Cover Discover which interior design trends will be making waves this upcoming season (Photo: unsplash.com)

Need some inspiration for your next home interior project? We ask Hong Kong's top designers and home décor experts to predict what will be hot in the world of interior design for fall/winter 2020

There’s never been a better time to transform your home into a sanctuary which you’ll feel completely comfortable and a sense of positivity. While your space should be a beautiful reflection of your character, it’s a good idea to borrow inspiration from the latest home trends as predicted by Hong Kong’s top interior designers. Read on to discover the hottest interior design styles and tips on how to incorporate these looks in your own home this upcoming season. 

See also: 9 Hong Kong Home Decor Personalities To Follow On Instagram

Crystal collections

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of Xu Liang Leon
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of JJ Acuna

One trend that will be at the forefront of home interior design in AW2020 is natural crystals and stones, as predicted by highly-acclaimed celebrity designer, JJ Acuna, who's also known as the founder of his eponymous design firm, JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio.

“Crystals and natural rocks are a true work of art that formed by Earth over thousands, or even millions of years,” he says. “They have different organic substances and structures, meaning everyone is guaranteed to find their own unique piece of gem to bring a personal touch to their homes.”  

Looking sophisticated and precious, these minerals come with a plethora of unique shapes and colour combinations, that are sure to add a pop of visual interest and character to any setting. Besides placing the gems on your coffee tables and bookshelves, you can even clasp or attach them on your jewellery boxes and side tables as added features. 

Another reason to put crystals on your home decor wish list? Crystals are believed to possess healing properties that can help us to ward off negative energy. So if you’re looking for alternative ways to restore your inner peace during these chaotic times, why not give them a try?  “Just make sure you find a retailer that’s committed to source crystals from trustworthy quarries. Stone & Star is a good place to shop,” the designer adds.  

See also: Where To Find Healing Crystals in Hong Kong

Contemporary African textiles and ceramics

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Above Photo: Courtesy of LRNCE

The vibrant tones found within the modern African design trend are truly designed to dazzle, creating a dramatic yet equally comforting mood in the home. If you enjoy bringing global influences into your own home to express your love for travel and different cultures, this one's for you.

“Recently I’m seeing a lot of ceramics and textiles crafted by small studios from Africa and the Middle East. They have been incorporating their own interpretation of vernacular graphics and patterns into a variety of materials, offering furnishings in strong, contrasting hues such as deep blue and light orange to add an exotic flair and warmth to personal spaces,” explains JJ Acuna.

This is such a beautiful trend and one that will see us through those gloomy colder months in the latter half of the year. If you’re not ready to embrace the bold colour movement yet, perhaps just take it slow and try an eye-catching piece of home decor like a rug or an oversized vase with African motifs against a neutral background. “The trend also proves how the global design market is embracing the non-mainstream design community, with people started appreciating more the history and traditions of the African tribes,” says the designer.

Check out LRNCE—a Marrakesh based lifestyle brand—on Instagram or visit their website for more inspirations. 

Boldly cut tiles in earthy tones

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Above Photo: @fornacebrion/Instagram

“Many homeowners these days are finding ways to level up their kitchens and bedrooms,” says JJ Acuna. People have been spending a lot more time at the house lately, where the two spaces have become the absolute heart of the home. “It’s worth putting the time and effort to revamp them by giving a bit more character to the interiors, for example, something as simple as upgrading the floor tiles.” 
 
“One of my personal favourites is Fornace Brioni’s tiles made in Italy. Featuring bold patterns and a colour palette with muted, neutral and earthy hues, their creations are very stylish and versatile that can work well with any interior concept”, the designer says. Their tiles are in smooth, matte finishes, which is also another hot interior trend that deserves your attention. Many people are moving away from traditional glossy walls and begin to experiment with different tile patterns, materials and textures.

Workstations

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Above Photo: pexels.com

The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced all aspects of our lives, including the way we communicate and work. WFH is now a way of life for many Hongkongers, and it’s no surprise that more and more people nowadays are struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance—when office and home become one.  
 
“It's always important to keep your professional and personal lives separate, especially these days, when many of us are spending more time at home,” says Sherwood Kwok, managing partner of the Hong Kong interior design firm, JAAK. “It's time to set up a workspace with some beautiful homeware pieces that will make you feel comfortable and productive.” 

Incorporating plant life into the design of your workstation is one of the easiest ways to brighten up the setting and make it healthier. You may also want to add more storage options that will not only keep your belongings and work documents tidy, but also serve as a shelf to display your treasured items. Don’t forget to get yourself a comfortable office chair and a stylish, functional desk lamp; top picks include Norm Architects’ Carrie LED Menu Table Lamp and Herman Miller’s Nelson Ball Bubble Pendant.  

Make small changes for a big impact: Dining room

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Above Photo: Courtesy of The Editors Company

You don’t have to go for a large-scale home renovation project or switching out every single piece of furniture to get a whole new look or feel to your space. “Quarantine life could be the perfect opportunity to give your house a little makeover,” says Aaron Chin, founder of The Editors Company, a Hong Kong online home styling platform that strives to help clients to design and furnish their homes without making any structural changes.  
 
“Nothing says home sweet home better than a cosy dining room. Start restyling the area and make it more inviting before you plan to invite your friends over for dinner,” suggests Aaron. It’s always a good idea to dress up the blank walls with your favourite artworks, photographs, or even your impressive porcelain collection. Even if you’ve got a small dining room, you can also make it beautiful if you pick the perfect chairs that match your table’s scale and style.  
 
Lastly, lift the mood by bringing the outdoors in with large floor plants or small pots placed on the table and sideboard. If you’re new to plant parenthood, there’s a wide selection of low-maintenance species available, such as ferns and rubber fig. 

See also: The Easiest House Plants To Keep In Hong Kong

Turn your bedroom into a total sanctuary

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of The Editors Company
Photo 2 of 2 Reading corner (Photo: Courtesy of The Editors Company)

With the demands that the digital world places on our time, the need for getting quality sleep is of paramount importance. The bedroom is the heart of the home, and whatever the size of yours, it’s vital to ensure it’s a haven of peace where you can relax and rejuvenate after a long day.  
 
“While we might not be very good at getting an early night and turning off our devices before bedtime, it doesn’t mean we can’t create a beautiful, comfortable space that’s a sanctuary for sleep”, says Aaron. Besides setting the right room temperature, beddings play a major role in how we rest. Whether you prefer luxuriously smooth silk bedding or extra comfy cotton sheets, be sure to choose the materials and colours that you like. Instead of trying to copy the look that you see from those interior design magazines, pick the beddings that can reflect your personality and taste.  
 
Bedroom lighting is often overlooked when planning your home’s lighting design. It’s not enough to merely set a lamp beside your bed and call it done. According to Aaron, the best practice to use a blend of different light sources in addition to natural light—including accent lighting to add drama to your most cherished objects, task lighting and ambient lighting to create an intimate atmosphere. To inject more character into the room, set up a cosy little reading corner where you can relax with a good book, meditate or simply give your mind a rest with your favourite music.  

See also: 5 Ways To Turn Your Home Into A Wellness Sanctuary

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