What are the main trends you’re noticing for spring/summer this year?
This spring colour is well and truly back. We are looking back to the Bauhaus era in the beginning of the 20th century and adopting the graphic lines and geometric shapes. We are mixing it with an old traditional origami technique from Japan, especially in our cushions. We have taken geometry to the next level and the styles are more easy-going and humorous, which is fun. To soften up the geometric lines, organic shapes are added on accessories to make things a little more interesting. The richness of velvet is also back, and brings an old-school look. Block colours are teamed with mid-century design classics to develop a new style, which is retro but with a couple of new bells and whistles.
What sort of accessories are you seeing coming through?
We are seeing more quirky items coming through, as well as vivid colours with a design twist that will make you smile. Everything has a personality in the shape, the colour or the pattern. A definite hit is accessories with a function. Rugs have a vintage look or a characteristic colourful pattern. Lamps have twisted details and more personality. Vases and bowls are more sculptural than earlier and are allowed to mix a lot more. We want everything to look very personal. We are introducing patterns and colours in interesting combinations – the key is that there are no rules and you are free to employ a crazy mix of patterns and shapes. It is just about finding your own style.
And what about the colours? Any trends you’re noticing?
Neons and brights are the main colour trends I’ve noticed. Turquoise is also strong along with burnt apricot, gentle blues and drops of pastels.
Ok, well now that we know what’s fashionable, can you take us through some inexpensive ways to update your home?
Change the rug under your sofa or coffee table, mix a pile of bright new cushions on your sofa and you will have a whole new look. Vases, candles and other decorative pieces are also a great way to add colour or bring in a bit more personality to a room.
What advice would you give to people who are looking to completely update their homes?
I always advise people to start with cutting out pictures from magazines and to make a scrapbook or mood board. When you have a lot of pictures and you start to look at it as a whole, then you know what style, materials and colours you are looking for. You can always ask an interior designer to do it for you. When doing this, it is important to think about all aspects of the interior of the room. What this means is, remember to plan which furniture and/or home accessories, you want to keep. I think it is important to mix new things with old things for the right personal atmosphere. Remember also to plan the light setting. Where do you plan on sitting down to read? Where do you just want a mood light for a warm atmosphere? Light setting is the final touch when everything else in place.
What are some common mistakes that people make when decorating?
I think that two of the most common mistakes that people make are that they forget what they really like and forget to look at a room as a whole. Making the mood board, as explained earlier, will help you get an overview of the room, which will help you to keep track. Also, be careful to choose your textiles and lights. This is where you really get some personality into a room.
What sorts of pieces make good feature pieces for the home?
I think you should always imagine what purpose a room should have. How do you imagine everyday life here? Do you imagine reading a lot? Then you’ll value a big comfy sofa or armchair. If you plan on using it for an office then the right desk, chair and storage is a good feature. I personally love my dining table because it is right by a big window and whenever I have guests over, we always tend to hang out there long after the dinner is over. My comfortable chairs are perfect as well, so that is my favourite spot in my apartment.
What are things that you should splurge on and where should you look to save?
You should keep old antiques or anything with a worn-out look. Beautiful glass vases in different shapes and colours are also good to keep because these things don’t date. Throw away everything that doesn’t have a great meaning to you.
BoConcept, Sheikh Zayed 1st St, between The One and the BMW showroom. www.boconcept.ae (02 639 6545).
