COVER IMAGE COURTESY: BANDO E&C CO. LTD
JUNE 20, 2016
14 THE THING
AN OBJECT OF DESIRE
From the majestic power of nature to the longings within our souls, “Eve” by William Brand, the owner of Brand van Egmond, embodies forces powerful enough to transcend human desires.
18 THE MASTERMIND
MINARETS TO VERTICAL FRAMES
Moving away from the conventional, architecture firm Buro Koray Duman aims at dispelling fearbased attitudes towards the Islamic faith with a schematic vertical glassclad Islamic cultural centre in New York.
24 GID DECONSTRUCT
MODERIENTAL MUSE
The living room arrangement from Artikkan Gallery blends modern comforts with traditional handcrafted pieces. Get inspired and give your space the moderiental touch this festive season.
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26 GID FOCUS
38 GID CRAFTSMANSHIP
DESIGNING YOUR LIFE THE KARIM RASHID WAY
New York-based designer Karim Rashid uses organic curves to break up the atmosphere and create strong statements of visual comfort and pleasure.
SHAPING DREAMS INTO WHITE GOLD
Translating several emotions and stories through their magic of porcelain, Lladró is synonymous with luxury and handcrafted artistic creations in the world of interiors.
34 GID REGIONAL
44 GID CELEBRITY
STEERING NEW WAYS IN DESIGN
This year’s winner of the Emergent Designer Prize, Ranim Orouk speaks to GID on combining glass-blowing and 3D printing to create designs which have a luminous and evocative presence.
CREATING ARTISTIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Wallpaper designer Sandrine ZieglerMunck seamlessly merges digital printing technology with a modern interpretation to produce exclusive pieces to adorn walls.
50 GID VIEWPOINT
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LIVING LIFE THE PARISIAN WAY
Being the epitome of timelessness and panache, French interiors have become a much-favoured style with Qatari clients. We give you a detailed feature on how to design beautiful Parisian interiors.
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PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF
YOUSUF BIN JASSIM AL DARWISH
MANAGING DIRECTOR
JASSIM BIN YOUSUF AL DARWISH
MANAGER DR FAISAL FOUAD
MANAGING EDITOR
DEPUTY EDITOR
SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS
SINDHU NAIR IZDIHAR IBRAHIM AYSWARYA MURTHY
UDAYAN NAG KARIM EMAM CORRESPONDENTS AARTHI MOHAN KEERTANA KODURU
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
VENKAT REDDY HANAN ABU SAIAM AYUSH INDRAJITH MAHESHWAR REDDY
PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT F ALTAMIRANO
MARKETING & SALES
MANAGER SAKALA A DEBRASS TEAM
MATHEWS CHERIAN
SONY VELLATT
DENZITA SEQUIERA
ANIS MANSOURI
IRFAAN A H M
EVENTS OFFICER
JASMINE VICTOR
ACCOUNTANT PRATAP CHANDRAN
DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT
BIKRAM SHRESTHA ARJUN TIMILSINA
BHIMAL RAI
BASANTA POKHREL
PRADEEP BHUSAL
GLAM INTERIORS & DESIGN IS PUBLISHED BY ORYX PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING CO. WLL. The contents of this publication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher and/or license holder. All rights reserved with Oryx Publishing & Advertising. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any advertising contents carried in this publication. Contact info@oryxpublishing.com www.issuu.com/oryxmags www.facebook.com/gidqatar Call us: +974 44550983, 44672139, 44671178, 44667584 Fax: +974 44550982
FROM THE DRAWING BOARD The world of design is not just beautiful and functional; it can also come with a sense of humour. In this issue, as we turn one, we focus on the eccentricity of design.
E D I TO R ’ S C H O I C E
Clark Bardsley used steam-bent oak to design a chair with its arm designed to fit over any everyday seat and transform it into something completely new. This “arm” chair, according to Clark, is not another chair; it is an anti-chair. “It celebrates nonsense, and gleefully breaks the chair design rule book. It is not comfortable; in fact, it cannot be sat on,” says Bardsley. It is the outline or symbol of a chair, produced in fine American oak, by a practice based in Auckland that produces process-driven projects that emphasise material quality and expression. The project began as an investigation of the constraints of wood bending, a process that is closely associated with the but defies history of chair design. It is this quirky world of beauty that we wish to bring to our readers, and this month, we feature, Karim Rashid, the most controversial industrial designer that the world has seen. Here is someone who is defined by his quirkiness and knowing his way around cutting-edge fabrication. Once labelled the Poet of Plastic, this New York-based designer is known for his curvaceous designs and outspoken persona. His designs permeate the world and have found a presence in neighbouring Dubai. Here’s hoping that this design genius will make his way to Doha too in the near future.
The anti-chair by Clark Bardsley is an outline or symbol of a chair, produced in fine oak. It is designed to fit over any everyday seat and transforms into something completely unique. Crafted as a classic bentwood chair, it breaks all the rules in chair design.
Keeping with our theme of originality, we look at a New York Islamic convention centre that defies age-old shapes associated with the religion and takes on an open cylindrical geometrical shape. Koray Duman takes our readers on an architectural spin through this planned building. New York-based non-profit organisation the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA) approached the architect’s firm in 2014, asking it to research and design a Muslim-sponsored, multi-faith community centre at an undetermined location in New York City, and the solutions he comes up with are worth a look. Our Ramadan mix of interior delights is the one reason you should go for a renovation plan during Eid. Celebrate and innovate this Eid.
SINDHU NAIR
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GRAPEVINE
A CREATIVE RECOGNITION
Arab Engineering Bureau presented the 2016 awards for Design Excellence and Creative Achievement and Potential to two graduating and two junior students from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQatar). Group CEO and Chief Architect Ibrahim Jaidah presented the award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design to Dana Chua, and for Design Excellence in Interior Design to Mario M. Bermejo.
MUSEUM OF
BROKEN _RELATIONSHIPS
Founded by John B. Quinn, the museum will house 300 pieces in over 3,500 feet of exhibition space. The museum aims at taking visitors on an emotional journey in an attempt to show that heartbreak doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. A private confessional space will allow visitors to leave anonymous notes. “The museum is an opportunity for visitors from around the world to experience the emotions and memories embodied in objects and told through narratives contributed by others,” said Quinn. “From this we learn how different people and their relationships are, but also, when it comes to break ups, how much we share.” The concept for the museum originated in Zagreb, Croatia, where a Museum of Broken Relationships was created by former artist couple Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić in 2010. It is set to open on June 4 in Los Angeles. 14
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The awards were instituted by Jaidah to encourage and assist graduating students as they start their careers as designers in Qatar and the region. The award for Creative Achievement and Potential was presented to graphic design junior Alisha Saiyed and interior design junior Majdulin Nasrallah. This initiative aims at helping the junior students recognise their true potential, create leadership and encourage them to continue developing their skills through their senior year.
