A masterclass on style

1)Colours

Colours really do shape the way we feel in a space—think about the way a McDonald’s restaurant contrasts an Aesop store. This year, we’ve waved goodbye to millennial grey and boring beige, and welcomed the soothing embrace of creamy tones. But just when you
thought the era of monochromatic and neutral hues might be winding down, 2025 throws us a curveball. The Pantone Color Institute has chosen PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as the colour of the year. This hue is poised to redefine interiors, from luscious leather couches that exude quiet luxury to mismatched bed linens that make an afternoon siesta all the more irresistible. 

But if earthy tones aren’t quite your jam, there’s a whole spectrum out there waiting to be explored. Pinterest Predicts, drawing on insights from half a billion users, is betting big on primary colours—reds, blues, and yellows straight out of a pop art painting. Among these, red particularly cherry red—has everyone talking, surging in popularity and doubling its search volume year on year. But remember, a little red goes a long way. Maybe start with a funky clock or some of SMEG’s retro appliances to add a pop without turning your home into a fire engine.

The resurgence of colour doesn’t stop at primary shades. The trend of colour stacking invites you to mix and match to your heart’s content. Want something soothing? Try pairing safe green and terracotta for a vibe that’s both earthy and chic. Whether you’re going bold or subtle, there’s never been a better time to play with colour in your space.

2) Themes

Just like fashion trends swinging back and forth (hello again, low-rise jeans and platform boots) the world of interior design is also riding its own style pendulum. Remember when minimalism was all the rage, inspired by Marie Kondo’s clarion call to declutter? Well, as we roll into 2025, it’s clear that the tide has turned. The minimalist ‘less is more’ mantra is making room for a louder, prouder ‘more is more’ approach.

Maximalism, the current darling of interior design, is all about embracing the eclectic, which is fantastic news if you’re the kind who’s held onto every concert ticket, every memento from your travels, or the imperfect ceramics you crafted with your own hands. Apartments become living galleries, showcasing everything from childhood memorabilia to those blind box toys you’ve collected as a big kid. Sure, there might be more to dust, but each piece adds a layer of personality that makes all the upkeep worthwhile.

And it’s not just about embracing our personal history. As we continue into 2025, we’re also seeing a fresh take on a timeless theme—let’s call it mid-century modern, but with a Singaporean twist. Forget the Fritz Hansen and Vitra; Singapore adds its unique flair with traditional ventilation blocks, intricately patterned grilles, and lush green onyx. This blend of global aesthetics with local elements resonates with a sense of place and heritage, especially in neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru. As we embrace themes that reflect our personal and cultural journeys, it’s all about making our homes as bold and expressive as their inhabitants.

3) Features

Unique renovation features can tell you a lot about when a place was built. Remember the bay windows that were all the rage in the 2000s? Or the platforms that defined the 2010s? And who could forget the arched everything of the 2020s? Now, as we edge further into the mid2020s, we’re seeing a new trend taking shape—literally.

Sculptural elements are becoming the stars of home renovation. Imagine walking through a cave-like doorway in your city apartment or dramatically descending a ribbon staircase in a landed home. These features aren’t just functional; they’re conversation starters, transforming ordinary spaces into works of art. Not ready to commit to such permanent changes? No problem. You can still get in on the trend with sculptural furniture—think beyond the typical bouclé sofas to pieces like hand-shaped chairs and asymmetrical coffee tables.

In the bathroom, the shift from conventional bathtubs to soaking baths, inspired by Japanese onsens, is a trend on the rise. These compact, deep baths save space while offering a luxurious soaking experience. Set flush or slightly recessed, they’re often surrounded by natural materials like stone or wood-look tiles, transforming bathrooms into soothing sanctuaries for relaxation and self-care.