Renovation Trends 2023: What We'll Likely See More/Less of This Year

These designers weigh in on the trends that will shape home renovations in 2023.

The pandemic brought about the demand of features such as simple, soothing interiors as well as multifunctional spaces. But with life returning to pre-COVID normalcy, the question is: will the renovation trends during the pandemic maintain their popularity, or will they make way for newer, fresher ones?

We spoke to Lucas from Weiken.com as well as Roy from Insight.Out Studio to find out more!

1. Warm, earthy tones will be especially popular in 2023

Perhaps it’s the association with nature that gives it the soothing, relaxing vibe, but both Lucas and Roy confirm that earthy tones will become especially prevalent in homes in 2023.

“Colours that are rooted in nature – like shades of brown, moss green, and taupes – tend to be more subdued, which automatically feel more relaxing,” says Roy. “But other than that, they’re also quite versatile, so it’s easy for homeowners to mix and match different furniture pieces and decor.”

Lucas agrees as well. “I believe this trend is driven by the continuation of WFH or hybrid working arrangements, where the home is a sanctuary for both personal and work time,” he says. “I think we can also expect touches of biophilic design to find their way into such homes as well.”

2. In contrast, Scandinavian white-and-wood styles may finally take a backseat

Scandinavian interiors – or at least, the ever-classic white-and-wood home commonly seen in Singapore – have always been popular choices among local homeowners, but surprisingly, it seems that it’ll be declining in popularity in 2023.

“Trends don’t last, and I think Scandinavian-themed houses will go down trend as it has been a common sight over the past few years,” says Roy.

Agreeing with this, Lucas also adds his perspective as an interior designer. “While I find that it’s a relatively timeless design, I believe that it has been used unrestrainedly in the market for almost half a decade – to the point that the industry is now keen to explore other avenues to distinguish one work from another.”

3. Rich, bright-coloured accents will make a comeback

Other than the earthy tones, Lucas also believes that rich jewel tones will appear in the form of bright-coloured accents in homes.

“Historically, Pantone’s Colour of the Year had set the tone for the design industry, even to the choice of iPhone colours in previous years,” says Lucas. “This year’s colour is Viva Magenta – a vibrant hybrid of red and pink – which I think will influence homeowners and designers to choose vivid colour tones to give homes a pop of colour.”

“Personally, I’m quite intrigued to see how these bright colours will find their way into homes, as this may create the individualism that many homeowners are looking for.”

4. WFH space planning remains a priority

Considering that life has, for the most part, returned to pre-Covid normalcy, you may think that WFH space planning will become less likely in 2023. However, that will largely depend on your personal working arrangement.

“For me, a lot of my clients are still working from home or have hybrid arrangements, so renovating their homes is still a priority,” says Lucas. “They’re paying attention to desk locations and backdrops, since they want to avoid the potential awkwardness of other household members wandering into the shot.”

“I also find that these people are more interested in multifunctional spaces, where areas like the dining room are becoming more informal and can function as a work desk in the day. This could potentially become more common in the future, when WFH/hybrid arrangements remain common while median home sizes get smaller.”

In contrast, Roy believes that the demand of having a home office has gone down. “It was extremely common during the pandemic, but since most people have returned to the office, fewer homeowners are interested in creating a work area at home.”

“Personally, I’ve noticed that more homeowners are requesting a balcony instead of an office now. Since going back to the office is the norm now, I think this area serves as a space where they can relax and unwind after a long day of work.”

5. Limewash paint could become more popular this year

In line with the rise of earthy colours at home, both Lucas and Roy also think that limewash paint is set to become popular choices among homeowners this year.

“As we’re entering a new era where earthy tones dominate, more homeowners will potentially be drawn towards limewash paint,” says Roy. “The textured feel and look complements the earthy tones and adds to the natural vibe.”

Similarly, Lucas feels that designers are exploring new ways to add depth to their work. “It definitely gives more depth than a simple solid coloured wall, and it also tends to last longer than normal paint and wallpaper.”

6. Expect to see fewer arches this year

While arches have been a popular sight in homes over the past few years, both Roy and Lucas believe that they will most likely fade away in 2023.

“It was everywhere, so I guess people got sick of it,” says Roy. “But rather than going completely out of trend, I think it’s getting subtler – for instance, having smooth curved edges on surfaces is currently quite popular now.”

Lucas agrees with this as well, adding that arches have reached their peak popularity. “In place of arches, I believe that curved walls and ceilings seem to be getting more popular,” he says. “Visually, they look more interesting, and add movement into the space.”

7. Homeowners are getting more design-savvy

With the advent of social media, Roy believes that Singaporean homeowners are getting more design-savvy, with better ideas of what they’re looking for.

“Everything is available online, and is just one click away,” he explains. “In fact, most of our clients are more knowledgeable [about renovation trends], and would already have a few reference images of what they want before coming to see us.”

While Lucas mostly agrees, he cautions homeowners to remain practical while design-hunting. “While these platforms are a good thing, you have to remember that algorithms are set to barrage you with lots of renovation content once you begin your search,” he says.

“Some of the homes you see online are from overseas, which are very different from what we have here. Also, 3D images are getting more realistic, and may include details that are otherwise not practical in a local home. Thus, it’s critical that you check in with your designer on the feasibility of such features to manage your expectations.”

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