PLANS FOR THE FIRST 3D-PRINTED HOUSE UNVEILED WATG’s Urban Architecture studio has won the Freeform Home Design Challenge with its plans to create the world’s first 3D-printed residence, a project named “Curve Appeal”. The project consists of curving interior and exterior “cores” which form the roof and parts of the facade. The interior protects the inhabitants from the outside elements, but still allows light to fill space in order to create an organic, harmonious relationship with the environment. The exterior consists of simple yet carefully calculated archways that blend in with the surrounding site. The structure will be produced using 3D-printed plastic and carbon fibre panels wrapped around glass panels. The production of components for “Curve Appeal” is expected to start in 2017.
GID
GRAPEVINE
ACTS COMPLETES SURVEYS FOR DOHA METRO PROJECT
Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS) has revealed the geotechnical investigations and geophysical surveys on five construction packages of the metro lines being executed in Doha, Qatar. The Doha Metro will be one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world. It will have four lines, namely the Red, Green, Gold and Blue metro lines, planned over a total length of approximately 240 km, and will feature 106 stations over the whole network. Designed to cover the Greater Doha area, the Metro will be underground for the central city networks and at ground level or elevated on the outskirts. Engr. Khaled Awad, Chairman of ACTS, said, “Today’s construction projects call for specialisation and the adoption of game-changing technologies to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality work. ACTS’ unique specialisation in surface and underground rail projects positioned us well for this multi-project challenge”.
IDEAL The Ceraplan III brassware range of fittings from Ideal Standards offers sustainable and eco-friendly bathroom solutions with comfort and practicality and is set to take centre stage as countries and communities are moving towards more eco-friendly environments. To coincide with World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5, Ceraplan III bathroom fittings have gained added significance in view of their eco-friendly attributes and innovation. Designed for visual appeal and practicality, the range includes basin, bidet, shower, bath & shower and kitchen mixers and comes with flow rate regulators and click technology, creating a timeless selection of taps that offer comfort – be it commercial or residential. 16
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ECO SOLUTIONS
REMEMBERING FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
The Museum of Modern Art in New York, USA, is paying homage next year to one of the most important figures of 20th century architecture with a major exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of his birth. “Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: Unpacking the Archive” will run from June 12 - October 1, 2017. As well as being one of the most renowned and prolific architects of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright was a radical designer and intellectual who embraced cutting-edge materials and new technologies. MoMA is exhibiting 450 pieces dating from the 1890s to the 1950s, including architectural drawings, models, building fragments, films, TV shows, press cuttings, furniture, tableware, textiles, paintings and photos. Some items will be on public display for the first time. It is split into 12 chronological sections each focusing on a particular key object or objects from the Frank Lloyd Wright archives. These are interpreted and contextualized, and presented alongside other pieces from MoMA’s collections or external collections.
JOINING FORCES For their first collaboration with Roche Bobois, creative director of Christian Lacroix Maison, Sacha Walckhoff, has designed a series of furniture items. The collection focuses on high-quality materials such as lacquered wood and shimmering brass. It features pieces for the living room, including a beechwood chair with legs half-finished in brass, matched with black and white striped upholstery which is available in black and fuchsia, red and black or blue and black. This is joined by an oval nesting coffee table with a top finished in acacia veneer, mirror and polished brass. There is also a cabinet with two push-to-open doors decorated with a landscape inspired by Arles. One of the largest pieces in the collection is an armchair with a faux classical style. GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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AN OBJECT OF DESIRE WITH EVE, WILLIAM BRAND, THE OWNER OF BRAND VAN EGMOND, A DUTCH LIGHTING DESIGN BRAND AND AN INTERNATIONAL TRENDSETTER IN EXCLUSIVE HANDCRAFTED DECORATIVE LIGHTING, GOES BACK TO THE BEGINNINGS OF HUMANITY AND THE FIGURES OF ADAM AND EVE. Eve is designed as a tree structure, carrying several light globes as her fruit. Each globe stands for a choice we humans can make, yet also allows for rays of light. The collection comes in three models: round, oval and conical. All models are available in copper, nickel, brass, bronze, white matt and black matt. The brand and studio were founded in 1989 with the sole intention to create art without restraints. William Brand (owner/designer) graduated at the Utrecht School of the Arts in the Netherlands, where he was trained as an architect. As all the Brand van Egmond lighting sculptures are handmade, they are frequently asked to customise for specific clients and projects across the world. Since
exclusivity is one of the brand’s epitomes, the lighting sculptures are much desired by architects and interior designers in Qatar and in the Middle East. “With Eve I tried to create a sophisticated yet tranquil object, perfectly crafted with a rich finish. This design asks for interaction. She invites her beholders to slow down, pause and be still. She dares you to free your ideas and spur conversations with others. That’s why Eve needs to be placed in environments where people get together and sit with each other: a dining table, a study, a lounge or maybe even a bedroom. Around Eve I see affection, luxury, calm and the great outdoors,” says Brand. GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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MIX M I R RO R I M AG E
Functional as well as decorative, this mirror from The One creates a focal point in the living room.
M E TA L R U S H
Metal frame, high-curved back and rounded bottom make this chair from Kare a great addition to your interiors.
P E N DA N T POW E R
Go the Moroccan way with this silver-pounded punched metal pendant light from The One.
EYE ON STYLE From simple details, ethnic inlays to colour play, we bring you a mix of eye-catching accessories to make your home a standout.
IN TRADITION
Bring in a Middle Eastern vibe with this candle holder from Artifacts of Arabia. BOW L E D O V E R
Keep your living room simple and sophisticated with this cool blue sofa from Versace.
MORESQUE FUSION
Oriental motifs and vibrant colours make a statement with this exclusive piece by Ibda design.
GET STUDDED
Add some glamour to your home with this sparkled cushion from IDdesign. CIRCULAR SIMPLICITY
Great solution for smaller rooms, this side table from Habitat is multi-functional with extra storage.
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E T H N I C TO U C H
Handcrafted using filigree chasing and engraving, these antique napkin rings from Artifacts of Arabia add ethnicity and make for a great gift.
LIGHT IT UP
Add the magic of candlelight this festive season with this ethnic patterned lantern from Kare.
ALL LINED UP
Make your space stand out with this user-friendly, creative plastic chair from Habitat.
Q U I R K Y BA N G E R
This bright camel doorbanger from Artifacts of Arabia adds a cheerful charm to your interiors.
O R I E N TA L F L AV O U R
A creative way to fill up a blank wall, this moderiental piece from Artikkan Gallery is one of a kind. F O R E V E R FA S H I O N A B L E
Inspired by the shapes of a ribbon, this lamp from Habitat makes an exclusive addition to your bedside.
S P L A S H O F C O LO U R G E O M E T R I C P L AY
Simple and sculptural, enhance your space with this side table from Artikkan Gallery.
Kaleidoscope colour is on trend and the best way to splurge is with this lamp from Home Centre.
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MINARETS TO
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VERTICAL FR AMES MOVING AWAY FROM CONVENTIONAL DOME -SHAPED ISLAMIC BUILDINGS, NEW YORK CITY IS PIONEERING A VERTICAL CONVENTION CENTRE THAT AIMS AT DISPELLING ANY MISCONCEPTIONS THAT THE RELIGION MIGHT HAVE THROUGH TRANSPARENCY IN EXTERIOR WALLS. BY SINDHU NAIR
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BREAKING STEREOTYPES Concept design of ASMA (American Society for Muslim Advancement) has a new typology of Islamic Cultural Centre.
