Just in time for Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair, we break down three popular decorating styles plus product picks to take the stress out of setting up (or making over) your home.
1. Tropical style
When it comes to infusing “tropical” style into the 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 this video), and you can pull off an instant room makeover using the bevy of beautiful buys at Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair (13-30 April 2017).
Take, for instance, the vibrant orange accents – vases, pillows, natural coral, bath accessories, 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 will also make fine pairings!
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 photo frame ($89) on an end table.
Feel free to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors as well. The cheery yellow, orange and blue pieces in John Lewis Outdoor Furniture (from $229) work just as well on a modern condo 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.
2. Cosy, monochromatic look
Make sure you mix in different textures and finishes, so that “monochromatic” doesn’t turn into “meh.” (See video here.)
At Robinsons The Heeren’s Home Fair, 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 ($16.90) are an elegant, understated option for nearly any décor scheme. Use a few pillows plus a lightweight throw blanket to make your bed or sofa even more inviting.
Similarly, the grain of natural wood and marble adds richness to a room. But you don’t need to do an entire renovation to get the effect! Robinsons The Heeren has cool candle holders, vases, cutting boards and other pieces crafted from wood or marble (in stylish white, grey and black colour ways).
Or, swap in a new coffee table from the Big Blue Resin Stone range ($from $75).
No budget? Simply place a woven basket or John Lewis Wood Bowl (from $39) in the centre of your table instead.
3. Scandi-chic style
From the clean lines to the crisp colours, whimsical accents and handmade touches, the 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). (See video here.)
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.
You can’t go wrong with the Ecology Indigo Tableware (from $12).
Or beautiful ombre blue glass vases by RO (from $85).
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 add some fun and a lot of warmth in your home — like with 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.
Shop away and transform your home into a vibrant, stylish and cosy abode!