We got eight professionals from the interior design and furnishing industries to let us in on their dream armchair and gaze into their crystal ball to predict the big trend in furnishings for 2015.

An armchair is possibly one of the most important pieces of furniture in your living room. That’s where you head for at the end of a long day, when you want to kick back with a drink or relax with a book. When scouting for that dream armchair, what do those in the interior design and furnishing industries look for? We got eight of them to let us in on their dream armchair and gaze into their crystal ball to predict the big trend in furnishings for 2015.

Angela Lim
Director, Su Misura

“My dream chair is the Enzo armchair by Hamilton Conte. It has an elegant shape, encompassing a hugging structure with soft fabric upholstery for comfort. The piece is one that can withstand the test of time in terms of trends and styles. Purple would be my preferred colour for the armchair as it adds a touch of regality to the piece.

For 2015, interior furnishing in Singapore will see more varied styles. Bold will be the catchword. Colours will be eye-catching while designs will range from big prints to classic, vintage throwback.”

Kelvin Gan
Chief Designer, Elements ID Consultants Pte Ltd

”I like the Ida armchair from Hamilton Conte. It is a modern classic design with a touch of art deco. Its shape bears some resemblance to the Egg chair; when you are sitting in it, the high back wraps around you. You have a choice of colours and fabric – I prefer fabric rather than leather as fabric expresses the rounded shape and form of the chair better and gives it a softer look. My preferred colour for the chair would be deep turquoise.

The trend for 2015 furniture will be modern classics, like those by Hamilton Conte and Minotti, furniture that’s distinctive and one of a kind.”

 

Sarah Tham
Design Director, Cube Associate Design

“My dream chair is the Proust Geometrica. The Proust chair was created by Alessandro Mendini in 1978. Proust Geometrica is a re-edition piece Mendini created with Cappellini. Upholstered in a refreshingly bold multi-coloured fabric, it is hand-finished the traditional way and features a hand-painted wooden frame with plastic feet. A blend of the past and present, it is a classic, yet modern and creative.

In the coming year, we can expect to see different outpourings of creativity in furnishing instead of one big trend. Advances in technology will give rise to more eco-friendly fabric. Home accessories will incorporate added features, like the Axor LampShower, which is both a lamp and a shower.”

Terri Tan
Director, Designworx

“My dream armchair is B&B Italia’s ‘UPJ’ chairs in red, for children. As a working mum, this is my favourite.  I have always been a huge fan of B&B Italia’s ‘UP5’ and ‘UP6’ designs, firstly for the groundbreaking technology that goes into its creation, and secondly, for the story behind the design. The ‘Up’ series illustrates designer Gaetano Pesce’s view that despite themselves, women have always been prisoners of their own making.

Floral designs and textiles are a growing trend, not only in the interior design world, but also in fashion.  When there is an overlap of a particular trend in more than one vertical market, in this case floral, the trend has a tendency to have staying power.  This will be a strong trend in 2015 that you’ll see popping up everywhere, from posters, shop windows, interior designs and commercials.”

 

Nikki Hunt
Principal, Design Intervention

“I have designed a new armchair (which I’ve called Detendez) for my family room. The ultimate relaxing chair, it has quite a deep recline to encourage the user to lie back and it comes with a coordinating footstool. Of a striking large print leaf fabric, it is cut like a loose slip cover, giving it an easy, unstructured look. The design is fresh and fun with a touch of humour.

The big trend will be bespoke. At Design Intervention, we are constantly challenged by our clients to personalise their homes so that they truly reflect their personality. In today’s globalised world, where malls all over the world are selling the same products, homes and styles are becoming homogenised. A bespoke piece can give a unique signature to a home and add a stamp of originality to personalise an interior.”


The Uinfinity Luxe Massage Chair
Developed by Osim to commemorate its 35th anniversary, this innovative massage chair offers users the choice of various massage modes, from lifestyle and humanised massages to downloading new massage programs from its mobile app. At the same time, the additional music input and head massage features provide added layers of sensorial pleasure. 

Jael Ang
Creative Director, TAIMS

“A perfect armchair for me is one that provides total comfort, where I can rest my head to the left and right without any strain. It would also have the right curves to fit my body, with a cushion at the right spot. The icing on the cake would be an audio fit-in and the ability to recline. It will be upholstered in a black leather mix for easy maintenance and matching.

In 2015, integrated built-in technology will be big in furnishing. Improvements in technology will ensure that furniture is both comfortable and stylish.”

 

Michael Ong
Founder and MD, Prestige Global

“Poltrona Frau’s 1919 designs are opulent, timeless and conjure up great strength and character. With large rounded arms with a plisse finish and equipped with a brass tray, they are extremely versatile and able to fit into any residential or commercial design setting.
My preferred colours for the chair are olive green or white.

The big trend in 2015 and probably beyond will be a return of classical interiors in contemporary settings. As people become more affluent and well-travelled, this trend will allow them to showcase their social accomplishments, status, exquisite lifestyle and taste.”

 

Alex Kwan
Principal, Museum Homes

“If it’s a dream chair, it’s got to be the Nest Lounge Chair by Autoban. Inspired by a decorative bird cage, its high wooden back and sides gives it an impressive look. Yet the curved shape of the backrest and the birdcage design provides comfort and a feeling of cosiness and privacy. I just love timeless classic pieces that go with any design direction. This chair is a collector’s piece that can be passed down to future generations.

For 2015, I think solid wooden modern forms and shapes with a vintage twist will be trendy. Clean cut, streamlined pieces with an industrial touch are slowly being phased out.”