Just in time for Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair, we break down three popular and Pinterest-worthy decorating styles plus 15 product picks to give your living space a stylish update:
Style #1: Tropical Brights
When it comes to infusing “tropical” style into your home, there’s a fine line between creating a chic, eclectic look and going overboard into kitschy theme territory.
Not to worry! Apply just one or two of the tips here (or in the video, below), and you can pull off an instant room makeover using the bevy of beautiful buys at Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair (April 13 to 30, 2017).
Take, for instance, the vibrant orange accents – vases, pillows, natural coral, bath accessories and kitchenware. Place a few around a mostly neutral-coloured room (e.g., beige, brown, grey, navy or white) to immediately liven up the space with pops of zesty orange. Home cooks, treat yourself to eye-catching orange LE CREUSET Cast Iron Cookware (from $219), and you’ll get compliments on your good food and good taste.
On the opposite end of the tropical-colour spectrum, green is the way to go if you want something more soothing on the eyes. Plus, the hue is trending: Greenery was recently named the Colour of the Year by Pantone. To freshen up your table tops, choose from Bloomingville leaf-print dinnerware (from $15), green Serax Glass Tableware (from $15) in playfully nostalgic shapes and more.
But what is tropical living without the many creatures crawling, flying or swimming around outside? Taking a page from the iconic Cabinet of Natural Curiosities tome, Robinsons The Heeren has every sort of illustrated bird, butterfly, beetle and fish, in home accessories large and small. Try the bright parrot print Creatively Active Minds Cushion Covers ($69) on your family room sofa, or parrot-adorned Photoframe ($89) on an end table.
Feel free to blur the lines between indoors and out as well. The cheery yellow, orange and blue pieces in John Lewis Outdoor Furniture (from $229) work just a well on a modern condo or HDB balcony as they do in a quirky shophouse interior. Ditto the wide range of versatile ceramic garden stools at Robinsons: Use one as a seat, side table or place to rest your feet.
Style #2: Naturally Calm
The trick to nailing a serene interior? Make sure you mix in different textures and finishes, so that “monochromatic” doesn’t turn into “meh.” Consider the tips here, and – even better – head to Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair, to see (and feel!) what works best in your home.
One thing’s for sure, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the plethora of cosy pillows in neutral hues and touchable textures – think faux fur, cable knit, natural linen, soft burlap and more. The JRAPEE Cushion Covers ($16.90) are an elegant, understated option for nearly any décor scheme. Use a few pillows plus a light-weight throw blanket to make your bed or sofa even more inviting.
Similarly, the grain of natural wood and marble adds richness to a room. But you don’t need to do an entire renovation to get the effect! Robinsons The Heeren has cool candle holders, vases, cutting boards and other pieces crafted from wood or marble (in stylish white, grey and black colour ways). Or, swap in a new coffee table from the BIG BLUE Resin Stone range (from $75). No budget? Simply place a woven basket or JOHN LEWIS Wood Bowl (from $39) in the centre of your table instead.
Last, layer on some luxe touches that won’t break the bank: warm metallic accessories in gold, rose gold, brass and bronze. Use candle holders, vases, pillows and more to up the glamour without things getting too glitzy or garish.
Style #3: Scandi Chic
Oh, Scandinavia – why are you so good at design? Don’t answer that. We know why. From the clean lines to the crisp colours, whimsical accents and handmade touches, Scandi Chic-style is both classic and contemporary. And it’s custom-made for any number of decorating desires (e.g., minimalist man cave, kid-friendly living room, non-boring bathroom). Check out these tips, then go explore the options at Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair.
To start, ask yourself: Is it time to upgrade my basics? If so, consider investing in some sturdy-but-not-staid furniture and stylish table ware. The cheeky, colourful JOURNEY EAST line includes media consoles, side tables, writing desks as well as a PLAYPlay Pong Table ($2,800), which can double as your dining table. Likewise, the RIG-TIG kitchen prep, cookware and tableware collection – in muted tones of blue, grey and dusty pink – is easy to incorporate into (and instantly elevate) your daily dishes.
There’s a reason that blue and white is a classic colour combo, particularly in Scandinavia. You can’t go wrong with the ECOLOGY Indigo Tableware (from $12) or beautiful ombre blue glass vases by RO (from $85) or DOME DECO (from $39). Or, why not freshen up your bath or bed linens with the JOHN LEWIS Aster Meadow Fitted Sheets or Duvet Cover Set (from $159 and $249, respectively) or graphic print Bath Towels (from $12).
Finally, remember, it’s okay to show a little whimsy and a lot of warmth in your home. Nothing says “OMG!” like the QEEBOO Rabbit Chairs (from $238) in adult and child sizes. And nothing creates a welcoming mood like the right aromatherapy. Robinsons The Heeren has a tonne of sophisticated scents to choose from, including the SKANDINAVISK Fragrance Diffuser ($99), MAISON LA BOUGIE Scented Candle ($79) and more.
If any of these pieces sound like your new favourite accent piece in your home, browse the gallery below to start making your shopping list!