Think of conventional Islamic centres and the picture that comes to mind is usually a mosaic covered minaret or a dome-like building. The vertical building that is being planned in New York City is removed from the conventional Islamic Centres we see in the region. The schematic design for a glass-clad Islamic cultural centre in New York by local architecture firm Buro Koray Duman aims at dispelling fear-based attitudes towards the Islamic faith. When New York-based nonprofit organisation the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA) approached the studio in 2014, asking it to research and design a Muslim-sponsored, multi-faith community centre at an undetermined location in New York City, the first constraint that the firm thought to scale was the limited space available for design. "Yes, we were asked to build a cultural centre in Manhattan where the property values are very high and there is very limited space. So we had to think of a new, contemporary typology that was
still very social and public but vertical at the same time," says Koray Duman, the principal architect of the firm. He is also the mind behind projects like the Artist Foundation in NY and the finalist design for the cultural complex in the city centre of Kaliningrad, Russia, through the international architectural competition. Knowing the tenacity of the project, Duman reveals how the drawings and the concept were arrived at. "The project has been developed from the bottom up, working with communities and nonprofits as well as the mayor's office. We made a conscious decision from the beginning not to implement a project from the top but to work with the various groups and advocate for the importance of a space like this. It is still in the fundraising phase and we don't have a secure site yet but our aim will be always to build up the programme through the community and the neighbourhood, so we are hoping to have less controversy," he says. The structure is supposed to correct misconceptions about Islam prevalent in the US and Koray explains how a building GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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“Even though the building is vertical, the public faces out through a vertical street that’s attached to the glass exterior skin. Various programmes and the life of the building will be exposed to the public. We hope that it will be a surprisingly pleasant experience.”
through its open exterior skin makes this possible. "Even though the building is vertical, the public faces out through a vertical street that's attached to the glass exterior skin. Various programmes and the life of the building will be exposed to the public. We hope that it will be a surprisingly pleasant experience," says Duman. "It will be the first Muslim-sponsored multi-faith community centre, promoting social justice and progressive change. It will be a centre to develop Islam as a culture, not only as a religion. Our client– the American Society for Muslim Advancement– is working very diligently on the programme of the building which is as important as the architecture. There will be public library, food court and sports facility for the neighbourhood as well so that the building brings value to its environment." His studio's schematic design for the centre features a 100,000-square foot (9,290 square metres) building that takes its cue from historic Islamic cultural complexes, called külliyes. In these complexes, which are laid out horizontally, low-slung buildings with varying functions are organised around a centrally placed mosque. Given the urban context of the proposed New York centre, the firm opted to utilise the külliye concept but organise it vertically, so programme areas are stacked on top of one another. 26
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CONTEMPORARY TYPOLOGY Concept designs for the ASMA. Below: The Artist Foundation NY upstate, another project of Duman.
BEING DIVERSE The concept of ASMA; Below: Cultural Complex Kalinigrad Russia.
“The Fire Station Artist Residency, Qatar Foundation and the Museum and the space around it are great. The city has been growing fast so it is very hard now to understand how things will go together. I think it will take another five to ten years before a culture of everyday life develops around the city and before we can take a look at it and analyse it.”
He says, “One of the early ideas about this building is that we really want it to be open and welcoming. We want to replace the image of Islam in the West from one of fear of the unknown to that of surprisingly pleasant.” Duman believes that cities and humanity grow and develop through vibrant public spaces. “In late 20th century, we started losing the importance of public spaces,” says Duman. “In the past few years, our studio has completed a few speculative projects that promote the importance of public spaces. In the fall of 2015, we
did a research and design project called Under the BQE for the New York City Department of Transportation, looking at under-utilised public space under the elevated freeways and subway lines in Brooklyn and Queens.” Buro Koray Duman is an idea-driven architecture studio with an emphasis on functional but unexpected, sometimes often playful designs. “Our approach attracted many clients from creative industries. In the past 5-6 years we have designed artist studios, artist foundations, art galleries, non-profit spaces, and creative agencies. Our clients include artist Richard Prince, designer Diane von Furstenberg, furniture manufacturer Design Within Reach and others.” Koray Duman had been to Doha in the month of March for the Art for Tomorrow conference where he presented his latest creations in the field of architecture. Duman is impressed with the work by 60s and 70s Japanese architects from the Metabolist period whose work is fairly unknown in the Middle East. “The Fire Station Artist Residency, Qatar Foundation and the Museum and the space around it are great. The city has been growing fast so it is very hard now to understand how things will go together. I think it will take another five to ten years before a culture of everyday life develops around the city and before we can take a look at it and analyse it.” GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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M O D E R I E N TA L MUSE THE ESSENTIAL CHARM OF A MODERN AND ORIENTAL BLEND IS THE PATCHWORK STYLE SOFA, POUF AND CENTRE TABLE WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN AESTHETIC FOCAL POINT. WITH A UNIQUE MIX OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF NATURAL WOOD, PAINTED GLASS AND METAL, THIS ARRANGEMENT FROM ARTIKKAN GALLERY IS HANDCRAFTED IN PERFECT HARMONY. (ALL PRODUCTS ARE FROM ARTIKKAN GALLERY AND THE LOOK WAS CREATED BY INTERIOR DESIGNERS HAZAR ALARAJ AND HUSSAM AL SABBAGH)
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1 THREE-SEATER SOFA IN WALNUT, OAK & EBONY WOOD STYLED WITH MOTHER OF PEARL INLAY AND BACK PAINTED GLASS, UPHOLSTERED IN FABRIC. 2 PATCHWORK CENTRE TABLE IN WENGE & OAK WOOD STYLED WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAY WITH STAINLESS STEEL BASE. 3 ARTIKKAN SIGNATURE CHAIR IN SOLID OAK WOOD STYLED WITH ORIENTAL PATTERN, UPHOLSTERED IN ITALIAN LEATHER. 4 UNIT CABINET IN WALNUT, OAK & WENGE WOOD 5 PATCHWORK STYLE POUF IN WALNUT, OAK & WENGE WOOD STYLED WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAY, UPHOLSTERED IN FABRIC. 6 SINGLE DOOR UNIT CABINET IN PAINTED WOOD FINISH STYLED WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAY. 7 SLIDING TYPE SIDE TABLE IN SOLID OAK PATTERNED WOOD STYLED WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAY. 8 CIRCULAR MIRROR IN WALNUT WOOD STYLED WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND TIN INLAY.
