Totally Terrazzo

Whether real or the effect Terrazzo is totally taking over! The shops are flooded with terrazzo treats for your home. Terrazzo is a composite that has chips of granite, glass, stone and anything else that would help create this hard stone like material. I have selected 5 great retailers that have got the goods to help your home whether custom made or off the peg these picks are terrific for terrazzo treats.

                  

Custom No9

Dubai based Custom No9 allows you to design your own furniture and accessorise with terrazzo. Choose for a large range of items all featuring this great material. Every month Custom No9 have an off cut available : whether it be a mobile phone holder, candle sticks or chopping boards and all at amazing price points. If you want to invest in something larger then there are tables, desks and tables. 

Home and Soul Dubai

This is one of my favourite tables from Home & Soul Dubai. Available in 2 colour ways and as a coffee or side table it is perfect for adding a splash of the terrazzo trend. With its metal legs it has a luxe industrial feel and you can draw any colour from its top to compliment your room.

 
Namshi

The UAE equivalent of ASOS, Namshi stocks fashion and interiors that are on trend and super fun. When researching this trend I came across this amazing terrazzo style bedding. If you cant afford the stone material then go for the print! It will add a statement to your bedroom and is bang on trend for the terrazzo look! They have a great range of terrazzo style items for your bathroom, bedroom and beyond. 

Amara

Amara offer a great range of terrazzo to tantalise. From light fittings, napkin rings and accessories right up to larger scale tables. They ship internationally so you can have all the treats sent to you here in the UAE. Now, which do you choose?!

Home Centre

Want terrazzo for a great price? Who doesn't! Then Home Centre have some really inexpensive terrazzo finds to tempt you. My fave is the dinner service in terrazzo print - and its currently on promotion! If you cant afford a terrazzo table, then you can have the plates to add the print. 

A Christmas dinner date

The festive period is upon us and 2020 if FINALLY coming to an end: that is reason enough to celebrate and plan a Christmas dinner table that is a treat to behold. Whether you like traditional reds and greens, glitz and glam or a colourful collection of baubles here is a little something to help create the foundations to your dream festive dining setup. 

Top Left: Tribe Dubai Top Right: JYSK Bottom: West Elm 

Take your seat

If you have a small studio or a vast castle (lucky you), just for two or a whole clan you need a table and chairs to dine upon.  Think about the versatility of your dining area, will you be working there when the festivities end? Do you need a crafty area for the kids? 

Benches are great for tucking under and giving you more space while keeping your eye line clear just add in some contrast chairs and you have a stylish place to eat. You may need to have a table that extends to give you that extra room when required, think about how many you need to fit round and if its a concealed leaf or additional ends that add in. What about a table that is durable and won't mark easily - a metal or conrete table top is just the ticket. A round table is sociable and great for a small space. Whatever you choose, you will hopefully enjoy lots of fun times dining with friends and family (obviously when COVID disappears) 

Top Left: Zara Home Right: Bound No.82 Plates: H&M Home

Set the table

This season I am all about natural woods, stoneware and some crisp china adding in some clean lines with the roughness of wood to add contrast to your table. A tartan table cloth, cotton or linen napkins will add softness to your tablescape. I like using plants and flowers in the centre, springs of rosemary tucked into napkins rings, they add aroma. If you want to keep it festive think about mistletoe or holly. 

Top Left: Home Centre Top Right: Ikea Bottom: HKliving @ Urban Nest

Cheers

You need a selection of good looking glassware that matches, a water glass, a wine glass and a hot drink cup. These festive mugs just bring joy and a splash of colour to the table. You could use them to serve your deserts if you so desire. Make sure you have the correct glassware for each drink, water glasses, red wine, white wine, champagne there is a lot to think about. Plan your drinks with your courses and have them ready to roll. You do not have to invest lots of money, nobody is expecting crystal! 

Top: Wood Culture Bottom Left: Home Centre Centre: Carrefour Bottom Right: Pan Emirates

Boozy 

If it's for the booze to be rolled out, to use as a food trolley to trundle out the turkey and trimmings, or just to stack your glasses on and look cute: a drinks trolley is a must. Rattan for the boho vibe, white for a minimalist feel, black mental and wood for an industrial interior and gold to add the glitz. These four fulfil all interiors, and would look great while you play hostess. (even if its just for your immediate family this year) If you only need it to transport food for dinners you can stack stunning books, vases, plants and other trinkets when not in use to make it work for you. 

