Which colours are likely to be most appealing?

I am on the global panel that selects paint specialist Dulux’s colours of the year. Currently, Bright Skies represents a new beginning beyond the pandemic and the promise of a brighter future. As most people are bored of neutrals, shades like Bright Skies or earthy greens representing nature will dominate.

The last year was uncertain for so many of us. Colour has the power to influence our moods, and those reminiscent of the natural world will soothe and calm us. Hopefully, 2022 will be better. However, I believe that we still need a pick-me-up. The right colour can be incredibly uplifting.

Last year, what was one of the biggest trends we saw, and how will it change this year?

Boucle fabric was popular. The trend will continue, as will texture in other forms. Natural woods, grasscloth (a fine, light cloth resembling linen that’s made of fibres woven from the inner bark of the ramie plant) walls, woven cane, rattan, and embroidered fabrics will take off this year.

Touch is the “feel-good sense.” As tactile creatures, we release oxytocin when we come into contact with someth8ing textured. For example, instance, stroking our pets is scientifically proven to reduce stress and calm us,  contributing to our longevity.  We have been deprived of this sense for too long since we spend so much time touching glossy, smooth manufactured materials,  screens, and keyboards.

Since five years ago, how have homeowners’ preferences changed?

Even though WFH is no longer the default, I doubt we will return to the office to the same extent as before the pandemic.

In 2020, many homeowners had to deal with makeshift workstations on the dining table or kitchen island.   Now that home working is here to stay, we are seeing an increasing demand for dedicated workspaces that foster a healthy and productive work environment.

Which trend do you believe will have a significant impact this year?

As we move beyond the pandemic, prioritising well being will dominate design decisions. We can expect to see an increased focus on sustainable materials and the demand for toxin-free, low-emission home products. Plus, I predict that spa-style bathrooms that promote relaxation, social spaces that foster interaction, and bedrooms that encourage restful sleep will top many wish lists.

What is one memorable project you completed in 2021?

My absolute favourite was a four-storey home in Joo  Chiat. Despite being away from Singapore at the time, the owners trusted us with designing and implementing their initial brief.

They wanted a home that felt like an escapist retreat so they could travel the world without ever leaving it. All at once, they desired to be in an  English Country garden, on an African Safari, amidst the dunes of Arabia, and then in  Tuscany and rural France.

Like many of us, they’d binge-watched Bridgerton and dreamed of tea in pastel-hued classical rooms. Incorporating these immersive experiences into an open-plan home was challenging! However, by linking the different areas with a standard colour, we established an efficient and seamless connection. We completed the project during the circuit-breaker.

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