Nik Ida Juliana says homes will feature styles that are more light and airy next year.

“I sincerely believe that next year will mark a point where we will start to move away from the sad and dour cloud of Covid-19 and start having more optimism and hope. Colours for interiors will also start to show such optimism through the use of warm and comforting hues with flashes of bright, fun and popping colours to enliven the interior atmosphere, ” says Nik Ida Juliana.

“Bright and “pop” colours have always been more transitory and temporary in character. Neutral colours always have more permanence within an indoor environment as they tend to convey interiors that are stable and grounded. These calming environments can then be enlivened by colourful elements such as loose pillows, decorative elements and artwork, ” she adds.

Wong shares that “neutral and monotones will never go too wrong, as the character of a design can often be accessorised with a strong art piece, pattern rug and so on”.

Azlan highlights the timeless appeal that neutral colours embody.

“Bold colours tend to die out, as the idea of swapping out short-lived colours is a turnoff for some. Sticking to popular colours may be a good idea if you are keen on refreshing the look of the house, but keep it adaptable enough that it’ll last you for a while should you lack the strength to repaint the following year.”

However, the designers emphasise that interior styles should be about personal preference and affordability.

“I’m not a proponent of design trends in particular. Homeowners should choose what suits their lifestyle (and budget) the most, ” says Azlan.

Wong adds that social media, trendy cafes, home design exhibitions, frequent travelling around the world, and one’s budget are some factors that affect how owners want their homes to be.

Nik Ida Juliana says that design trends are always driven by a number of factors.

“Among them are our own need to (re)create and innovate our environmental surroundings, our desire to reminisce, a need to stand out and be different, as well as commercial and financial considerations, ” she says.

“Oftentimes, people grow tired of styles that have surrounded them for quite some time and yearn to re-invent their surroundings. This need to rejuvenate one’s spirit often pushes people to change the ‘feel’ of the environment around them. The changes made are often felt as being cathartic as well as signalling a new start to their lives and outlook.”