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DESIGNING THE WAY A MOTIVATOR OF HUMAN ENGAGEMENT, NEW YORK-BASED DESIGNER KARIM RASHID’S ORGANICFRIENDLY FORMS COMMUNICATE TACTILITY AND EXPRESS STRONG VISUAL COMFORT AND PLEASURE. BY AARTHI MOHAN
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COPYRIGHTS TO BANDO E&C CO. LTD
GID
FOCUS IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE The Poli boutique hotel in Tel Aviv is a marriage of Bauhaus and digital age. It is a perfect blend of form, function, crafts with Karim’s signature accent colours
Design is limitless when it comes to the work of this industrial designer. Karim Rashid is regarded as a legend in the world of design. To date he has 3,000 designs in production, 300 awards and has worked in over 40 countries, which makes him one of the wrold’s most prolific designers. His work is in the permanent collections of twenty museums and galleries worldwide, including the international design museum Die Neue Sammlung in Munich. Designing for an array of clients from Alessi to Dirt Devil, Umbra to Prada, Miyake to Method, his award-winning designs include luxury goods for Christofle, Veuve Clicquot and Alessi, democratic products for Bobble and 3M, furniture for Bonaldo and Vondom, lighting for Artemide and Fabbian, hightech products for Asus and Samsung, surface design for Marburg and Abet Laminati, brand identity for Citibank and Sony Ericsson and packaging for Method, Paris Baguette, Kenzo and Hugo Boss. Karim’s touch expands beyond just products to interiors such as the Morimoto restaurant, Philadelphia; Semiramis Hotel, Athens; nhow Hotel, Berlin; Università Metro Station, Naples, as well as exhibition design for Deutsche Bank and Audi. With numerous 32
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“My designs are a manifestation of my soul, like a composer creating music. I get really passionate about designing a pen, jewellery, perfume bottle, coffee cup, as much as I do designing a brand identity, carpet, flooring, furniture, interior design, or a building.”
accolades and honorary doctorates to his name he is now a frequent guest lecturer at universities and conferences globally. Treading on the principle of what he calls sensual minimalism , his work is not laboured with embellishment yet can shape an entire human holistic experience from the micro to the macro. “My designs are a manifestation of my soul, like a composer creating music. I get really passionate about designing a pen, jewellery, perfume bottle, coffee cup, as much as I do designing a brand identity, carpet, flooring, furniture, interior design, or a building. I see the future of our aesthetic world crossing all disciplines so that design, art,
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“Without plastic we could never have accomplished the progressive world of healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, architecture, clothing, sports equipment, technology, appliances and packaging.”
ORGANIC FORMS Above: The HAP condominium on 30th Thompson street in Soho. Below: The KX Gradient chair designed by Karim for the brand AIXTALI.
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architecture, fashion, food and music fuse together to increase our experiences and bring greater pleasure to our material and immaterial lives”, says Karim. Design is extremely consequential to daily lives and can positively change human behaviour. Products and furniture must appeal to the emotions, therefore increasing popular imagination and experience. For Karim, inspiration is not a place or a thing but comes from being creative within the criteria of a project as well as from functional
needs and desires. “I preach about how design shapes the future and culture. Any work I do must have some nuance of originality. I also try to produce work that speaks about the age in which I live, the contemporary world that is casual, digital, flexible, technological, and human”, says the prolific designer. Every project is different to a designer and so is the design process. Karim’s diversity is what gives him the ability to cross-pollinate ideas, materials, behaviours, aesthetics and language from one typology to the other. Often referred to as the prince of plastic , Karim has and always will vouch for the use of this material. According to him, plastic is a warm, soft, malleable, flexible, comfortable, lightweight and democratic landscape heaped with innovation and infinite design possibilities. “Without plastic we could never have accomplished the progressive world of healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, architecture, clothing,
sports equipment, technology, appliances and packaging. There is great hope for biodegradable plastics, 100% recycled plastics, derivatives from sugar cane, plant-based and other renewable sources New research and technologies may continue to help shape a progressive plastic-material world but with environmentally responsible and sustainable results. Maybe one day we will live in a fantastic-plastic technorganic world”, he says. Colour plays an intrinsic part in all Karim Rashid designs. Not afraid of being bold with its use, it is his way of dealing with and touching our emotions, psyche and spiritual being. “Colour is life and for me and I think about using colours to create human engagement of a certain task or function. Don t be afraid of that bright orange chair. Paint your wall lime green. Coloured glass looks
DYNAMIC PLAY Above: The HAP Condominium on Pleasant Avenue gives character and playfulness and the Condominium on Madison Avenue reinterprets nature with algorithm. Right: Swing chair for FRIGHETTO.
great in bathrooms. Be brave when it comes to carpets, countertops and tables. Colour is beautiful and it’s all about selfexpression. Be yourself ”, says Karim. For most creative people it is difficult to choose a favourite. This designer is particularly proud of the Garbo can for Umbra that he designed in 1994, since it is 20 years old and still so successful, and the faucets he designed for Cisal in 2007. Other favourites include the Kaj watch for Alessi. “I have all 12 colours so I change them every day. They are so light, so comfortable, so simple and inexpensive, which is really my mantra,” says the enigmatic designer. Right now, Karim is working on Temptation, an adults-only 500 room resort in Cancun for Original Hotels. For him, what’s exciting about taking up this unprecedented project is that it has an interesting subject. The brand, Original Hotels, has hotels that allow the sense of sexual freedom and being, and that in itself doesn’t exist elsewhere.
“Colour is life for me and I think about using them to create human engagement of a certain task or function. Don t be afraid of that bright orange chair. It’s all about self-expression. Be yourself.”
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His inspiration for the project was the human body and the hotel’s interaction with humans and the notion of bringing people together. Karim says, “When you like somebody, it is that kind of connection. So I designed spaces around the concept of connectivity. It will create an experience that will be set in the public memory with really erotic, sensual and abstracted forms. Once you move into the hotel I think you ll be quite shocked by the spaces”. The designer often talks about democratisation of design which drives his work. Karim believes that design is now democratic and of extreme high quality. “We must let go of old ideas of luxury and really create new aesthetics, forms, material and languages that are more seamless and attuned to the world we live in now. Production technologies have become so sophisticated that a machine can produce better work than the hand, which makes for better yet cheaper designs. Mass production and the digital technological
“Design must evolve us and create a beautification and betterment of society. Good design can shift and change human behaviour and create new social conditions.”
age have created a democratic luxury. Design must evolve us and create a beautification and betterment of society. Good design can shift and change human behaviour and create new social conditions.” His dream projects are to design more private homes, a hospital, museum, mosque, art gallery, and small appliances like humidifiers, coffee machines, blenders, toasters, irons, etc. He also wants to design sets for contemporary theatre and dance, ships, and an eponymous fashion line, an electric car, a really good digital wireless music system,
FREE FLOWING Above: Karim’s work is all about simple and spatial forms. Minimalism is what he stands for and is evident in the interiors of the B-Apartments. Right: Bloob stools for brand FRIGHETTO. 36
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GO BOLD Hotel Prizotel Hannover in Germany pops with purple, yellow, white and pink colour schemes. A transient space with a unique experience.
a moped, a bicycle, a digital camera and many more hotels, preferably one in each city he travels to. Karim loves the works of Zaha Hadid, Bjarke Ingels, Toyo Ito, Daniel Libeskind and Asymptote. “Architecture is such a collaborative effort and I understand the difficulty in maintaining a vision throughout”, he says. There is a long list of projects and collaborations on the horizon for this creative persona. He is designing several hotels, condominiums, restaurants and other hospitality projects around the world. Some of them include a 400-room budget hotel in Amsterdam, hotels in Poland and Latvia. A boutique hotel in Norway, four condominium buildings in NYC and two condo projects in Miami. A hotel interior in Tel Aviv and cafes in
CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPES The Pariso Bayviews in Miami is a tropical beauty.
