Say hello to the New Year by updating your interiors with these refreshing decor styles.
Pastel punch
The pretty pastels of spring have inspired many, from haute couture to hot makeup looks. In interiors, these sweet shades aren’t content to stay confined to nurseries or domains that belong to little princesses. They have snaked their way into grownup territories, whether it’s a light-filled Scandinavian home or a moody interior. Hues like blush, peach and lavender might appear effeminate at first glance, but they’re surprisingly versatile. The trick is to introduce the spring inspired palette into your abode in small doses. For example, furnish with a scattering of throw cushions on the sofa. Pull up a stool, pouf or side table for a more cohesive look. Or make an understated statement with a sofa swathed in your favourite pastel.
Image credit: Sweetpea & Willow
A clean slate
In an interior that forgoes colour, there is, oddly, a sense of serenity. It is no surprise that urban dwellers who lead demanding lifestyles are predisposed to tranquil spaces that are free from visual clutter. To build a monochromatic interior that’s more livable than lacklustre, the keyword is texture. Utilise and layer textures generously, but remember to stick to a neutral palette to ensure you stay right on track. Think natural materials like wood, wool, linen and jute that possess amazing tactile quality. These surfaces also help to bring a sense of cocooning comfort into your abode. Punctuate with greenery – in the form of potted plants or pictures – to add a vibrant element to your sanctuary. Metals such as aged brass and gold are game-changers; the former incorporates a hint of patina into your space, while the latter brings a touch of sparkle that every home needs.
Image credit: Smeg
Go for green
Whether your interior is a little eclectic or light and airy, give it a fresh start by welcoming Mother Nature’s works of art in. Botanicals are, literally, evergreen; so, you won’t have to worry about your plants and florals going out of trend. If you have the luxury of space, let a large foliage stand tall in the foyer. It’s akin to a lush sculpture and it helps inject a sense of drama in your common area. Mini pots of plants are more versatile – you can line them up on an open shelving or rejuvenate your bath space with a pop of colour. A terrarium occupied by succulents, on the other hand, can take pride of place on a dining or study table. Even if you’re not a plant person or you don’t have the leisure of time to care for one, you can still infuse your home with its beauty. Try this: dress up a bare wall with botanically inspired wallpaper or a framed imprint of a garden, or enliven a timeworn couch with an assortment of throw cushions in delicate florals and ferns prints.
Image credit: Bode
Stay neutral
You don’t have to go far to escape the hustle and bustle of life when your sanctuary is home. Projecting a calming yet cosy ambience, the resort style interior has an intimate bond with nature. This is why it constitutes a palette of earthy colours that takes inspiration from our physical landscape. From an entire gamut of browns to beiges and mossy greens, these timeless hues are a testament to Mother Nature’s fine taste. Although naturally stunning, earth hues can sometimes make a space appear gloomy. Complement darker colours with a lighter shade in the same family, or create contrast with white. Make sure you let in an abundance of light – whether natural or not – to avoid an overly dim den. Give your space a back-to-basics vibe a la resort style by deploying natural materials such as bamboo, rattan and wood.
Image credit: Dulux
This was adapted from an article originlly written by Fidz Azmin published in the January 2018 issue of SquareRooms.
