Published Feb. 10th 2021
Available to view online at The National News
Tuesday, 9 February 2021
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
Sunday, 10 January 2021
The DIY Crew
Interior design DIY on instagram with 'novice' and not so 'novice' designers has a compelling following. Whether you are looking for tips or you are just an avid follower who likes to see there progress: there is no denying that they have the interior junkies like myself hooked! Here is a collection of people you need to be following to see there amazing creations and the abilities that would put the trades to shame! Who says you need a massive budget when you can follow their lead and do it yourself and get that designer look for less.
Jayne is first on my list as she never seems to stop! Her design aesthetic is often monochromatic with an accent colour (like pale pink or teal). Every week she has a new unreal project or hack that she is working on in her stunning monochrome home. We are talking large scale designs like turning a room into an indoor jungle gym for her children with slides, a raised walkway and a HUGE ball-pit. What's great is she will talk you through her step by step on how to do a project via her new blog as well as in her insta stories. I promise it is all very compulsive. There is also an added bonus: Jayne loves a project and she often redecorates and pops her older items she doesn't require anymore on her instagram selling page. Jayne is deffo worth a follow for her un wavering DIY skills, her ability to knock out major projects super quickly and of course her fun and monochromatic designs.
Daniela is an interior designer who was the winner of season 4 The Great Interior Design Challenge and gives sneak peeks of her amazing creations for her clients BUT she is also an avid DIYer. From her 'crittall window' hack to her entire family room make-over just before Christmas which I was following super closely! She has a super high-end feel that mixes her designer pieces with cheaper more affordable items including up cycled or 'made' creations. She legit plastered a table to get the style she wanted! Her instagram is full of tips on how to achieve her aesthetic to her wardrobe choice (which are amazing BTW) and she also owns a shop - Unplanned Store.
Known online as Lust Living, Olivia is juggling interiors and lifestyle posting with being a new mummy. One of the major pieces that Olivia created was a console table/desk that is almost identical to a very high end expensive Ferm Living one for a FRACTION of the price. She documented the creation on her account and her blog and it sparked a flurry of people all achieving her look for less. It is on my 'to do list' when I ever get the motivation to create something. Her home in the last year has undergone a garage conversion and knocking through rooms to achieve a huge kitchen dining space. All very addictive following.
Hazel is a fellow Scot living in the UAE who has filled her home with amazing pieces she has 'hacked' - from simple painting of vases to creating furniture. She gives a blow by blow of how she achieved her super cool style, and its affordable which is the best part. I may add that in the UAE it is very unusual to perform any sort of DIY: most people get a handyman to do it for them. Her love of boho-luxe is everywhere, and she is renting (again the norm here) making it great following for fellow renters. Showing you how to make your house a home without losing your deposit!
All images belong to the designer/influcner listed and are from their instagram pages.
Saturday, 2 January 2021
Three Trends for 2021
I thought I would list three trends that I love for 2021. Let's face it, 2020 was HORRENDOUS so it's time to get your home ready for a new year and a new start with colour, some texture and a new trend.
TOP: Livingetc.com BOTTOM: Ikea & Homecentre
Navy Blue:
One of the colours for 2021 is navy blue. Navy blue sofas, textiles and accessories, flood you home with this watery hue. If you want to add just a pop of this colour, then a throw, a cushion or a picture frame is enough of a nod. Go bold with a velvet navy bed frame, or a statement armchair in the corner of your living space. Let this colour add some drama and keep the rest of the room neutral.
TOP: Pinterest BOTTOM: Left: Dubai Garden Centre Right: Wood Culture
Raw Wood:
A trend that has been making an appearance for a few seasons is raw food. Wood showing its lovely natural grain, it’s texture and uniqueness. Custom pieces can be made by a number of craftsmen including Wood Culture in Dubai or cheaper options from Ikea can be upcycled and ‘hacked’ to look expensive. Adding wood can add warmth to a space. A stool in a bathroom, a wooden dining chair at each end of the table or just add a wooden tray to the coffee table.
TOP: Pinterest BOTTOM: Graham Brown
Textured Walls:
This is a very exciting trend: textured walls. Chalky paints that show your brush strokes, wallpapers that add a texture, thick plaster all amazing for adding this trend. If you are in rented and can’t add this to your home, then there are lots of removeable wallpapers that add this effect without the commitment. Seen on Pinterest and Instagram this trend is having a moment, team this with the other trends in my guide and you have yourself a ‘gramable home’
Wednesday, 9 December 2020
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.
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.
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.
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 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?!
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.
Sunday, 29 November 2020
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.
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!
Friday, 6 November 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)