The UAE, especially the iconic Dubai, is a synonym of progress, fast evolution and speed-of-light development of the most popular trends. Our lifestyle becomes crazy, our habits change and homes and workplaces interiors are no exception.
One of the biggest issues home seekers are running into is the size of the apartments. It is easy to see how new homes delivered nowadays are getting smaller as the sq. foot rises in price on the real-estate markets. To get over this issue, interior designers have opted for open-plan spaces and providing functional solutions without giving up design. Need some ideas?
Mounir Dan, CEO from Bravacasa Interior Design gives us some decor tips on how to obtain a greater output from our units, such us playing with the light, the color palette or the pieces of furniture chosen.
DECOR TIP #1: SWITCH TO MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
Nested side tables easy to tidy up, electrical couches with USB ports attached, extendable dining tables,… All these are new options available on the Dubai market where new spots, like La Vida Furniture, offer innovative furniture concepts aiming to make life easier, and it makes sense!
“Nowadays, in studios, where the living room is also the bedroom, it’s very common to have a sofa-bed instead of a regular bed: you gain sq. feet and style”, explains this veteran designer. “Or if you have a separate bedroom in your unit, but your living room is not really big, why crowd it with a traditional 3+2+1 sofa set? Instead of that, go for a classy L-shape couch and achieve an airy space!“
At this point, the professional’s advice is to go for quality when buying this kind of pieces, as they are going to be used intensively: solid wood, steel mechanisms, memory foam, strong stitching, premium fabrics… “These materials make furniture a bit pricier, but the value you get in return makes them cheap in the end. You need really comfortable pieces that don’t get broken or loose after a few months’ use”, Mr. Dan states.
DECOR TIP #2: PLAY WITH COLORS
Regarding colors, if your first impulse is to keep it simple, you’re right. But, you went for the gray upholstery and the black table (because black is elegant, right? Bzzzzz! Wrong! Stop now!) No worries, we got you in time.
Let’s keep it simple, but let’s keep it bright… Because if we reduce the light, everything looks slimmer, smaller, older. To achieve roomier-looking spaces, it is mandatory to play with light, neutral colors on the walls and curtains as well as the floors: cream, beige, ash, etcetera. Powdery tones are in vogue, too.
And if you’re in the mood for jumping out of your comfort zone, blend it with a touch or two of energy: an intense blue armchair matching the sofa cushions, some art pieces, a huge decorated carpet dominating the scene.
Because everything spins around light management.
DECOR TIP #3: CHECK YOUR LIGHTS
Amateurs usually forget this “detail”, but just by modifying the amount of light, you can get a totally renewed area. Bad lighting can kill the best interior design!
“At this point intensity and color are important too. Here we love white light, but wrongly applied, it can be hard, too cold. It’s preferable to have it dispersed because this allows us to get cozier ambiances.
The best choice is mixing white and warmer bulbs and correct focusing. This means that we shouldn’t shine a spotlight directly at the TV or in anybody’s eyes when sitting on the sofa. Instead, a better choice would be to highlight core elements from the decoration such as a nice center table”, remarks Mr. Dan.
So, as any professional photographer would agree, the secret lies in how we handle light.
What do you think about these tips, do you agree? Share your suggestions with me!
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