On a budget or ready to splurge...interiors to lust after.

There is always a trend of high-end designer pieces that are then re-created for the mass market. From chairs to lamps you will see the designer influence trickle down to mainstream shops with a price point that won't break the bank. 

I have collated 5 top picks that are splurge-worthy versus their highstreet counterparts: which do you pick? Well, that's up to you...and your bank balance. 

West Elm v's &Tradition

West Elm has created the Juniper Chair made from a solid acacia wood frame and legs with grey upholstery which has a mid-century feel, much the same at the &Tradition Fly SC1 lounge chair. The Fly chair has a whole range of sofas, armchairs and coffee tables made from solid oiled oak and in a range of fabric choices and designed by SPACE Copenhagen. Which would you chose?

West Elm chair AED 3150

&Tradition Chair starting at AED 8389 from Designitch

Zara Home v's Le Klint

A retractable wall lamp is ideal for reading corners and flexible workspaces. Zara Home has created this retro design with pleated lamp shade for a fraction of the cost of the designer piece by Le Klint. If you are looking for that highend aesthetic but don't have the budget then its a great addition to your home. If you want a style classic, a piece to add to your collection, then the Le Klint SAX 223 lamp is a must have design created in 1952. 

Zara Home lamp £89.99 

Le Klint lamp $770 from The Finnish Design Shop

Pan Emirates V's Bolia.com

A low level modular sofa with exposed seams are often featured in interior editorials, and with sofas being the most expensive item in your home it is easy to get carried away with a high price point. A great budget friendly version is the Hurricane Sectional Sofa from Pan Emirates in grey. If you have the budget to go for designer then the Bolia.com Cosima Sofa in cream has multiple configurations to suit any sized living space. 

Pan Emirates Sofa AED 3995

Bolia.com AED 19980 available from The Bowery Company 

H&M Home V's Hay Design

H&M Home often follow designer trends much like their fashion sector. You cannot get closer to the designer aesthetic than their Metal Lounge Chair in black which is ideal for interior or exterior use. The similarities to the Hay Hee Lounge Chair are evident with the graphic liner design and low frame. All that differs with these two from first glance is the price point. 

H&M Home chair AED 699

HAY Design Chair AED 1450 from The Bowery Company 

JYSK V's Jonathan Adler

One of the biggest bargains I have seen is the JYSK Faces Plant Pot which looks great and is influenced by the Jonathan Adler Muse collection. Designed as a plant pot, but could as easily be used as a candle holder or on your desk to hold pens.  The Muse collection by Jonathan Adler has a large range of decoartive pieces all with the icon multiple faces. 

JYSK pot AED 20

Jonathan Adler AED dependant on item selection and available from Amara




All images © to the designers named. Prices correct at time of publish

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The Kids room Covered

I am a sucker for a well designed and aesthetically pleasing children's room. I am a marketers dream: send me an image of a great looking piece of kit and I am handing over the cash. I thought I would put together what I am coveting right now in one easy mood board with all the links underneath. 

Top left to right:

Wood play gym: Ebarza

Rattan crown: Tribe Dubai

Woven lions head: Martin & Ella

RuPaul book: The Book Depository

Lion Cushion: Nobodinoz @ Smallable

2nd line left to right:

Stripe towel: Liewood @ Marmarland

Magic banner: Seb & Charlie

Pink sheets: Swedish Linens @ Martin & Ella

Shell baseball cap: Liewood @ Marmarland

Hanging swing: Tiipii @ Tribe Dubai

Bottom line left to right:

Pink scooter: Birdie Kids @ Elli Junior

Kids rainbow poster: StudioLoco @Martin & Ella

Wooden mushrooms: Moon Picnic @ The Kids Collection

Wooden market cart: Hearth & Hand @ Target

Bunny lamp: Rose in April @ Bobby Rabbit

Giant octopus stuffed toy: Bigstuffed @ Smallable

Pink bike: Banwood @ Elli Junior

Customise Cookie-cutter furniture

Published April. 27th 2021

Available to view online at The National News

Kids room sharing

How to plan for children sharing a room is a tricky one dependant on their age. We started the girls in separate rooms until the youngest was two, now they are in together and loving life. It started with a bed and crib and now they are both in beds and we stagger their bedtime so they go to sleep without much fuss. I have complied my top pieces that I love in twinning bedrooms:

our girls room

Beds: 

I am in love with wicker beds, I brought one with us from the UK from La Redoute and the other we bought from The Attic in Dubai. They can be made into daybeds/sofas if you decide at a later stage to swap to bunk beds. There are a few different styles you can buy but I decided to go with the entire thing made from rattan rather than woven cane sides and headboards, I just prefer the aesthetic. Tribe in Dubai also do some amazing styles and sizes that could work for you. 

