The 2022 Renovation Trends That Designers Think Will Be Big

Here’s what they think will shape the look of HDB flats/condos in the coming year.

Although 2021 was mostly remembered as yet another year of work-from-home arrangements, social gathering restrictions, and (almost) zero overseas holidays, it was also a year for curved edges and pocket doors to dominate in the local interior design scene.

So, how about 2022? To find out exactly what design features we’re likely going to see a lot of this year, we picked the brains of two designers, Connie from Starry Homestead as well as Joey of Salt Studio for their predictions about what’s going to be popular in terms of furniture, colours, materials, and more.

1. Neutrals and bright tans are going to be popular colour choices in Singapore homes

Both neutral hues (like white and grey) as well as tans (beige, light browns) aren’t rare sights in local homes, but they’re set to be more popular this year.

“I think they’re fairly timeless, and they bring a warm touch to homes that need them,” says Connie. “White will probably be a popular colour in Singapore, as it has always been, but it’s likely it won’t be used alone or with black for a monochrome look, because homeowners have been wanting cosier-looking spaces.”

Joey agrees as well. “What I noticed is that more homeowners are receptive to tans and neutrals these days, especially when they are going for a boho-chic or natural look,” he says.

“But personally, what I’d like to see more is the mustard-yellow-plus-grey combination. I think it’s very nice and I’m seeing more of it online, so I hope more local homeowners will embrace it.”

2. Aesthetic choices are likely to shift towards more rustic and natural elements (e.g., rattan, wood, textured fabrics, plants)

In line with the rising popularity of the boho-chic look (which is often seen together with mid-century modern retro-style furniture in Singapore homes), Joey believes that it’s likely that locals will be more willing to embrace rustic materials and furniture as décor elements.

“I think it’ll die down eventually, but for now, people are going for pieces like rattan chairs and cabinets. Accessories like macramé wall tapestries, throws, and potted plants as well,” he says. “I can’t say why for sure, but it seems that it’s because more people want relaxed environments at home, together with soft and natural accents.”

Similarly, Connie foresees textured natural materials like leather, stone, cotton, and wool, growing in popularity. She says: “These materials offer a more tactile home experience, and they have an organic quality that feels comforting.”

3. Multi-purpose rooms and flexible spaces are likely going to be the norm

With working from home being the norm for most Singaporeans due to the pandemic, Connie foresees that there’ll be an increase in home layouts with flexible and/or multipurpose spaces in 2022, and perhaps, beyond.

“For example, multi-use spaces like home gyms that function as study rooms and open-concept dining areas that also serve as casual home offices,” says Connie. “I think this trend will continue so long as people are spending more time at home.”

For similar reasons, Joey feels that this design trend has potential to grow in popularity. “Working from home is one reason, but I also think that more people will use multipurpose spaces as a way to get around space limitations,” he says.

“Hopefully, more people will consider this an option as it also presents opportunities for more creative layouts and room ideas, especially with glass partitions because they offer the flexibility to switch between open spaces and private settings.”

4. For self-care reasons, relaxation spaces will feature strongly in Singapore homes

In 2022, Connie believes that owners will be more willing to spend on the spaces and/or parts of their homes that bring comfort to them.

“For example, if the homeowner enjoys baking, they’ll probably spend more on a kitchen island or maybe a more comfortable bedroom if that’s where they unwind, or even a smaller part of a room like a cosy corner or daybed area,” she says. “The reason why is because we’re working from home, and home is also a place for rest.”

5. Expect to see tiles being used more frequently as interior accents

Tiles may already be a staple of interior design, but Joey believes that there’s more room for creativity, especially with the right combinations.

“I do hope that tile feature walls make a comeback in 2022, and I can see that happening in bathrooms, but probably not other parts of the home because homeowners seem to have the impression that they only belong in bathrooms or kitchens,” he says.

“However, there are more homeowners who are willing to try out different lays in their bathrooms with various tile shapes, like mermaid, mosaic, and even regular square ones with contrasting patterns or colours. So, things like half-walls and two-tone walls.”

Likewise, Connie is of the opinion that these hard-wearing surface coverings present underexplored design opportunities – albeit with a catch.

“You can either create a wall that pops with high-contrast tiles and grout, or use non-standard ones like diamond or mermaid shaped tiles for more character,” she says. “But the most important thing to note is that this trend, like the rest, isn’t a must-have or a hard-and-fast design rule. Do what’s best for your home!”

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