Take cues from our trend forecast of insider insights poised to define how you design your interiors in 2020
A new decade calls for a reset button on your home decor, so take these cues from our trend forecast of insider insights that are poised to define how you design your interiors in 2020
ENLIGHTENING HUES
When it comes to decorating a space, regardless of what creative approach you adopt, a complementary colour scheme is the first and foremost element to incorporate. As we ring in 2020, the design world is moving towards a relatively sentimental direction where colours are used not only for appearance but also for an atmospheric impact. David Scott, the founder of New York-based multidisciplinary firm David Scott Interiors, explains, “People have a strong desire for an interior that is soft, inviting, and conducive to relaxation and reflection. The best way to celebrate a neutral background and imbue energy into a space is to add strong coloured accents strategically without overwhelming the senses.”
Such creative outlook is mirrored in one of his prestigious residential projects – the spacious living area of this Hamptons property is an assemblage of myriad allurements. The designer explains, “Soft shades of neutrals and serene blues are accentuated by two bold accents – the bright red from the velvet sofa and the vivid orange glaze on the vintage tiletop coffee table, giving so much weight and power to the overall design.” Start from details such as soft furnishings, interchangeable accessories and compact, mobile appointments for a restrained yet sophisticated feel.
NATURAL HABITAT
If there was one overarching design philosophy that’s set to go from strength to strength in the new decade, it’s an unflinching focus on sustainable, natural furniture. “Consumers are becoming more conscious of how their purchasing habits may have implications on the environment,” explains Kate Babington, managing director at eco-conscious furniture brand Tree. “There’s been a shift towards investing in quality pieces that are made to last, thereby discouraging a throwaway culture of disposable furniture.” One result of that, she observes, is a resurgence in designs that draw from Asian culture – in particular the age-old Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which celebrates all things imperfect and impermanent. “The trend continues to prevail this year,” predicts Kate. “It also refers to the simple and unmaterialistic, aligning with sustainability as it encourages us to take on a less-is-more approach, let go of material wants and appreciate the things we already have.”
There are myriad ways to incorporate the ethos into your home. Kate suggests investing in furniture crafted from quality materials such as solid hard wood, which develops a unique, natural worn-in patina over time, or opting for accessories handcrafted by local artisans using renewable materials, such as terracotta vases or handwoven baskets. A natural latex mattress made with sap of the rubber tree is also an ideal addition to the bedroom. “Complete your sleeping nest with sustainable natural fabrics like handwoven cotton throws and rugs crafted from natural fibres, which will give your bedroom a warm, lovingly layered look,” she says.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Nothing adds an aesthetic value to a space as effective as an ideal light fixture can do. While lighting is one of the key utilitarian details of a room, it’s crucial to avoid treating it as an afterthought in our interiors. Ivan Fu, the senior manager for brand and retail of Hong Kong-based Zodiac Lighting, expresses, “An ideal illumination layout should cater to a user’s way of living and behavioural pattern. A well-designed lighting device should also exude warm, soft glow without causing eye discomfort. Penta’s Glo collection is one of the go-to illumination solutions we highly recommend – from design details to impeccable craftsmanship, the series showcases unmatchable performance in both aesthetic and functional aspects.”
Ivan also stresses that personalisation and customisation will increasingly dominate the lighting trend in the coming year, together with multipurpose light fixtures as well as solutions powered by built-in batteries such as the Narciso series from Penta – a portable, wireless illumination design complete with a built-in Bluetooth speaker, enriching the living experience.
Zodiac Lighting’s product marketing manager, Sam Choi, says, “Whereas for architectural lighting, colours and textures are set to receive an innovative treatment. Take Delta Light, for example; its latest offerings including Punk, Hedra and Vizir showcase a playful mix of visual interest like studs and wave patterns, infusing depth and dimension to a home.” While task lighting should enhance clarity and minimise eye strain, sound-absorbing materials are also aptly incorporated for a production work environment, as seen in Penta’s Feel and Hang Out collections.
BE MY GUEST
Much like the delicate garnish on a cocktail or the jewel-set earrings that complete an outfit, exquisite tableware – pieces that are beautifully crafted and brimming with the homeowner’s personality – can serve as indispensable final touches to jazz up any dinner party decor and make a lasting impression on your guests. “Bold and bright colours are definitely making a comeback for dining tables, and they are very well received by our customers,” says Tracy Kwan, the director of lifestyle at luxury purveyor Lane Crawford.
Favouring a sophisticated aesthetic with a dose of playfulness, Tracy highlights the latest Mid-Century Rhythm Collection of tableware from André Fu Living – the lifestyle brand from acclaimed designer André Fu, which just celebrated its first anniversary – which is adorned in a “refreshing, modern” new jade-green colourway that evokes the tranquillity of nature. New collections from acclaimed Italian porcelain-maker Richard Ginori feature “bold colours in an art-deco style of designs” and also make for whimsical additions to your table setting. Regardless of what pieces catch your eye, Tracy recommends adding your own spin on it. “The trend is to mix and match different styles, textures and materials,” she says. “It helps to stick to an overall palette and add in splashes of bright, primary colours with key pieces to make a statement.”
For those seeking an instant makeover for a living environment, an affordable alternative to exhausting renovations would be adding distinctive scents to create a multisensory experience. Be it in the form of diffusers, home fragrances or scented candles, a delicate and genderless scent can warm up a space for a friendly, inviting vibe. Paris-based perfume house Diptyque’s global product creation director, Myriam Badault, shares, “Scent pairing is gaining popularity nowadays as customers crave to mirror their character and personal preference through a bespoke scent, rather than a fixed formula. For the living area, we suggest imbuing a comforting, luscious ambience with the Coing/Quince candle, which exudes a sweet, tangy note and is then accentuated by the earthy, wood scent of the Chêne/ Oak Tree candle. The Bois Cire/Waxed Wood candle and the Myrrhe candle make a great combination as they transport you to a freshly waxed library filled with a leathery smell. It’s essential to build a relaxing atmosphere in every bathroom, so we suggest pairing the Violette/Violet candle and the Roses candle for a refined, humble sensibility.”
To avoid candle tunnelling, Myriam advises that you ensure the entire surface of the candle is melted when using it for the first time. Trimming the wick before burning also helps reduce black smoke. “Cover your candle with a delicate lid to keep the scent and treat it as a small decorative touch to your space.” If heat and flames are an issue, especially for users with children and pets, an electronic diffuser or Diptqyue’s Hourglass diffuser would make a safe option for holistic sense therapy.