Meri Meri

Go out with a bang

Crackers are fun, colourful and a great addition to the table. They get everyone chatting, telling jokes (albeit bad ones) and wearing dorky hats. My go to for party crackers, kids decor and all things fun and colourful is Meri Meri. Available directly or from a number of retailers including Ace Hardware and Mumzworld in the UAE. Their crackers and paper napkins are always on the kitsch side adding that festive fun that is required, no more so than in 2020! 

The Wallpaper Effect

Wallpaper is having a major moment. With lockdowns throughout the world people have been getting handy and deciding to do those long awaited home improvements themselves. Pinterest pinning, instagram following every trend imaginable for your home interior has brought one to the forefront: wallpaper. No longer reserved for a feature wall, everyone is going bold, ceilings, full rooms, panel inlays, you name it wallpaper has got you covered. 

left top: @kfddesigns

right top: Pinterest

bottom: Sofie from @threeboysandapinkbath

Ceiling wallpaper:

The newest trend is wallpapering your ceiling. If you have a great ceiling height and want to keep the walls plain then this may be the fun trend for you. Adding drama up high may sound drastic, and it may not be for everyone but if you are up for something a bit quirky then why not! 

 

Top left: Wallpaper Direct

Bottom and Top Right: Rockett St George

Effects wallpaper:

If you are wanting to add some period charm, a rustic feel or a textural element then some effects wallpaper may be the right choice for you. You can have pretty much any effect possible in a wallpaper: without the hassle of having to learn how to frame a wall - just fake it! 

top image: Pinterest

bottom image: @ElsieLarson

Removable wallpaper:

This is the best for people in rented accommodation or those that change their minds frequently. Removable wallpaper is basically giant stickers that you plop on your wall that promise to not damage the walls when removed. There is a great selection available and all easy to hang by yourself. 

Full room wallpaper:

For the bold take a victorian trend and make it modern. The whole room in one paper is very 'of the minute' currently and some even paper the ceiling. Cole & Son have used this technique in their recent campaigns with great effect. Make sure your room can 'take it' though as if not it could be very overwhelming and you could feel like you are in a patterned box. Another top tip would be to keep the furniture and accessories to a minimum. 

main image: The Modern Nursery

top inset: Dupenny

bottom inset: Rachel Powell @ This Modern Life

Kitsch & Cute:

Fun and quirky wallpaper that adds a smile to your face. Ideal for kids rooms, an office or anywhere else you want to add some light hearted charm. It may not last your mood every year, so better to keep this in an area you just want to add a little splash of fun. 

Autumnal tones for your home

There is no escaping that autumn has begun. The weather has cooled drastically, over eager people began pumpkin decorations over a month ago and the whole feel has become cozy and comfortable. Even here in the UAE where the temp is still in the mid 30's - the mornings are crisper and evenings cooler. With that begins the interiors trends, the warmer colours; the same as the fallen leaves, fabrics you want to cuddle into and the need to stay home more makes all of this ever more tempting. I have put together some warm, autumnal pieces that are ideal for adding some fall fashion to you home. 

Isabella Chair - West Elm

You certainly need a snuggly chair to read a good book, watch some Netflix or just to socialise (if that's allowed in your areas right now). This gorgeous creation from West Elm allows all of the pre mentioned and looks stylish while doing so. Imagine this rust coloured, autumn toned velvet delight in your living room or bedroom...how dreamy indeed. 

Click here to see in more detail. 

Castle and Things

This stunning pillow case form Castle and Things in velvet just makes me want to jump straight into bed. I have these in butterscotch (think that's the colour) and they are GORGEOUS. They wash well, are so soft and make anything look luxe. Just add as an accent to plain white or go all out with an autumnal toned colour palette. I have layered mine on a day bed with other cushions to add depth and texture. 

Click here to see the full collection. 

Home and Soul, Dubai

Laying and layering rugs at this time of year can instantly warm up a space. In the UAE we often have tiled floors, so the need for some warm and comfortable textures under foot is a must. This is a gorgeous vintage style rug from Home and Soul in Dubai. It adds some subtle colours, a Moroccan charm and a great soft pile to keep your tootsies all snuggly. 

