather have plenty of breathing room, he suggests considering storage bed frames in drawer form or the pull-up form.

(Left and bottom left) Design Intervention is known for helping clients envision their own personal abodes, for both the interior and outdoor living spaces.

(Bottom) Designworx Interior Consultant believes in holistic design solutions that marry function with design concepts and aesthetics.

(Below) Bowers & Wilkins' audio products are developed not only to deliver stable and clear sound, but are stylishly designed to complement your home decor.

(Far left and left) De Dietrich's ovens help homemakers save time with programmable recipe options, and are built to fit into kitchen cabinetry for a sleek look.

(Bottom) Regardless of whether you have ample room or if you have limited real estate in your home, Simmons (SEA) Pte Ltd has a selection of comfortable beds that come in all sizes to fit any houseowner's space (and sleep) requirements.

(Right) The team at Prestige Global Designs provides clever solutions that feature a mix of styles that look as interesting as they are aesthetically pleasing.