While the clean design aesthetic is still beloved amongst many Singaporeans, there is a very popular craze for the ‘artfully messy’ look as well. It’s important to note that this ‘mess’ is not vintage, or kitsch, or any other old-school format. It’s very modern, and imbues the space with a charismatic appeal. It emulates character within the rooms, and here are5 ways you can get it:
1. The road to distressed
Interior Design, Home Renovation Image Source: Ritchie Creative Design
Distressed wood is an amazing finish – it’s rugged, rustic, and each crevice is brimming with so much personality. You don’t have to go full-scale with this particular application to get that artfully messy look. Just a small addition in the form of a statement piece is enough to get the right look. The media wall in this living room is a great example of how you can harmonize it in a contemporary ambiance.
2. Getting creative with patterns
Interior Design, Home Renovation Image Source: Ritchie Creative Design
Many homeowners hesitate to emulate freestyle or any abstract patterns within their modern or contemporary homes. They’re usually scared of ruining the sophisticated look of these spaces, but with the right technique, you can get the best of both. The abstract linear pattern featured in this image is a great example of how you can do this in a graceful and understated way.
3. Texture direction
Interior Design, Home Renovation Image Source: Ritchie Creative Design
The thing about the artfully messy look is that you don’t have to invest in loads of physical clutter to get it. You can just play with the direction of your material textures and still get the same effect. If you look at the kitchen in this image, you’ll see how the horizontal orientation of the wood grain on the cabinet laminates makes the space seem ruggedly appealing.
4. Statement furniture
Interior Design, Home Renovation Image Source: Ritchie Creative Design
Choosing the right furniture is another great way to emulate an artfully messy look in your home interiors. It doesn’t have to be every single furniture piece – just the statement ones can feature an age-worn appeal with a warm texture. Both the bed headboard and the dresser chair in this bedroom are great examples of how to do this.
5. Using tile patterns
Interior Design, Home Renovation Image Source: Ritchie Creative Design
Lastly, one of the best and most mainstream ways to get an artfully messy look in your home interiors is by going for gorgeous tile patterns. Peranaken patterned tiles are always a trendy option, but you can branch out to more sophisticated patterns as well.