Click here to see their entire textiles collection.

Martin and Ella

This champagne and ochre reversible throw from Martin and Ella adds warmth and texture with a touch of vintage charm. The cross stitch detailing, soft crinkly fabric and reversible colour ways may it incredibly versatile while being functional. This beaut will keep the chills at bay while you snooze on the sofa, curl up in bed, or to wrap up your little ones at night. 

Click here to see the full collection. 

Beldi Bazaar

A local business that sells Moroccan wares all made by artisans is Beldi Bazaar. They source vintage rugs, cushions and throws that just make you want to snuggle up and stay on the sofa. This fringed cushion is one of my faves - the texture and shape would add some real tactile charm to any living space. 

Click here to see here amazing selection. 

Beautiful Bouclé - the bobbly interior trend

It is the start of autumn: Q the start of cosy fabrics and interiors that will take centre stage. Bouclé has begun, that warm looped fabric that makes you want to stroke it and snuggle in. Although living in a warm country year round, bouclé is a trend that has just dropped in the UAE and I am all for it. I have rounded up some brilliant bouclé pieces that are begging to be bought. 

Ferm Living sofa

This stunning piece by Ferm Living is a statement, its curved form, with no definite back and sides make it stand out from the crowd. Add in some gorgeous Bouclé fabric and you have the perfect autumn cosy couch. It may not be cheap, but this sofa will last season to season with its timeless charm. Its number one on my list for investing in this fun textured trend. 

Ferm Living sofa from The Bowery Company

Zara Home

Adding a splash of colour are these Zara Home cushions in the bouclé fabric. An affordable and easy way to add in this playful trend, while adding that texture without breaking the bank. Just imagine cosying up with a great book on these, on a snowy day (lets face it there is NO chance of snow in the UAE but just pretend with me). An easy and affordable purchase. 

Bouclé cushions from Zara Home

Homecentre

This chair has a 60s feel and I think it a great piece for adding the bouclé element to a room. Its statement legs in chrome and warm and cosy buttoned back make it inviting and sexy (if furniture can be sexy) at the same time. Ideal as a bedroom chair, or a reading corner in your living space. 

Bouclé chair from Homecentre

Pottery Barn

Lets continue the warm and snuggly feel with a cosy blanket in bouclé. Another way to add that texture and trend in an affordable way. This blanket is available in a range of colours too, so you can add to your existing colour palette easily. 

Bouclé blanket from Pottery Barn

HKliving 

This has to be included in my favourite pieces. As a lover of HKliving, this lounge chair ticks so many of my boxes. Its comfortable design, the bouclé fabric and of course its chunky-ness. A great lounge chair for the living room, and even better in a pair if you can drop some cash on this investment piece. 

HKliving lounge Fauteuil chair from Urban Nest 

This is my round up of great bouclé buys with a vast range of price points. Obviously this trend will be everywhere soon and your choices will be endless, but if you want to get ahead of the game, and have that bouclé sofa by pumpkin carving season get buying! 

All images are © to the brands credited

Scandi Style on a shoestring

The scandinavian interiors trend has been around for years and it continues to be a key look for people to try and imitate. With so many options, and styles it is hard to know which pieces are worth the investment and which to avoid. There are lots of great low cost stores that can transform your space into a little slice of Stockholm, here are my top picks for adding that Scandi style to your home. 

JYSK Nebel rocking chair

JYSK

Founded in 1979 by Lars Larson in Denmark they now have more than 2800 stores worldwide in 52 countries. The epitome of Scandi-cool this brand has all you may need at fantastic price points. The Nebel rocking chair is one of my current favourite pieces and at only AED 742.50 you can see why it has made my list for affordable Scandi style. 

NEBEL rocking chair AED742.50

IKEA BJÖRKSNÄS double bed

"IKEA is named after the initials of founder Ingvar Kamprad, 

Elmtaryd, the farm on which he grew up, 

and Agunnaryd, the nearby village."

IKEA

Well I am sure this is the most obvious store when thinking of Scandinavian design at affordable prices. IKEA was founded in 1943 in Småland, Sweden and is now one of the best known furniture brands in the world. 

