Best of Qanvast 2017: The 7 Renovation Trends Our Readers Loved

Let’s look back on the year - Which spaces and styles did Singaporeans love? What were popular with local homeowners on our app and site? Whether the most shared or liked on social media, or a hit with our blog readers, we collate the top interior and renovation trends this year.

Topping the List: Bright & Airy Scandinavian

Interior Designer: Lemonfridge Studio

A clear winner with homeowners on our platform is the bright and airy Scandinavian style which helps provide an illusion of spaciousness.

Most Liked on Facebook: Lemonfridge Studio - The Amore

Most Liked on Instagram: Mr.Shopper Studio - Bendemeer Light

Most Saved On Qanvast: Chapter One - Anchorvale Crescent

With clean-cut carpentry in a pale wood finishes, tons of white and a calm, pastel-colored palette to complement the space, this theme is one of the most liked on social media and saved on Qanvast.

The Runner-Up: The ‘New’ Modern

Interior Designer: 82

The classic, monochromatic modern look is another trend loved by most homeowners - especially on Instagram. Its dramatic contrast offers a visual punch – whilst still bringing a touch of timeless elegance.

Top 9 Instagram Posts in 2017

See an obvious trend? But not just any black-and-white space will do. This year, it’s all about giving it a twist for a bit of fun.

Interior Designer: Habit

Still In Fashion: Japanese-Zen Abodes

Interior Designer: D5 Studio Image

Interior Designer: Ace Space Design

Featuring uncluttered designs and simple woodwork, the calm, Zen-like vibe Japanese-styled homes exude definitely calls out to our busy, frazzled souls. Or perhaps, it’s just our obsession for all things MUJI hitting an all-time high.

Always Popular: Practical Ideas and Tips

Interior Designer: Third Avenue Studio

Every renovation comes with its fair share of research and planning. As always, serious renovators are saving articles on practical ideas from our platform.

Interior Designer: 82

Images that did best from our Pinterest feed were unique storage solutions and functional ideas – like this built-in wardrobe from Posh Home. While the most saved articles in 2017 mainly revolved around practical advice and must-know renovation tips.

Most Bookmarked Articles of 2017:

• When Should I Start Planning My Renovation?

• How To Read Your HDB Floor Plan In 10 Seconds

• What’s The Best Material For Your House?

• Beat PUB’s Price Hike With These 6 Home Hacks

• 5 Must-Checks When ID Hands Back Your Keys

We All Love A Good Makeover Show

Just like how we love keeping our eyes peeled for a new episode of ‘Fixer Upper’ and ‘Flip or Flop’, our series of 'Before & After’ HDB makeover posts have become two of our most read blog articles this year.

Check out those jaw-dropping transformations again:

• Before & After: 6 Extreme HDB Makeovers

• 5 Must-See Before & After HDB Renovations

• 5 Epic HDB/Condo Flip-overs, Before & After

Obsessed: Achieving the 'Private’ Look

Interior Designer: Mr. Shopper Studio

We all dream about living in a fancy condo or huge bungalow. So, anything that brings this fantasy to reality is a sure-hit with the crowd. In particular, homeowners love reading a good rags-to-riches story.

Interior Designer: Linear Space Concepts

Posts on how modest HDBs are transformed into living spaces that rival swanky private homes, or HDB flats that offer non-cookie-cutter living you won’t find anywhere else have captured the imaginations of ambitious homeowners (and curious onlookers) online.

Get the landed look for less with these top reader picks:

• 5 Rare HDB Types That Are Basically Private Houses

• 10 HDBs That Are Better Than Private Homes

• OMG: 10 Insane HDBs That’ll Ruin Expectations for Life

Most Importantly… It’s All About The Money

Interior Designer: Boon Siew D'sign

Just how expensive is renovating a home? Whether it’s figuring out the right budget or money-saving designs, cost-related topics have been on the minds of many homeowners this year (or any year, really).

Interior Designer: akiHAUS

Make the most out of your moolah with these popular reads:

• Renovation Costs 2017: How Much Will I Spend Per Room?

• Renovate Wisely: Where to Spend and What to Save

• These 7 Hidden Costs Will Bust Your Renovation Budget

• 9 Home Designs That Will Look Good (Even After 20 Years)

New year, new rules

Whether you agree (or disagree) with these trends listed - get started on a clean slate for your home with our 2018 trend forecast guide here.

Or simply make a resolution to kickstart on your home’s overhaul - and we can help! Request for a quote here, and we can match you up with 5 interior firms - based on your budget and style.

About Qanvast: Create a space you love today with Singapore’s first mobile platform. Qanvast (pronounced as ‘canvas’) connects homeowners to trusted home professionals. Browse for reviews, renovation prices and portfolios from interior designer firms in Singapore at your fingertips!