Doha and Tangier are in the finishing stages. A huge public interactive art installation for Expo 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan, is also under construction. For products he is designing new packaging for health products, outdoor lighting and furniture for Spanish, Italian, Mexican and Austrian companies and he is about to debut a very high-end luxury mobile phone. Karim prefers designs that transcend fashionable trends and that echo a technorganic digital world. “The world is shrinking and the same forms, concepts, and ideas are becoming very derivative. I try to pull from everyday life and my own vision, which is a kind of pluralism that is focused on contemporary human needs and desires”, says the ever-inspired designer.
INGENIOUS DESIGNS A few of Karim’s prominent products -Alessi Kaj watches, Amour Veronique Durruty for Kenzo, Grobal planter for grobal, Garbo can for Umbra, Push and Shove bump powerbank.
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steering new ways in design COMBINING TRADITIONAL PROCESSES OF GLASS-BLOWING AND CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES LIKE 3D PRINTING, RANIM OROUK CREATES DESIGNS WHICH HAVE A LUMINOUS AND EVOCATIVE PRESENCE.
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Responding to this year’s theme, Nature, at the Design Days Dubai, Ranim Orouk was named the winner of the prestigious Middle East Emergent Designer Prize for her lighting piece “Glow” . Inspired by the effervescence of a school of jellyfish, the piece serves a dual function as a ceiling chandelier or a floor lamp. Taking the form and function from the sea creature and combining the production methods of traditional glass-blowing and advanced digital fabrication of 3D printing, the spheres are made of 3D printed glass and are fused using curved acrylic rods that mimic the form of jellyfish legs. Once lit, the transmission of light throughout the piece emphasizes the radiance emitted from a bloom of jellyfish. With nature being the focus, the fair aimed at inspiring designers to work with natural materials or forms which are native to their immediate surroundings. Designers were asked to create design objects that serve a functional purpose suited to a contemporary lifestyle,
incorporating influences from nature in both materials and structure. Ranim was born in Syria and raised in the United Arab Emirates and she completed her bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the American University of Sharjah. As a young designer she had the privilege of experiencing different cultures and her interest was in exploring the impact of social change on design in general. In 2015, Ranim was chosen by the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee to participate in the 2nd Annual Thesis Showcase in Washington, D.C., USA. She has also participated in making the World’s Biggest Peace Dove which was a Guinness World Record in 2012. The designer speaks to GID on the winning piece, aspirations and her favourites. Did you always want to be an architect? Not really, but I definitely knew that I wanted to do something related to design. Does design (in the context of Design Days Dubai) come naturally to architects? Design Days Dubai gives the opportunity for designers to expose their talent no matter what their backgrounds are. Usually architects are not so dreamy when designing a building; therefore, they find DDD an opportunity to showcase their creativity.
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After your impressive achievements at Design Days, do you intend to continue to work as an architect or branch out into interiors? For now, I want to practice architecture. At the same time product or interior design is something that I also enjoy doing. All these three are interrelated fields, so it is hard for me to separate them and choose one over the other. What inspires you? Nature and geometry inspire me a lot. Almost everything around us is part of nature and its many forms observed in nature can be related to geometry. So basically everything around me is an inspiration. One just needs to open his or her eyes to see it all. A favourite piece at DDD 2016? My favourite was the Limited Moths Lamp. It takes a simple element and turns it into a masterpiece. What do you do when you are not working? I enjoy exercising. It helps me let out all the negative energy and clears my mind. What building do you wish you had designed? The Sagrada Familia – a beautiful gem which portrays the intelligence and great thinking of the designer. Do you dream in colour or “black and
white”? In colour, there is creativity. There is beauty behind every single colour. Restricting my imagination to two would limit my creative process. When you think about "Glow", where do you (hope to) see it hanging? I hope to see it hanging in different places across the globe. Who is your most favourite designer/ architect? Zaha Hadid. She introduced something different and was able to prove to the world that her impossible-looking concepts and ideas are actually possible. What now after winning the Emergent Designer prize? I don’ t usually plan my future. Instead, I let events shape it. Which is your favourite city and why? Dubai, it is a smaller version of the whole world.
“Nature and geometry inspire me a lot. Almost everything around us is part of nature and its many forms observed in nature can be related to geometry. So basically everything around me is an inspiration. One just needs to open his or her eyes to see it all.”
When was the most iconic period in design for you? The most iconic period is the Art Nouveau Period. Till this day you can see the beauty in all Art Nouveau designs. They have intricate linear flowing curves inspired by nature and the amount of detail is just spectacular. GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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SHAPING
INTO WHITE GOLD
ROSA LLADRÓ, Chairperson of Llardo
DREAMS
THE STORY OF A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT SHOWCASES THE MAGIC OF PORCELAIN AND SHARES THE CREATIVITY IN THE WORLD OF INTERIORS. BY SINDHU NAIR
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There is a place in Valencia where time stands still; an artisan workshop conceived back in 1953 by the three Lladró brothers when they started to fire their first porcelains in the moorish kiln at their parent’s home. Truly passionate about art, the three brothers were able to see in porcelain the magic of a material which they could use to give shape to dreams. They passed on this vision to the following generation, who are now at the helm of the company. The love for porcelain is kept alive and the professionals working at the factory of dreams in porcelain make sure that the dreams and hopes endure. Taking us though the world of Lladró is one of the new generations of the family; Rosa Lladró is the daughter of Juan Lladró, the eldest of the brand’s founding brothers. After studying at the San Carlos School of Fine Arts in Valencia, Rosa was appointed a member of the Lladró Board
RIDING ON FAME Lladro’s Middle Eastern clients have a fascination for Arabian horses. Opposite page: some historic pieces include the ballroom lady from the late-50s, two old vases decorated with flowers by Juan Lladró and a Rococo scene painted by Jose Lladró
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of Directors in 1984 and is its chairperson since 2003. She currently represents the whole team of valuable people who make up Lladró. She fills us in on the history and the brand’s operations. “The founders of Lladró were very courageous, bold and honest. I believe that their lack of fear was absolutely important along with the innovativeness they brought to the designs, to industrial processes, to exports, added to the excellent relationship they had with the workers. We keep to our legacy by following the same handcrafted process
“We think that customers look for creations that can be part of their lives, because they use them to decorate their houses, because they decide to gift to someone special. Summing up, objects that are decorative or functional that give beauty and exude a special emotion to their lives are what are in demand now.”