One of the standout pieces for me is the Bjorksnas bed frame. It has a feeling of Ercol, a British brand that always took influence from Sweden, of course at a much more affordable price point! The clean lines, light wood and bed head detail make it a great piece for adding some Scandi to your bedroom. 

BJORKSNAS double bed frame AED 1995

(also available in king)

HEMA Water Carafe With Stopper

HEMA

Hema is new to the UAE but has been in the UK for years. A great Dutch brand that has been around since 1927 with 775 stores in 12 countries. Home accents, and perfect party pieces this brand has fantastic items at low prices. Now available in the UAE on Namshi.com there are some great items that will add a little bit of European charm to your home. 

I feel having a carafe on your table with fresh juices is a great addition to any table top. If you have a home bar, then use this beauty in multiples to add some affordable luxe. 

HEMA water carafe AED 40 

Homecentre Ino Metal Table Lamp

Homecentre 

Homecentre is a staple in the UAE - seen in most malls and offers a great price point with some lovely Scandi inspired treats available. The Ino table lamp has a 60s feel and at only AED 50 its a perfect addition to your home office or side table. 

Homecentre Ino table lamp AED50

H&M Rattan-door cabinet

"No matter where you are in your home, each room 

should reflect your personal style and taste. "

H&M Home

H&M home launched their first concept store in the UAE this year, so you can get to view your coveted piece before you buy. If a trip to Dubai is off the cards then just pop online. This rattan cabinet is not just a looker...its practical and a great size for a smaller space. It would look great as a pair of larger side tables on either side of a bed or as a smaller console in a dining room. 

H&M rattan door cabinet AED 1499

This is my round up of great affordable brands and items I feel add a bit of Scandi cool to your home on a shoestring. 

©All images are copyright to the credited brands

Designer Focus: HKliving

Carrying on this months focus of Dutch design this week is all about HKliving. Created by childhood friends Emiel Hetsen and Sander Klaver using their last name initials to create 'HKliving' in 2008, this brand is sold in over 70 countries globally. A brand that is cool, sleek lines mixed with vintage charm bring a true individual identity to the interiors market. 

 

"...we always look to highlight an array of styles, 

as long as they strike a contemporary note and 

complement your home and your vibe. Be inspired!"

Traveling around the world to create an interior story that is influenced by 'everywhere', you are sure to see elements of design from Paris, Greece, The Med and more. This brand offers you a 'whole look' concept from tableware, candles and prints paired with fantastic collaborations with artists to complement the collection. There is no escaping the underlying European cool that HKliving exudes. They are always bang on trend, if not setting the trends themselves with geometric designs, tactile upholstery and vintage inspired home accents.

Even though a Dutch brand, HKliving could be from any cosmopolitan city - not distinctly Dutch but definitely has that minimalistic vibe teamed with quirkiness that makes European brands so recognisable.  They have so many options from cane and wire furniture to velvet cushions, the 'chic-ness' is obvious but what draws me is their sense of humour. Who doesn't need a pink velvet Grecian style ornament in their home?

Further proof that HKliving is a design powerhouse is their collaboration with Strandhotel Zoomers: an entire hotel has been styled in HKliving by The Other Season. Dune rooms, beach rooms, suites and an apartment all kitted out in glorious fashion with the entire collection, sign me up! A great way to try before you buy...and a little holiday! 

Here are my top pieces on my 'gotta have it list' this week:

Wire chair: 

The gorgeous wire chairs from HKliving are on my list, due to their retro design and an industrial aesthetic. Great as an office chair, or at the head of a dinging table to add a 'cool'.

You can buy HKliving exclusively from Urban Nest in the UAE and Levant as well as other stores worldwide. 

"When it comes to funky colours and finishes, 

it really is time to shine for our 70’s ceramics. 

New shapes and designs found their way 

into this series, to give it that seventies glow."

70's ceramics:

This collection is inspired by the 70s and are finished by hand making each one a true individual. You can buy different colour palettes and pieces to build your collection.You can buy HKliving exclusively from Urban Nest in the UAE and Levant as well as other stores worldwide. 

Pillar table:

This table design has become iconic. Available as a side table or a desk the ribbed legs and rounded top make it slick and stylish. This design has been replicated and 'hacked' by people wanting this look. Why not invest in the original?! 

