Instead of creating a singular statement wall, jazz up your walls with an understated wallpaper in a special finish, which can add a tactile touch to the room. For a showroom unit at Wallich Residence, Designworx Interior Consultant covered the walls in a shagreen-effect wallpaper in the living area and in one of the bedrooms.

“We see exotic patterns such as shagreen gaining popularity,” says Terri Tan, design director of the firm. “As apartments are getting smaller, patterns with vertical elements can expand the sense of space as well as add a luxe dimension,” she adds.

Furniture and decorative pieces with rounded edges, curvy details and fluid shapes will continue to be popular. The softer silhouette helps add to the snug appeal of your interior, as more sofas and armchairs are designed with wrap-around details that hug the seat, inviting you to relax and unwind.

Complement these with a ottoman that can double as a coffee table, or select a cluster of round side tables to complete the cosy tableau. As these designs are devoid of sharp, angular edges, some of these furniture pieces are more child and pet-friendly as well.

(Related: Lust List: The Otherworldly Le Silex Piano)

Hand-crafted pieces made with materials such as leather, ceramic and natural fibres such as cotton will continue to be valued and sought after by designers and homeowners. These can come in the form of decorative objects to add to your display shelves, or throws and hand-woven rugs that make your living area and bedrooms more homely.

With its plush textures and rich jewel-like tones, it’s easy to see why the appeal of velvet endures, whether on upholstered furniture, curtains or accent cushions. “Velvet and velour are very popular right now because it’s very cosy and decadent,” says Njusja de Gier, vice president for branding and communication at Kvadrat.

Tan agrees: “Many homeowners are changing their opinion of velvet, which was once seen as old-fashioned. This luxurious material will pair well with other natural elements, bringing a new level of contrast in textures.”  
 
Seek inspiration from the beautiful spaces of Beefbar Paris (pictured above), a restaurant designed by Humbert & Poyet. The designers have paired the glamorous textures of velvet with brass fittings to accentuate the heritage building’s existing Art Deco-style details.

If you’re seeking a bolder new look for your interior, try dressing your home with wall coverings that feature graphic geometric prints. These can add to the playful, creative environment of children’s bedrooms, or animate a smaller space such as a powder room.

“As the powder room is in such a limited area and is only used fleetingly, we can experiment with graphic styles that might feel overpowering in a more well-used room,” says Nikki Hunt, principal of Design Intervention. Geometric prints on decorative cushions or rugs can also bring a lively energy to a minimalist space, and can be easily updated when you’re looking to create a different mood in the room.

To complement the needs of modern living, versatile upholstery options will continue to be popular. This include easy-to-clean textiles such as outdoor upholstery that are water-repellant and more resistant to stains. 

"These fabrics can be applied to both indoor and outdoor furniture; even coffee, tea or lipstick stains can be removed from these easy-care fabrics," shares Winnie Heimgartner-Wong, managing director of upholstery purveyor Cetec. "Families with kids will love using these fabrics for dining chairs too."

De Gier anticipates the popularity of more pronounced textures and interesting weaves on textiles such as mélange. Also known as heather fabric, mélange conveys more depth and texture by interweaving different coloured fibres together, resulting in softer shades and subtle variations in colour that looks as comforting on clothing as it does for interior fabrics.

“A mélange yarn can be more three-dimensional, as it’s made of different textures to give a special depth,” she shares. Mix and match these different textures to add depth to your interior scheme; a variety of fabrics in the same colour palette could be applied to upholstery for your curtains and sofa, as well as accent cushions and throws.

The love for verdant accents will continue into the year, with indoor plants now a popular staple in homes. Opt for large, leafy plants to section a space in a generous living area, or an array of potted plants in different sizes to decorate open shelves and bay windows.
 
“Popular houseplant varieties including the non-climbing philodendron more commonly known as delicious monster, and the climbing variety, heartleaf or sweetheart philodendron,” shares Cape Town-based botanical artist and floral stylist Janine Vermeulen. “The latter make amazing hanging plants. They survive in low light, but grow faster and have bigger leaves in medium to high light.”

The neutral palette continues to be a favourite and for a good reason. For the months ahead, elevate monochromatic schemes with deeper, richer colours inspired by nature. “Nature-inspired colours like green soothes the eye, while neutrals make you feel more relaxed,” shares Heimgartner-Wong. “Mix and match colours like mustard yellow and emerald green with neutrals to enable a more relaxed and pleasant environment.”

It’s for this same reason that AkzoNobel has picked Spiced Honey as its colour of the year. “Inspired by the varied tones and properties of honey, the warm amber tone reflects a sense of awakening and that embraces a spirit of positivity,” says Marike De Ruiter, head of knowledge and insights at AkzoNobel Decorative Paints South East & South Asia and Middle East. “The incredible versatility of Spiced Honey means it can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, an elegant stripe in this colour near the ceiling will bring definition to your space.”

(Related: 10 Ways To Rock Coral, The 2019 Pantone Colour Of The Year)

This story was adapted from Singapore Tatler Homes Feb 2019