Philippine interior designers figure in on hot trends this 2015

Bold graphic, stenciled walls made DIY goddesses giddy in 2012, while blue made a splash in advertising and home décor catalogue sheets in 2013. Fresh from last year, the curated look was fall’s biggest trend, collecting and displaying the quirks of the owner (the more whimsical, the better). 

 

From the movement of the trends in the past few years, it is obvious (and quite a relief) that we’re way past the safe, monochromatic, “matchy-matchy” days and moving on to higher creative pursuits. Indeed, it’s an exciting time to design your dream home or renovate an existing space. 

 

This 2015, know what trends will steal the scene and take the cue from Philippines’ foremost interior designers and decorators. Eclectic, contrasting styles, natural and organic, and contemporary Pinoy, these 2015 design trends will make you want to roll up your sleeves and get to work right now. 
 

Editorial eye

 

While a lot of trends made their mark last year (white on white, vintage accessories, gallery walls), it would seem that 2014’s biggest trend is “You.” According to dwellcandy.com, interior design has veered away from the generic and safe to deeply personal spaces.

 

This is why 2015 will see a continuation of this trend and towards eclecticism. And this spells good news for designers, who will have more room to experiment.

 

“Eclecticism has been the norm, since mixing the decorative elements from the 50s, 60s and 70s seems widely accepted as current and hip. We feel that designers will continue using their editorial eye to combine these with contemporary trends,” said sisters and design partners Cynthia and Ivy Almario, known for being the designers of choice among Manila’s elite. 

 

The burgeoning dining scene and Filipinos’ love for cozy ambience in restaurants also swayed interior design trends this year.  

 

“Interiors with a loft-like vibe that you see abounding in lobbies, restaurants and model units will make their way to the residential interiors too,” Ivy Almario added.

 

Combining different styles (industrial and modern, rustic and chic for example) to create cozy spaces will continue to trend. Contrast two things that usually don’t go together to call attention to itself, such as a rustic table matched with mod chairs. 

 

Interior decorator Cal Tavera has always been a fan of eclecticism. Now renovating her three-bedroom condominium unit, Cal illustrated how to mix the new with the old.

 

“I’m also drawn towards the eclectic aesthetic so it was fun mixing my family’s old furniture with the new accessories I found along the way. Since we were born in Indonesia, I worked with carved Balinese wood and paired them with contemporary art from emerging Filipino artists in the same space. I also played with traditional batik fabric into the area along with some imported floral wallpaper,” Tavera said.

Local and natural

 

Tavera also predicted a shift in preference from imported to local. 

 

Citing the Seda boutique hotel chain, which is home to Kenneth Cobonpue and Anne Pamintuan pieces, Tavera said, “There will be a stronger presence and demand for local designs in the Philippines. New boutique hotels are going local and patronizing some of Philippines’ best designers.” 

 

Incorporating Filipino touches and indigenous materials into your space this 2015 can actually hit two birds with one stone. Most Filipino-inspired furniture and accents are made from natural and organic materials like wood and the “natural world” is one of the biggest predicted trends this year. 

 

Mark See, Partner and Interior Designer of Design Studio Manila, said, “This year, we expect to see the use of natural or organic materials in interior finishes; natural stones like marble and agate; natural and petrified wood. Recycling, or upcycling materials, will be big this 2015 because of the growing awareness among interior designers about environmental issues.”

 

See used these trends on his latest condominium project, where he and partner Katherine Dee created a “Scandinavian-inspired” space. Scandinavian interiors are defined by the prominent use of natural materials, but See and Dee infused metals (like the ceiling light fixtures) with wood, and added surprising splashes of color, like the red accent chair in the living room.  Again, there is no cohesive theme and style anymore. The game is finding harmony across several influences, materials and styles. 

 

“People should not be afraid of colors and patterns, especially now that the trends are going there. Design nowadays is very personalized and we no longer follow a strict design style,” See added.  

 

Eclectic, organic, natural, and defined by contrasting styles: this can only mean one thing. 2015 is the year to be daring, bold and adventurous when it comes to your personal space. And if you’re afraid to take risks, well, there’s always the option to hire an interior expert. — VC, GMA News