Urban Nest is the exclusive distributor in the Middle East and provide to companies such as The Bowery Company. HKliving are available throughout the world, for a list of stockists in your country visit their website. You can follow on their Instagram @hkliving.  

All images ©HK living 

Linda from Live Loud Girl: Dutch Design

This month I am going to look at Dutch and European design, designers and brands and what better way to start than chatting to Linda Dekkers from extremely successful creative consultancy: Live Loud Girl. Having followed Linda for a while now on her social media and blog plus her jointly owned business Fronteriors I wanted to discuss her design aesthetics and what makes her 'tick'. 

          Do you feel that your Dutch upbringing influences your design aesthetic?

I grew up in a household of practical furniture in combination with treasures we would take with us from our holidays through Europe. Brands like IKEA are big in The Netherlands, but so is being exposed to Dutch design. I have always had a passion for working with furniture. I would paint an old chair or use a hand me down table as a desk. So working with a mix of affordable and high end design, vintage and new has always been in my blood. 

@nataleecocks

Your own home is very stylised and looks like it is in a magazine when it features on your Instagram. Which pieces in your own home do you love the most?

Our Eames chair is a design piece that I had fallen in love with years and years ago. When I got a bit of money when we lived in New York, I decided to invest in it and have not regretted it till this day. I do believe that if you fall in love with something, that you should invest in it yet it does not have to be design furniture. The cabinet in the boys room used to belong to my grandmother. When she passed it on to me, I decided to paint it and use it as a closet. Vintage finds on a flee market can also make me very happy. It's the mix of things that I love most.

Which interior designers do you most admire, and what is it that draws you to them?

On Instagram I follow a lot of interior stylists that inspire me. Like @eyeswoon and @elisabeth_heier for their consistent style and beautiful imagery. But I also get lots of inspiration from other industries for building my brand and being a successful entrepreneur by @_jeanettemadsen_, @yara_michels and @jaceyduprie. 

@nataleecocks

 

When you are blending the old and the new what pointers do you have to keep things balanced and aesthetically pleasing?

For us, the most important when styling a space is that it reflects your story. Whom ever is going to use that space should start smiling when they walk in. Wether that is using lots of design, lots of vintage, keeping is minimalistic or bringing in colour, there is no right or wrong. We do believe that you should invest in furniture that you can bring along in the following years even if that sometimes means it will have a different function. Cabinets can become storage, dinner tables can become office desks, chairs can be bedside tables.

What is your favourite design era and why?

The here and now but I am a sucker for a 70's accessory

You co-own Fronteriors with Kathryn, what made you decide to create the business?

Kath and I have known each orther for years. And even though we are in the same line of business, we never felt threatened by one another and would help each other out when needed. As we both have a long history of using IKEA hacks in our designs, we felt there was an opportunity of starting Fronteriors. We complement each other and have not looked back since we started almost 18 months ago. 

 @nataleecocks

With your company Fronteriors being so successful in upcycling Ikea products, do you feel that there is a movement in restoring and ‘upskilling’ products to make them look custom?

Absolutely, and the pandemic has only made that feeling more present. We spend so much more time at home now, realising that we should really make it our happy place. Making your home beautiful does not mean you have to invest a lot. Upgrading an existing IKEA cabinet that you have in the house ties in with many of our values. Besides that, we think it is important that customers can mix and match to create a piece of furniture that reflects their own personality. 

Image from Live Loud Girl Stays - Holiday rental property

You are great at blending affordable, custom, high end and vintage finds into one clean cohesive design. Is this a natural skill you have, or do you feel that it has evolved over time?

I have always loved combining. Yet over time my style has changed. When I started my blog, I was very much in to minimalistic design and a monochrome colour pallet. Now I use much more (warm) colours in my design (and in my own house) and love the traditional Scandinavian aesthetic. That is why it is so important to let your interior tell your story because your story will probably change over time.

Are there any items that you are in love with right now, and are on your wish list for future purchase?

A lamp from @casagitane - a shop that is also a huge source of inspiration to me.

A serial entrepreneur with an enviable business roster: an award winning blog, design consultancy business, Fronteriors and now Live Loud Girls Stays - where you can stay in her holiday rental surrounded by all that designer goodness. Linda Dekkers has the interiors game locked down.