Table of contents for 2023-2024 in Home Solutions

The dining room is one of the most important parts of the home, as it’s where family and friends gather for meals and celebrations. This year, keeping things comfortable, rustic, and natural is the way to go, so think casual elegant when designing your dining room. MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: DELIGHTFUL CONTRAST Elaine Lu, co-founder and managing director of award-winning Hong Kong inter-disciplinary interior design practice Lim + Lu, advises to use a reclaimed wood dining table with sleek contemporary dining chairs to create a contrast between raw and refined. Alternatively, you can opt for banquette seats instead of dining chairs to create a lounge-like dining space. “To create an informal dining room where people can relax when not eating, use banquette seats as these can be more effective…

A well-designed bedroom should be conducive for a good night’s sleep, but also a place where one can unwind, relax, and “re-centre” after a long and active day. In 2023, warm, earthy colours, along with muted sky blues and sage greens, are top choices for bedroom colours. Raw stone, rattan, and furniture and lamps with bronze details are also increasingly popular choices for bedrooms. Whether you prefer a lighter, more nature-inspired look, or a more eclectic and colourful scheme, here are some ideas to help you design a bedroom that you’ll enjoy spending time in. MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: NATURAL OR MAXIMAL Nature-inspired décor and maximalism are in vogue for bedroom design this year. Prue Vercoe, managing director of interior design studio Atelier Lane, in Sydney, which also has…

Gardens, balconies, and patio spaces are prime real estate in most homes, especially as Hong Kong summers draw family and friends outdoors for barbecues and evening cocktail gatherings. This year, Mediterranean-inspired aesthetics are conveyed with three outdoor décor styles – rustic refined, natural modern minimalism, and hacienda modern. In trend right now are nature-inspired colours, wood and stone surfaces, freestanding shading devices, portable lamps and chic furniture that come together to create inviting social zones that are cosy and easy to maintain. MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: THREE MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED STYLES According to Rowena Gonzales, principal and founder of interior design studio Liquid Interiors, rustic refined, natural modern minimalism, and hacienda modern are aesthetic styles that work wonderfully for outdoor spaces. Gonzales describes rustic refined as a style that combines the…

CELEBRATING MEMORIES While Nordic minimalism remains the mainstream, more bon vivants are gravitating towards cluttercore aesthetics, a celebration of memories, narratives, and personalities. The new mantra is "more is more", emphasising an eclectic, maximalist approach, with a feel-good fanfare. Deck your home with objects that carry personal significance to you. Whether it's a quirky plastic toy you've loved since kindergarten or a chequered blanket from your grandparents, these items can create an inviting and cocooning atmosphere – as long as they are tastefully arranged and displayed. QUIET LUXURY A trending aesthetic influenced by the fashion world, the spirit of quiet luxury is finding its way into our homes as we seek authenticity and self-expression. This style boils down to one notion – humility. Avoid filling your home with flashy furniture…

More than just a place for chopping, baking, frying, and washing up, the kitchen has become an area for socialising and relaxing, so it’s no surprise that kitchen interiors are becoming more colourful and welcoming. Kitchens today are more than just places for preparing meals. They are becoming more multi-functional as homeowners use kitchens as gathering spaces, a second dining room, and even home offices. MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: MORE THAN FUNCTIONAL This year, homeowners are moving beyond plain white and embracing bolder aesthetics to create spaces where you can do more than just prepare food. No longer regarded purely as a utilitarian space, kitchens are increasingly being used as social zones where the family eats, works, and entertains. Nikki Hunt, principal of Design Intervention – a Singapore interior…

The study is a place where one can be completely immersed and concentrate. In it, children and adults can study, bury their heads in work or curl up for some leisure reading. The layout of the study space greatly determines productivity and comfort, as well as impacting wellbeing and daily life. In this post-pandemic era, there are no longer restrictions on places where study and work can take place. As more people work from home, a clever home design, particularly in a study area, is in high demand. MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: STAY FOCUSED While everyone's ideal study room looks different, Andrew Lam, designer at PLUS Designs, the firm that snatched Gold in the Study Room category of Home Journal Awards 2022, explains that as long as certain key…

Without question, one’s living room is where we spend a significant amount of time, whether it’s entertaining friends or binging on Netflix. Given the significance of this space in your home, it’s important to give extra consderation to its décor. Fortunately, our seasoned designers are here to provide invaluable tips and recommendations to help elevate your living room from the mundane to the exquisite with ease. MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: LESS IS MORE As the woirld emerges from the pandemic, interior designer and decorator Christine Ritter has noticed people are favouring a “cleaner” aesthetic in their living room, with the “less is more” philosophy taking centre stage. This approach emphasises clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality over decoration. Another popular trend that has emerged is Japandi,…

In recent years, people’s expectations of a bathroom have become more sophisticated. Some homeowners have even made the bathroom bigger in proportion to the space of a home. The bathroom is no longer a corner of minor significance. Renowned architect William Lim says: “An elegantly designed bathroom comes with all the necessary functions. The environment should be comfortable and beautiful at the same time. The bathroom is no longer just a necessity, but the spotlight in a home.” MOOD BOARD DECORATION 1. INSPIRATION: QUIET LUXURY Apart from the basic washbasin, toilet, bathtub and shower screen, power plugs and lighting arrangements are essential to a bathroom as well. Lim says: “A bathroom needs sufficient lighting, and adjustments in lighting should be considered as well. The lighting should be bright enough for…

When it comes to designing a room for children, it is essential to go beyond just simply adding beds and toys. The process should involve a thoughtful consideration of factors such as safety, comfort and long-term planning. According to Haven Design’s Mary Wong, children’s needs evolve as they transition from infancy to adolescence, requiring changes in their sleeping arrangements every two years. Furthermore, their preferences and requirements also change annually. Therefore, sustainability should be a primary focus when designing children’s rooms. From conceptualising design plans to selecting the right furniture, it is imperative to opt for a flexible design. By giving priority to safety and comfort, the design of children’s rooms becomes more than just a functional space; it becomes a worthwhile investment that supports their growth and development. MOOD…