13 things every Malaysian home needs in 2017

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Badewanne Objekte, Design by Torsten Müller Design by Torsten Müller Colonial style bathroom
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The new year represents a fresh start, making it the perfect time to rethink your home decor, and consider renovation or improvements around the house. It's going to be an exciting year in the world of architecture and interior design, with several new trends on the rise, and a whole slew of creative and innovative approaches on the horizon, and today we're going to get you up to speed with 13 things every Malaysian home needs in 2017.

The most important thing in Malaysia is to have a home that is appropriate to the conditions, with hot humid weather influencing both the decor and the materials used in the home. That's why we'll be seeing a lot of bright vibrant colours, fresh greenery, and ideas for outdoor areas where you can spend hot afternoons bathing in the sun in perfect comfort. So let's get started with some fantastic inspiration for this latest chapter in our lives!

1. A barbecue

Nothing beats an afternoon barbecue with all of the friends and family in the backyard, so if you haven't got yourself one, 2017 is the year to invest in an outdoor cooker. There's all sorts of options available, from simple charcoal barbecues to huge wood fired ovens, so find something that fits your budget, and your culinary preferences, and you'll be hosting fabulous parties in no time at all!

2. An al fresco dining area

The barbecue is a start, but the next step is to create a comfortable outdoor dining area to host your guests. Invest in some patio furniture, with plenty of places to sit and enjoy your garden while you share a home cooked meal!

3. A spa or fire bath

For a truly relaxing way to spend those balmy evenings get yourself an outdoor spa pool. If your budget allows for it we recommend going all out with a large hot tub that can fit all of your friends, but otherwise a simple fire bath will offer you all of the luxury at a fraction of the cost. Just take a look at what's available and we're sure you'll find something perfect for your home!

4. More greenery in the bathroom

If there's one room of the house that can greatly benefit from the purifying qualities of plants it's the bathroom, so try including a few pot plants in the decor. If you're really serious about it you could try having your bathroom open onto a private garden like they've done here with this fabulous green space that even features an outdoor bath!

5. Tropical wallpaper

Wallpaper is back and it's going to be bigger than ever in 2017. You can choose literally any colour or pattern you want to fit your decor, but tropical prints are perfect for Malaysian homes and will give your home a burst of vibrance and dynamism.

6. Timber decor

Timber interiors are growing in popularity by the year and it's not hard to see why. The natural variation in grain and hue will give your decor depth, and timber strikes the perfect balance of sophistication and rustic charm. Not only that, but timber is one of those rare materials that feels cooling in the heat, and cosy in the colder months.

7. An outdoor fan

Take advantage of your outdoor area with a fan on your patio so that even in the most stifling heat you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

8. Vertical gardens

Vertical gardens allow you to fit in as much greenery as possible into a small space, and are a great way to freshen up your interior. They're a great project to work on yourself with a little bit of recycled wood, so get the whole family involved, and create a living, breathing ecosystem in your own home!

9. A renovated balcony

If you're not using your balcony to its full potential then 2017 is the year to remedy that. Too often we ignore our balconies, but with a few small upgrades, such as this swinging chair and the vertical pot plant arrangement, you'll be spending every spare moment outside enjoying the view.

10. A herb garden

Fresh herbs will give your cooking a burst of flavour and energy that will impress your family and guests alike, so make sure you always have some on hand by creating your very own herb garden! Whether you use pot plants or DIY wall mounted box planters like they've built here, you'll fill your home with intoxicating aromas and vivid colours.

11. Bold and vivacious colours

Have some fun with your decor by using bright colours to really make a statement. Pastels are always a winner, and as you can see the summery yellow used for the kitchen cabinets really brings this kitchen to life.

12. Artwork

If you're home is lacking a little culture and class there's a quick fix; hang some artwork in your home. We really like large colourful pieces that provide a focal point for the decor, especially when they are coordinated with the furniture, like they have with these teal cushions.

13. Rugs

Hard floors are always going to be the best option in a hot and humid climate, but that doesn't mean you have to forgo comfort. Rugs are a great way to give your home some colour and patterns, as well as a little warmth when the weather cools, but more importantly they can be easily cleaned, and stored away when you're not using them.

Follow these simple tips, and your home will be more than ready for 2017! For more great tips for Malaysian homes check out this article on fantastic tropical kitchens!

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