Similar to the British Colonial Style, Raffles Singapore style interiors draw inspiration from the distinctive architectural and design elements associated with the Raffles Hotel, a historic and iconic luxury hotel located in Singapore.
While both the British Colonial style and Raffles Singapore style share common elements related to colonial-era architecture and design, the Raffles Singapore style is a refined interpretation of the British Colonial aesthetic, tailored to the luxurious setting of the iconic hotel.
If you love British Colonial-style interiors and are looking for ways to add a touch of luxury and refinement, discover our top 10 Raffles Singapore style decorating tips below.
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Photo Source: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Tip #1: Colour Palette
The Raffles style colour palette features a foundation of black and white, complemented with caramel, shades of green, and creamy neutrals.
These can be complemented by shades of off-white, beige, cream, and soft pastels, to achieve a sense of elegance.
Lastly, incorporate sleek metallic accents of nickel, warm brass, and brushed gold.
Photo Source: Raffles Singapore Hotel
Photo Source: Heather Chadduck
Photo Source: Rikki Snyder
Tip #2: Architectural Features
The Raffles Hotel is renowned for its colonial-era architecture, elegant interiors, and classic ambiance, which have transformed the hotel into a symbol of timeless luxury and sophistication.
Some notable features and design opportunities include:
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Classic Colonial Architecture: The hotel's architecture reflects the colonial influences of the British Empire, with notable features such as white-washed walls, symmetry, ornate wooden detailing, and wide verandas.
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A Grand Entryway: Recreate the hotel's grand lobby by making your entryway a focal point, incorporating elegant chandeliers, marble floors, classic furnishings, and eclectic decorative elements.
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A Tropical-Inspired Layout: Pay homage to Singapore's tropical environment, by designing open-air spaces that provide a sense of comfort and relaxation.
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Ornate Details: Incorporate ornate architectural details such as decorative moldings, cornices, iron grill gates, decorative reliefs, and paneling to add a touch of traditional British Colonial style to your space.
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Verandahs and Courtyards: Verandahs and courtyards are integral parts of the design. They provide comfortable outdoor spaces for relaxation, offering shade and a connection to the lush surroundings.
- British Colonial Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans with wooden blades and vintage designs can complement the colonial aesthetic while providing a practical cooling solution.
Photo Source: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Tip #3: Flooring
Raffles Singapore-style flooring is recognised for the interplay of contrast, sophistication, and style.
To emulate the eye-catching designs seen throughout the Raffles Hotel, ideas include:
- A combination of natural and dark stained floorboards in straight, herringbone, or chevron designs.
- Glossy white marble and natural stone in the surrounding porches.
- Decorative Italian marble flooring in entryways or entertaining areas.
- Decorative black and white floor tiles in bathrooms. These feature geometric designs that draw influence from the traditional Peranakan-style tiles.
- Lastly, for warmth and visual interest, invest in quality oriental rugs with intricate patterns and rich colours.
Photo Source: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Tip #4: Statement Lighting
As Raffles Singapore-style interiors offer an additional layer of luxury to colonial styles, you will find eye-catching statement chandeliers, pendant lights, and wall sconces with classic and elegant designs.
Other Raffles-style Contemporary Lighting ideas include:
- Brass lanterns and chandeliers with intricate designs.
- Wicker, bamboo, and rattan pendants.
- Glass hurricane lamps with metal, wicker, or wooden bases.
- Table lamps with bases of brass, bronze, or other metallic finishes.
- Lampshades crafted from fabrics like linen, burlap, or muted floral patterns.
- Lastly, introduce colour and pattern with glossy ceramic chinoiserie-style lamp bases.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Photo Source: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Tip #5: Window Treatments
Similar to British Colonial-style interiors, you will find billowing natural white cotton and muslin drapes, offering a striking contrast against the dark mahogany, teak, and rattan.
For added texture and added privacy, these can be layered alongside woven blinds made from rattan or bamboo.
Tip #6: Furniture
Raffles-style furniture combines classic forms with colonial-inspired designs.
Some key furniture pieces include:
- Heritage antiques.
- Dark stained wooden furniture, such as mahogany or teak desks, tables, or chairs.
- Teak wood furniture with intricate carvings and detailing.
- Black-painted or lacquered campaign-style nightstands, chairs, and storage furniture.
- A classic writers' desk with rattan or leather inlays.
- A tall-standing four-poster bed.
- Bar carts and bar trolleys.
- Leather trunks or suitcases.
- & Lightweight rattan, cane, and bamboo furniture.
Photo Source: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Tip #7: Texture and Materials
For tactile appeal and textural interest, establish a foundation of natural materials such as dark-stained wood, leather, marble, teak, rattan, and bamboo.
Incorporate plush textiles in rich, luxurious materials like silk, velvet, crisp cotton, and brocade for an opulent touch.
We also recommend monogrammed or personalized bed linens for an extra touch of sophistication and exclusivity, similar to the personalized service offered at Raffles Hotel.
Lastly, animal prints, and botanical, floral, or tropical designs, such as the traveler's palm, can be used for throw pillows, table linen, curtains, and upholstery.
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Photo Source: Katherine Shenaman
Tip #8: Artwork
To add to the historical ambiance, colonial-style artwork, vintage photographs, and other memorabilia may be displayed throughout the hotel.
Some of our ideas include:
- Framed botanical, animal, or floral prints.
- Old vintage maps.
- Chinoiserie wall art.
- & modern abstract art with Malay-Chinese influences.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Tip #9: Accessories
As always, we recommend decorating with something loved and something with lustre.
For something loved, display vintage maps, globes, and travel-inspired decor to capture the spirit of exploration and adventure associated with the colonial era.
Other ideas include:
- Blue and white chinoiserie-style ginger jars.
- Vintage leather books.
- Calligraphy brushes.
- Ceramic trinket boxes with tropical motifs.
- Nickel finish faux bamboo racks and vertical storage.
- Rattan barware, such as champagne coolers, coasters, and ice buckets.
For lustre, introduce gold or brass accents through candleholders, vases, coasters, bookends, and decorative bowls. These metallic accents can lend a sense of luxury and warmth to the space.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Tip #10: Living Energy
In the Raffles Hotel, you will find lush courtyards, which serve as central gathering areas with a tranquil atmosphere.
To emulate this, introduce beautiful greenery, water fountains, and outdoor seating areas.
Greenery ideas include:
- Large palm leaves.
- Hibiscus flowers.
- Monstera plants.
- Fresh ruscus.
- Orchids.
- Ferns.
- & other lush plants and leaves in deep green hues.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Photo Source: Heather Chadduck Interiors
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