of elaboration. What makes us different is that process, that care that we invest in all the pieces we make,” says Rosa. But as porcelain figurines still a valuable piece of investment in interiors and how are the designs keeping up with the times? Rosa says that at Lladró the craftsmen are always listening to clients, observing and learning from the different cultures of different countries where Lladró has a presence (more than 100 around the world). “We think that customers look for creations that can be part of their lives, because they use them to decorate their houses, because they decide to gift to someone special. Summing up, objects that are decorative or functional that give beauty and exude a special emotion to their lives are what are in demand now.” Lladró is a brand in constant evolution, according to Rosa, looking for new creations. “We launch around 100 new pieces GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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every year,” she says. “The designing and making process of our creations entails excellent detailing because all our pieces are the result of an amazing handcrafted process. All our pieces are handmade following an entirely artisan process. From the initial sketches to the final firing at high temperatures, each step in the process is carried out by artists and artisans.” While each region has its speciality and interest, Middle East customers have a penchant for horses, according to Rosa. With luxury and new materials being explored in design, will Lladró look at new areas of interest, like working with other materials? Rosa is clear on the material used. “Our core business is working with porcelain, as it was made 200 years ago, and being able to offer it in all its possible forms, sculptural or decorative pieces, mirrors, lamps and home fragrances. Porcelain is in the brand’s DNA.” 46
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HISTORY IN THE MAKING Lladró’s immensely creative craftsmen at work in their studio, shaping the details that have to be taken into consideration when creating a porcelain masterpiece.
For a handcrafted industry Lladró takes extreme care of its strong creative team of designers and sculptors. “Bringing together a very talented team is key to maintaining the integrity of the product. After that, further training broadens the artistic quality that the sculptors bring with them. Everybody has a contribution to make in ensuring that the Lladró stamp of identity is recognizable.” As Rosa Lladró says: “In such a complex world as ours, in which everything happens so quickly and is just as quickly forgotten, time, experience and traditions take on vital importance. Artisan know-how can only be acquired with constancy, dedicating to each artistic process the time required.” If we accept the idea that you are only free to create when you have total control over a craft, the artisans at the Lladró ateliers have managed to attain absolute command over porcelain. A far cry from
“Day after day, these hands keep alive ancient crafts and methods, from chemistry to modelling, as well as carving, relief work, drawing, ornamentation, etching and painting. Each step is carried out at our atelier. We put craft at the service of an idea. It is what sets us apart, what makes us unique,” Rosa says. industrialised processes, they are able to achieve with their hands what machines are incapable of doing, according to Rosa. “Day after day, these hands keep alive ancient crafts and methods, from chemistry to modelling, as well as carving, relief work, drawing, ornamentation, etching and painting. Each step is carried out at our atelier. We put craft at the service of an idea. It is what sets us apart, what makes us unique,” she says. Lladró came to the Middle East during the end of the, 80s decade. “The demand has been growing steadily since we opened our first mono brand boutique at Dubai Mall four years ago.” Rosa says that the Middle East is a fabulous source of inspiration for the company’s sculptors with pieces like “The Queen of the Nile”, a fantasy based on the marvellous Egyptian culture, or the pure breed “Arabian stallion” another piece, that is much in demand in these markets. Lladró is available in Qatar at Tanagra. GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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CREATING ARTISTIC
PHOTO COURTESY: JULIEN FERNANDEZ
_ILLUSTRATIONS
THINK CLASSIC PLACES WITH MODERN TOUCHES AND LOTS OF PATTERNS. WALLPAPER DESIGNER SANDRINE ZIEGLER-MUNCK SEAMLESSLY MERGES DIGITAL PRINTING TECHNOLOGY WITH A MODERN INTERPRETATION TO PRODUCE EXCLUSIVE PIECES TO ADORN WALLS. BY AARTHI MOHAN 48
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The latest iteration of Sandrine Ziegler-Munck’s aesthetic comes from her ability in re-interpreting old-fashioned patterns and injecting them with new life. From photographs to paintings, trompe l’oeils and macro designs on material, she cleverly transforms them into wallpaper designs. Colours, shapes and intricate motifs reflect her unbridled imagination of the 18thcentury textiles which are conventional. Sandrine has created endless variations on the themes of dots, flowers and geometric designs where each design exudes Sandrine’s penchant for mixing textures and patterns. “I started out as a jewellery and clothing designer. It was always in the back of our minds to venture into designing exclusive wallpaper, hence we started Barissol. I have had experience in designing and some designs just work well as pattern repeated on wallpaper. I installed classic textile Barrisol acoustic wallpaper with a reproduction of a masterpiece from
1886 for my home which is a traditional European master home of the 19th century. I chose soft colours like grey, strong beige, waterlogged brown and even dark grey to put a modern spin. Furniture by Eames, Mies van der Rohe, Bertola chairs placed against a wallpaper of a mysterious island in mist with modern white drawings, puts a distinct stamp”, says the designer. Sandrine dishes on her favourites and talks to GID about her inspiration, love for modernist aesthetics and future plans for brand Barrisol.
INSPIRATION
Nature, sea, and life. Museums and art galleries are my current muse.
Quirky accessories used as decoration
Modern or traditional I prefer both. Classic furniture paired with a modern lamp, a kitsch vase or an ethnic item works best for homes.
I often use plastic items, vintage toys and artistic work done by my children placed in a plexiglass box or a glass dome.
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Bold or neutral colours for your home?
An all-white room can evoke several moods, textures and can look dressed up or subtle at any point in time. A day in the life Going to the office on a bicycle, meeting clients and speaking to them about their ideas for a dream home perks up my day.
Favourite work
It is hard to choose a favourite. Currently I like the collections of wall and ceiling designs created for Barrisol.
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A design element you cannot ignore?
Lamps and floor lamps. I need mood lighting for a warm atmosphere.
What’s next for you? A new collection and a brochure for Barrisol called Trompe l’oeil for walls and ceilings.
Easy DIY tips for transforming a space?
Playing with masking tape is versatile and can be used in all colours and inventive patterns. Place it at 120 cm from the floor and it makes for a growing room.
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Advertorial
A new attitude
Habitat bursts onto the furniture design scene in Qatar with an expansive array of specialty products inspired by a blend of tradition with modernist designs.
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Sourced from Britain, France, Italy and Scandinavia by a select design panel, Habitat has created a niche by owning a collection of over 2,000 pieces of furniture, fabrics, lighting, kitchenware, glass and carpets–you name it and they have it all. Their main focus lies in affordability and quality. All products are functional yet beautiful and well made. “The DNA of brand Habitat is that we choose products to appeal to young moderns with lively taste. We also price it accordingly which attracts people who want to own luxurious and quality pieces at a reasonable
price”, says Tareq Hassan, Operations Manager, Habitat in Qatar. Established in 1964 by Sir Terence Conran, a furniture designer, Habitat has been transforming living spaces with the creation of beautiful interiors since then. Today, Habitat has joined the CAFOM group. Founded by Hervé Giaoui, CAFOM is an independent French group in the retail sector, specialising in home improvement. The goal of the brand is to offer to as many people as possible the opportunity to furnish and decorate their interiors with innovative, modern and functional pieces in order to create a
personal world for each individual. French designer Pierre Favresse has been appointed artistic director of the Habitat brand. Leading a team of six designers and collaborating with external partners, his intention is now to focus on creation, desire and youthfulness to bring a breath of fresh air to the world of interiors without compromising on the criteria of quality on which the reputation of the brand is based, or its affordable prices. Habitat aims at providing products that are useful for all which will make one’s living more pleasant with exceptional designs. Tareq says, “We present two collections per year and each has a distinct touch of colour and
materials. Our new collection is inspired by a lemon and we have used summery colours like yellow and orange so that the set-up is very fresh, vibrant and comfortable”. In terms of fabric, quality and design, Habitat stands out from other furniture retailers. “We try to create a holistic retail experience. We display our products in mocked-up living rooms and kitchens, to make sure we give our customers a creative idea on how to piece together furniture, lighting, vases and mirrors. It is not individualistic, but we want to give our customers a clear image of different elements which can be placed together to provide for a distinct look”, says Tareq. Habitat has a team of designers who
can customise any design. Each product is unique and exudes an ambiance. Their product designs are very practical and user-friendly and most of them serve a dual purpose. “Now our main focus is to let the locals know about the brand. Habitat can fit with any culture and it has been designed with a keen eye for details. We have been part of the Almana Group for two years. It is a good occasion for us to show the exclusivity of Habitat across the Middle East”, says Tareq. Combining optimism and cheerfulness, Habitat has set a benchmark in product creativity and embodies the essence of l’art de vivre (the art of living) in all their creations.