Tribe Dubai

Rugs:

The Queen of children's rugs is Lorena Canals - totally machine washable making them ideal for playrooms and kids rooms. Super lightweight and ideal to throw into the machine when the inevitable spill happens. I had some space between their bed and went for the OYOY lion rug from Marmarland and on the other side have an OYOY runner that has a little road which is also machine washable. Its all about practicalities with kids! 

Lorena Canals Rug from Martin & Ella & OYOY road runner 

Decoration:

I like to have gallery walls and fun things on the walls in the kids room. Things to stimulate their little minds. I got a great print by Mushie from The Kids Collection about feelings that is in the centre of their beds, and some Emma Bridgewater heads that they each chose from Tribe. Its about making it fun and quirky for them. 

Our children's room

Lighting:

They have their Miffy lamp that is on a dimmer which I adore. I would love one of the sitting Joseph bunnies from Rose in April to go on their bookcase. Super cute and adds some light and personality. I made the mistake of having a gorgeous Abigail Adhern dog lamp in their room and it got smashed so now I keep it non breakable and the dimmer helps as they like to fall asleep with the light on and we turn it off later in the evening. 

Rose in April Joseph Lamp

Storage:

Baskets, cabinets and bookcases, I have all of the above!  I use crates inside the wardrobes that are by Aykasa from The Kids Collection, the cabinet below is from Tribe and I have a small rattan bookcase that is from Bonton in Pairs. You cannot have enough storage! I have baskets from Ikea, fabric storage from Nobodinoz: it all is used and super handy for keeping everything from toys to hair ties in place. I ways go one stage further and use my label maker to keep it in order (yes I am that person).

Cabinet from Tribe, small suitcase Olliella and fruit baskets Ferm Living

I will be creating a wish list for kids on my next blog with all the items I am coveting for the littles. 

All images copyright to the owners created

My wishlist mood board part 2

I thought I would do a follow up with my most recent mood board that I am working my way through! Some pieces I have already purchased, others I am working towards. I am always tempted to look at the highstreet for the 'inspired' items that are similar to the high end however, a lot of these pieces are classics, limited editions or re-issued from the 50s,60s and beyond. It is an investment in something that I will keep (hopefully) for a long time. So my mantra is 'buy well, not cheap' - that doesn't mean blow all your money. Just buy the best you can afford. 

Click the pink link below to take you directly to the item:

Top left to right:

Grey & black chair: Trento chair available at Soul & Tables

Pedestal side table: Lato from &Tradition - available at Designitch

Palm Beach book: Assouline available at The Bowery Company

Black dining table: Fritz Hansen 'Caramite' (limited edition re-issue)

Brown portable lamp: &tradition available at Finnish Design Shop

Middle left to right:

Square coffee table: from &Tradition - Fly table available at Designitch

large floor mirror: 'Sienna' Custom No.9

Small black portable lamp: Hay design available at Finnish Design Shop

Curved desk lamp:  Fritz Hansen 'Kaiser Idell' available at Designitch

Wooden vases: Bound No.82

Black large bowl: Pottery Barn

Black Bird: Norman Copenhagen 'shorebird' available at Skandium

Painting:  Aure available at The Poster Club

Bottom left to right:

Lady statue: Vera at Abigail Adhern

Sand bowl: 101CPH available at The Bowery Company

Black and wicker chair: Wood Culture

Gourd baskets: Bound No.82

Wall Light: DCW éditions - Mantis wall light available at Finnish Design Shop

This is my round up of all the lovely things I am LOVING right now. Some pieces I am lucky enough to own, others I have clients whom adore this style and I get to work with them and others I am working towards owning! 

All Images copyright to the designer. Other stores stock these items, these are just who I would choose to buy them through. 

Destination Decor

Published March. 22nd 2021

Available to view online at The National News

My Wishlist Mood board

 I am a very visual person, I love a mood board and I like to have a visual guide for anything that I am working on. I also make endless wish-lists, but mine are visual that I print out and tick off as I get them! 

I know a tad excessive but it is good for keeping me from making impulsive purchases! This is a recent one that I have been working my way through! Some pieces I already have, others I am working towards. 

