Pieces to have this year

Marble ball clock (S$145) and marble magnets (S$56 for six)

Bo Concept Paragon, #04-01

There's something about marble that gives it an instant regal look. You don't have to be limited to just marble flooring and table tops. Accessories made of this luxurious stone can achieve the same sophisticated look.

Vij5 Lloop Lamps (S$529)

For The Common Goods www.forthecommongoods.com.sg

If you're following the metals trend this year, you won't go wrong with these copper Vij5 Lloop Lamps that will brighten up any home. Designed by Dutch firm Vij5, the lamp comes with a copper or brass lampshade, and is adjustable in height by extending or shortening the loop of the electricity cable.

Hiromatsu chest of drawers (from S$890)

atomi Mandarin Gallery, #04-27

If you are looking for pieces for your home that are stylish and won't look dated 10 years later, the Hiromatsu range is a good option. Hiromatsu Furniture stands out for its diverse and imaginative designs that have progressed and adapted to contemporary needs. By making simple but ingenious alterations to basic designs, the furniture pieces bear distinctive and aesthetically pleasing looks. This chest of drawers has been designed bearing the user in mind, and is suitable for both traditional and contemporary styles.

Drugeot Labo Glycine Console Table (S$2,800)

Journey East 315 Outram Road, Tan Boon Liat Building, #03-02

It is designed as a console table, but works as a desk too. With its two drawers and a cupboard, the Glycine Console combines originality and practicality. Use the small drawer for chargers, the large drawers for papers, and the cupboard for files and magazines.

FLOS IC Light (S$760)

Space 77 Bencoolen Street

Designer Michael Anastassiades was inspired by a juggler when he created this table lamp, which features an illuminated sphere perfectly balanced on the edge of the rod.

Frag Leros side table (S$1,760)

The Beuro 315 Outram Road, Tan Boon Liat Building, #03-09

There are some things that never go out of fashion, and leather is one of them. This side table by Swiss designer Philippe Bestenheider comes with a glass top on a metal frame that is enrobed in leather.

Phillip Grass Companion Stool (S$720)

Journey East 315 Outram Road, Tan Boon Liat Building, #03-02

Danish designer Phillip Grass strives to create furniture with an inspiring and vivid presence that gently blurs the line separating art from function. Think poetic and imaginative elements enhanced with a subtle touch of humour. His Companion Stool, which looks like an alien, can be used as an extra chair, as well as a piece of art. The name "Companion" refers to the uplifting function of the stool as it adds an extra dimension to the room.

Alive Without Breath II: Creature Comforts (from S$4,400)

K+ Curatorial Space Scotts Square, #03-14/15, from Jan 15 to Feb 29

Artist Cheok Keng Lye creates aquatic worlds that look very realistic but are in reality made of paint and resin. He held an exhibition last year, which not only wowed visitors, but had curious shoppers picking up his pieces for sale as well.

Cheok is back again for a second exhibition, with more limited edition resin pieces, such as Guppy Love, which looks like guppies swimming in a rectangular tank.

Grip side chair (S$359)

For The Common Goods www.forthecommongoods.com.sg

Rattan chairs provide some old-world charm, if the retro look is what you are into. These Grip side chairs by Indonesian firm, Studiohiji, are very simple in design, consisting of a bent frame with straps and slats.

Maxdesign Offset Shelf (S$3,130)

inhabitant www.inhabitant.sg

Spanish designer Tomas Alonson has designed for Ikea, Camper and most recently a side table for fashion label COS. He is also known for this Offeset shelving system. The modular shelving system with various combination possibilities can either be used as an office unit or as a sideboard for the home.

Munkii Wang Lounge Chair (S1,040)

inhabitant www.inhabitant.sg

Singaporean Jaren Goh has worked with brands such as Dyson and Gilette, and is currently the lead designer at i.am+, a US company creating tech-wearable products such as smart watches and wristbands. Goh also has his own brand Munkii. Among the items in his collection is the Wang Lounge Chair which is notable for its compact form, gold-plated detail at the back of the structure and its three-legged structure which defies the notion of stability.

Thomas Bina Scott armchair (S$2,600)

The Beuro 315 Outram Road, Tan Boon Liat Building, #03-09

An up-and-coming designer to watch out for is Iranian-American Thomas Bina who dropped out of law school to become a furniture designer instead. His unique selling point is that he upcycles. Bina sources peroba wood from the Americas and Brazil - think dilapidated wooden exteriors of houses, old telephone posts and disused railroad tracks given a second life as elegant furniture. He even saw potential in forsaken army tenting used formerly by American soldiers, using it to create the upholstery on the "Scott" armchair and sofa.

Harto Gaston Wall Secretary Desk (S$1,444.50)

Xtra Park Mall, #01-01

This wall desk secretary hangs on the wall and can be used as a shelf, a console or a secretary desk, making it a great piece to have in the bedroom.