From generic to genius
Trends come and go, but if your interiors feature any of these 10 overused looks, it is high time for a makeover - 2017 style! Find out what are they, and some easy tweaks you can do to freshen up those outdated parts at home!
Source: Pinterest
It’s rugged, it’s manly - but it’s so 2012. Step aside steely, gritty industrials - this year is all about a hint of femininity and softness - think homey, farmhouse style industrial interiors.
Source: Pinterest
How do you get the look? You can use deep-coloured fabrics, soften textures with rustic wool rugs or feature organic greenery in dark corners.
Interior Designer: M Innovative Builders
Likewise, a fresh coat of paint in warm yellow or cream (or other milder tones) coupled with warm lighting works just as well.
Interior Designer: W.A.D. Interior
2. Oversized Furniture
Interior Designer: Ulik Construction Sdn Bhd
It's inevitable - spaces are shrinking and clearly scarce in city or urban homes. As a result, there isn't much room for large, hulking pieces these days, which may cause a home to look more claustrophobic than cosy.
Interior Designer: Yong Studio
Opt instead for loose, lightweight furniture that's modest in size but big on style, like small accent chairs or smooth-edged (or rounded) tables.
3. Edison Bulbs
Interior Designer: Dot Works
While we love that this lighting piece fits into all sorts of interior styles (Industrial, Scandinavian or Minimalist), Edison bulbs are everywhere and just in dire need of an update. Don't worry; if you still like its raw, exposed look, try switching with a different coloured bulb or swap it out with a modular/molecular lamp.
Interior Designer: Giraffe Three
4. DIY Overload
Source: Pinterest
Colourful handicrafts may be all the rage these days - but they can be terribly impractical - and messy. Instead of littering your space with tons of buntings or pompoms, which may detract focus from your actual furniture pieces, limit your DIY items to a select few that can double as statement pieces. .
Source: Pinterest
5. Everything Monochrome
Interior Designer: TRIadeas Interior Sdn Bhd
You can't go wrong with a classic black and white scheme. However, monochromes in every inch of your home can feel dated and boring, like you're living in an old-school TV box.
Source: Pinterest
Thankfully, 2017 is all about fresh, tropical colours (like Pantone's Greenery) - and (surprise!) they match incredibly well with a monochrome palette. Update your existing look with small accents, in the form of prints, rugs or pillows).
Interior Designer: Idea Workshop
6. Plain Neutrals
Interior Designer: A&A Concept Design and Contract Sdn Bhd
There was a surge in neutral tones the past year (with Pinterest's obsession with cosy Hygge). But if bright colours as mentioned previously are anything to go by, 2017 is the year to add oomph to your neutral colour scheme with a mix of energetic hues like greens, peach or yellows.
Interior Designer: Gloria Decor & Design
You can incorporate this trend by injecting these shades in various accessories or using rosy copper as a metallic substitute.
Interior Designer: Metrics Global
7. Economy Pieces
Interior Designer: Sqft Space Management
Quality furniture has been sorely overlooked these recent years with the advent of shopping sites like Taobao. The result? A worrying trend whereby homes are decked with cheap-looking, weak pieces that probably won't last a year (or two). Even if you like to change your style once every few years, it's time to invest in impeccably crafted and durable pieces.
Interior Designer: Archiplan Interior Design
Sure, buying more for less might be kinder to your wallet, but quality pieces can likewise be sold or traded if in good condition; plus nothing beats the touch (or comfort) of a well made item.
8. Geometric Patterns
Interior Design: Hatch Interior Studio
Busy geometric patterns may pack a punch, but in 2017, it's more of having the right balance. Instead of applying it all over your home, keep things restrained; simple prints like lines and checkers add colour and a bit of texture.
Interior Designer: Yong Studio
Meanwhile, choose one accent like a rug or throw to apply your patterns on, and be sure to keep the rest of your décor bare.
9. Leather Furniture
Interior Designer: Zeng Interior Design Space
Beyond reusing and recycling, here's one more way to be eco-friendly this 2017; ditch the leather, and go for something more sustainable, like fabrics or faux materials! Opt for durable fabrics like cotton, polyester or microfiber. Still, if you can’t completely give up the classic, masculine look of leather, try high-quality, synthetic leathers made of vinyl instead.
Interior Designer: Mode Interior Style
10. Brick Feature Walls
Interior Designer: Kava Decor
One of most overdone interior features in the past five years, every other home has an exposed brick wall these days. Honestly? It's getting a bit stale, so if you're starting on a renovation project, do consider going for something different, like a wooden slatted feature wall or glass partition.
Interior Designer: Giraffe Three
What if you’re already living with a brick wall? A simple update can breathe new life into this macho feature. Add embellished or adorned accent mirrors, install copper lighting pieces, maybe even a fresh coat of paint and voila! You are now stylishly up to date.
Interior Designer: Free Space Intent
Keep Your Home In The Loop
Drab interior desperately in need of a major style update? Maybe it's time to renovate - and we can help! Drop us a free quote request, and we'll match you up with 5 interior designers, based on your style and budget.
Just looking for more home decor ideas? Why not download the Qanvast app, available on the App Store and Google Play? With local interior ideas from over 200 interior firms, save your favourite images on the go - the possibilities are limitless!