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FRENCH INTERIORS ARE THE EPITOME OF TIMELESSNESS AND PANACHE. IT IS ALSO THE STYLE THAT IS MUCH FAVOURED BY QATARI CLIENTS.
LIVING LIFE
A DETAILED FEATURE BY AN ARCHITECT ON HOW TO DESIGN THE MOST REFINED PARISIAN INTERIORS. BY NIMA NOORUDIN
THE PARISIAN WAY
Ar. Nima Noorudin is an architect and interior design consultant with more than 13 years’ experience in premium hospitality, commercial and high-end residential projects. Equipped with deep knowledge in global design, experience from her extensive travels and attention to detail, Nima has designed interiors of luxury Qatari villas in varied styles ranging from Islamic to Modern to European.
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The Parisian design delights one with tactilely and visually rich interiors where comfort, functionality and aesthetics are interwoven with sophistication. The old-world charm of Parisian interiors can be captured with tall windows, high ceilings and grand architectural details but the real exquisiteness comes in the thoughtfully selected elements that bring these spaces to life. Parisian interiors are extremely popular in Qatar, especially among well-heeled travellers. The sheer number of French decor stalls that participated in the INDEX Exhibition 2016 at Dubai and the engagement it generated is a true testament to the popularity of the style in the GCC region. There is a rich diversity in Parisian styles, all filled with inspiration and intrigue. While each one is distinctly unique, they all draw from a rich historical tradition of decorative arts and reinterpret it by mixing the various elements in unassuming ways with artwork, bold colours and patterns. When recreating a “destination decor” in another part of the world, it is crucial to adapt to the climate and the context as well as to refine the style in order to meet the sensibilities of the local populace and personal choices. Whether you’ve chosen to decorate an entire room or just want a touch of the exotic to bring character to a room, here are some of the most important and inspiring elements that have made this look desirable for centuries.
ORNATE STYLE The classical ornate style can be reproduced by adding details like mouldings, cornices, medallions, wainscoting and wall panelling in plaster or wood (easily available in Doha). Plaster is cheap but the edges and corners can chip and break easily whereas wood is sturdier and has better finish. If you are looking for easy and quick installation along with a fantastic finish, mouldings in polystyrene and high-density polymer are also available (NMC Decoration, The Pearl-Qatar). Elegant wallpapers that emulate the classic wood panelling (check Andrew Martin wallpaper) and boiserie in 3-D wall covering (Chance Perfecto from Elitis) are some of the other alternatives to get the look without much hassle. Famous architect Luis Laplace has mastered the art of creating breathtaking interiors by balancing the intricate Hausmannian details (found in 18th/19th century Parisian buildings) with modern furniture, dynamic lighting fixtures and accessories.
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NEOCLASSICAL STYLE WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST A harmonious mix of neoclassical and contemporary aesthetics is an approach that is widely desired and emulated as the epitome of a refined French look. Replicating this style is not as complex as it is for traditional, yet it never fails to evoke a sense of opulence. It requires restraint in classical details while melding sophistication with comfort. Honoured as one of the top designers, Jean-Louis Deniot is adept at creating exquisitely detailed yet informal and personalised spaces. While intricate detailing gave way to clean lines and sobriety, we get a glimpse of grand decadence being translated to lighter and chic interiors.
MODERN STYLE Modern interiors, devoid of any classical detailing embrace simplicity and challenge it with sensuality and an element of surprise. Reinterpreting the past with an unexpected mix of materials, antiques and art work helps to bring together a luxurious and cosy setting retaining the spirit of the French interiors. The idea is to design functional elements like furniture and light fixtures like sculptures to evoke the visual drama associated with Parisian chic while being minimal. If you prefer modern aesthetics or plan to transform your rented place or small apartment, then this style will suit you.
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FLOORING Parquet floors are associated with fancy Parisian homes and impart a distinct character to the space. Herringbone or chevron patterns are relatively cheap, easy to install and work well in both traditional and modern dĂŠcor. Traditional patterns like Parquet de Versailles, Chantilly, etc., are expensive and complex to install but are worth the effort if you are willing to go that extra mile.
COLOUR PALETTE The typical Parisian colour palette combines white or muted pastel colours with a burst of colour in jewel tones, gold accents and black. When creating a chic scheme, I prefer white or any neutral shade for walls as it reflects light and becomes the backdrop to display precious antiques, artwork and accessories. Jewel tones (sapphire, emerald, amber, ruby, amethyst, opal, turquoise, etc.) are selected to complement the neutral colours that add grandeur and visual balance to the scheme. Gold accents and mirrors add sheen and glamour while black acts as the balancing colour.
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FURNITURE The design intent should be to find balance and symmetry through innovative furniture placements and an interesting mix of patterns, textures and materials, punctuated with a burst of accents and statement pieces. Capturing the true essence of the style requires a masterful interplay of harmonious volumes, silhouettes, materials and lighting scheme. While selecting the furniture, the scale, silhouette, and shape of the fixture should be considered along with the functionality as each piece should relate to other pieces as well as the space that envelopes them. Since the French interiors are rich in details, it is important to restrict the number of pieces according to the space so that they don’t become overwhelming. You can create an interesting furniture layout by complementing modern furniture with traditional pieces like ones from the Louis XV period but it’s definitely not an easy task. French architect Jacques Grange, who mastered this art, explains his philosophy in his interview with The Curbed. According to him, he mixes something very rough with something very refined to achieve a strange balance. He goes for atypical furniture arrangements and groups art objects together in surprising ways so that it looks random yet one can experience an effortless charm in a balanced and cohesive composition. There are a lot of options available for traditional French furniture including wholesale dealers and online sites. You can also check out Mis en Demeure’s showroom in The Gate Mall, Doha, specialising in French furniture and decor.