Click the pink words to take you to the page:

Top left to right:

Black kettle - Alessi

Brown round vase - Cooee

Paper pulp boxes - Ferm Living

Armchair - &Tradition: Fly

Black shelves - Gjest

Middle left to right:

Modular shelving - Ebarza

Grey vases - 101cph

White side table - &Tradition

Shell vase - Ferm Living

White table lamp - Ferm Living

Brown pillar vase - Cooee

Last row:

White basket pot & white solid pot - Ferm Living

Black vases - Cooee

Picture - BYCDesign at The Poster Club

Grey lamp - &Tradition

Black small bird - cooee

Black toaster - Alessi

Grey vase - 101cph

Grey sofa covers - Bemz

Black candelabra - Ferm Living 

Grey jug - Zara Home

A lust worthy work space

Pinterest

With the option of working from home continuing and the majority of us resigned to working in the corner of a spare room or at the kitchen table it's time to make out office space' happy' and reflect the mood we wish to set will getting down to business. 

I decided to reclaim what we used as our store room...or as they are called here in the UAE maids room - as it is designed for live in help with an ensuite. I wanted to create a room that aided my writing and design work, so it had to look great, inspire me as well as serve a function. 

Pinterest 

With most of us the home office was deemed as a temporary situation at the start of the pandemic but as it continues and the offer of working from home is still there to most employees: why don't we take more care in where we spend the majority of our day? Is it because we are so conditioned to sitting in cubicles or grey boxes, shared offices, bland corporate rooms that we forgot that a home office is something that we should be curating and designing to make us happy in the workplace? We don't need a potted plant and a picture of the kids with a couple of holiday trinkets to decorate the space like we do when in the corporate world. What about a redesign, a zoned area that makes you think, you enjoy going to and the most important factor: inspires productivity!

HKliving pillar table

The Desk:

I have had my desk made - the ultimate goal would have been the HKliving pillar table, alas I don't have that sort of cash! I found a great tutorial from Lust Living and adapted it slightly to be smaller and slot together better rather than the need for brackets. A great option is a table top and separate legs: IKEA always have a great selection or like I did, have legs made or buy them from Pretty Pegs. If you want something that blends in with your existing space, or has the option to be repurposed should you return to the workplace the West Elm mid-century mini range is a fantastic choice. 

Muuto Fiber armchair

The Chair:

Comfort is key! You want something that you can sit in for 8 plus hours a day without your bum going numb or pins and needles shooting down your legs! Office chairs are not he prettiest: and you often have to spend big bucks to get that designer look and feel. My chair is from Daals in the UK and I had it sprayed black to fit the room. My next purchase will be a stunner from The Attic, Dubai - all solid wood and rattan goodness. If money was no object then I would opt for the Muuto fibre armchair. One thing I have done is add a sheepskin to the chair so its comfortable while I work, while still looking good! 

H&M Home

Storage:

I have seen some great storage solutions from H&M: black wire and ideal for papers, pens ant all those annoying bits that clutter up the desk space or shelves. I invested in some Ferm Living paper pulp mini boxes, they look amazing in my cabinet and serve their purpose of keeping things neat and tidy! If you are looking for some low cost but style efficient options then IKEA has a great range of plywood magazine storage boxes and trays. 

Ferm Living

Task Lamp:

Some people are 'chair people' I am very much a 'lamp person'. I actually have a wish list that I tick off as I buy them! A task lamp is an essential for your desk or work space. Not only does it allow you to work under a lamp but it looks lovely! I invested in the Ferm Living beauty that is the 'Meridian'. It is USB chargeable so you can move it about your home without the need for a plug point. Ideal if you have taken over a shelf or small nook to conduct business. If you need something a little more affordable then Homecentre have some great modern pieces while Pottery Barn hits that mid market price point. 

Lisa Wirenfelt @ The Poster Club

Artwork:

Art has been proven to reduce stress, improve mental health and promote wellbeing in recent studies. Why would you not hang a couple of pictures that release those happy hormones and help you get through the day. The Poster club have an amazing range of prints from abstract to figurative and everything in between. They are affordable, ship internationally and fit in most IKEA frames OR purchase from The Bowery Company who stock a small selection online in the UAE. If you want something a little bit more expensive and feel like you wish to invest then online galleries such as Print Club London give you the opportunity to buy original or limited runs from artists. 

Decor for every budget

 Published Feb. 10th 2021

Available to view online at The National News

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!