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FURNISHINGS Damask, geometric patterns, floral prints, etc., in varying scales blend well with the overall French-inspired decor. Chenille, velvet, wool and linen for big upholstered pieces and precious fabrics for throw pillows and window treatments make things more family friendly. You can check out brands like Rubelli and Kravet for fabrics. Draperies dictate the quality of natural lighting and add volume as well as richness to the scheme depending on fabric. Bougainville, France, has a wonderful collection of rugs and can be customised to meet your requirements. You can contact me for more information to source them. Traditional interiors were rich in details as the grand scale of buildings had the ability to absorb patterns and colours. Follow caution to mix just the right amount of patterned and solid pieces according to the volume of space in order to create a harmonious yet interesting composition.
ART, ANTIQUES AND ACCESSORIES The artistic spirit of a Parisian apartment comes from a sense of confidence to experiment and the desire to have fun by not adhering to any rules. Shoppers in Paris are regular visitors to flea markets and vintage shops and appreciate little exotic pieces. Blending together different cultures and periods shows a true appreciation for art and design beyond boundaries. They are grouped and positioned to complement one another and stand together, rather than going for all matching pieces. Vintage pieces, art work, photographs and accessories are the key to a signature style and the way it is combined makes each space unique. Celebrity architect India Mahdavi advises on combining diverse styles, periods, fabrics, and materials around a common theme – the golden rule for achieving her signature touch. Designer Stephanie Coutas likes to surprise with amazing associations or diverted noble materials, such as rock crystal, marble powder, nacre and inlays.
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Advertorial
Reconnecting with history
Exclusive to the Topaz range, Hempel brings back colours from the past which can be used to replicate a certain period or create unique and contemporary interiors with their new historic and classic collection. 60
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The classic collection is a selection of Hempel’s customer-favourite colours that have been hand-picked from their extensive range of colour palettes. It contains neutral colours that can enhance any room and serve as a complementing feature to a wall. This collection is exclusively available in Hempel’s Topaz brand, a selected range of products that offers superior performance in a wide variety of colours and finishes to suit your home. In 2011, Crown Paints became part of the Hempel Group. Located in the heart of Great Britain, in Lancashire, Crown Paints is one of the UK’s largest and
most successful paint manufacturers. With a second manufacturing site based at Hull and with origins dating back to 1777, Crown Paints has more than 200 years of history within the decorative paints industry. Hempel’s Historic Colours Collection draws from architectural styles and movements from the late 16th century to the mid-20th century. Each colour palette is distinct in style and colour and reflects the architecture and design trends of the period. Each collection offers a broad choice of colours which are still relevant for use in today’s buildings. The Historic range consists of the following collections...
The Palladian collection This collection draws on the revival of interest in all aspects of Roman culture, particularly architecture. It reflects the natural stone and earthy colours found in building materials in the Roman period.
Neo-classical collection A style prevalent in the second half of the 18th century, this collection is inspired by the growing archeological evidence of how the Romans decorated and furnished their buildings. It embraces the clearer, lighter colours used at that time.
Regency collection Inspired by the eclectic period of 18001830 and a succession of revivals of earlier English styles, the collection reflects the introduction of stronger but subtle colours used in contrast to conventional creams and putties.
Gothic revival collection Emulating the leading style of the 1830s and 1840s, based on the study of medieval buildings and decorative objects, the colours in this collection are noticeably rich and vibrant which would have been used in fabrics and ceramics.
Victorian eclectic collection The eclecticism of late Victorian taste is reflected in this harmonious collection which is characterised by heavily saturated colours.
Arts and crafts collection Reviving traditional building crafts and the use of local materials of the late 19th century, this collection highlights the craftsmanship, simplicity and good design with warm colours driven by nature.
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STR ADDLING DESIGN DESIGNER BIANCA ANGELO, DESIGN MANAGER AT QUANTO BELLO QATAR,
AND
GOES DOWN MEMORY LANE AS SHE ATTEMPTS TO MARRY THE TWO CREATIVE FIELDS OF FASHION AND INTERIORS.
BY BIANCA ANGELO DESIGN MANAGER AT QUANTO BELLO QATAR 62
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Endless sketches of tall women draped in flowing clothes kept my hands busy for over four years during my varsity days. Understanding and learning the art of garments, movement, body shape, forms, proportions, materials and history of fashion consumed me and left me dreaming of my future. Little did I know that the day I graduated would be the last day I worked on a fashion garment project. Fourteen years later and a wonderful portfolio filled with interior projects, I look back on how my “passion in fashion” affects my everyday life. These two overly creative industry’s feed off each other daily, setting new trends, developing seasons, colour palettes,
FASHION “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” - Coco Chanel
creative ideas and enhancing people’s moods. Even though fashion still remains strong in developing the industry’s trends, within a short time frame, interiors follow suit. In today’s world people see their homes as another way of expressing their personal style and their personality, they are constantly updating and becoming bolder with their selection.With the high-end fashion brands expanding into the interior world, brands such as Christian Lacroix, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Missoni, and Armani not only drape our bodies but wrap our walls with their distinctive signature style wallpapers, furniture pieces, linens and carpets. The same way a classic designer bag becomes a vintage collector items and a statement chair becomes a heirloom collection. The way I dress daily creates my creative mood, as I believe that outward appearance affects my inward mood,
my creativity, my zone. I have watched myself become bolder in my fashion selection and sometimes morphing into the mood of my current project. I have great joy in experimenting with my style, as I know that when a client meets me, I will be first judged on my external appearance as a reflection on my ability to develop their internal space. I too get an immediate interpretation of my clients, style, knowing whether they are conservative or relaxed, creative or a trend setter, and this will help me develop their project and help me decide on its design or style. Today I get the same excitement and thrill when designing the interior palette of a retail store as when I did when designing a garment. The interiors of these spaces have allowed me to learn the importance of how these garments, shoes, bags or accessories should be retailed and their overall backdrop, but with one major difference fashion trends are changing every season, where the trends of interior spaces stand untouched for four or five year. The importance of these interiors is that they are true to the brand’s identity, reflecting its style and attracting the clientele base that understands its products. These spaces must have the ability, however, to be adaptable within the retail units, product displays, changing of moods with lighting and shopfront display areas that can be developed to each season’s look, but with minimal costs involved. As an interior designer it is so important to understand the consumer’s behaviour, a store’s target market, products and marketing campaigns. There has to be a true reflection where fashion meets interiors within one space and has the longevity to adapt with its ever-changing environment. “Fashion, said the inimitable Coco Chanel, “ is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”. GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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THE
SPACE
THE _HOLY MONTH The mosque in its many forms is the quintessential Islamic building. The mosque, masjid in Arabic, is the Muslim gathering place for prayer. Masjid simply means “place of prostration�. Though most of the five daily prayers prescribed in Islam can take place anywhere, all men are required to gather together at the mosque for the Friday noon prayer. Mosques are also used throughout the week for prayer, study, or simply as a place for rest and reflection. Featured here in the holy month of Ramadan is the Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Abdulrahman Al Thani Mosque. Resplendent and following the traditional layout of mosque architecture, this mosque attracts a large congregation during Friday prayers and also holds all the Islamic fraternity in its folds without much effort, thanks to its huge prayer halls.
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GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN
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GLAM INTERIORS + DESIGN