2 minute read
When Walls Talk
Meet UAE expat Loretta Kiss, the creative mama-of-twins behind the Scandi inspired boutiqe design studio, Paper Pop, based in Dubai
Words by KATY GILLETT
What would your walls say, if they could talk? Would they scream “kitsch” through a good smattering of artwork featuring flamingos and pineapples? Or would they whisper “demure” via paredback patterns and subtle colours? Australian expat Loretta Kiss’ walls say “simple, contemporary and unexpected” – the three main values that are always high on her agenda of design goals.
Loretta is the founder of Paper Pop, a boutique design studio in Dubai that offers affordable, locally made peel-and-stick wallpapers and art posters, which will soon also branch out to Australia and the UK. “I love illustration, photography and typography,” Loretta tells Absolutely Mama Emirates. “I create a lot of my designs around nature, such as flora and fauna and science, with a big influence from minimalist and Scandinavian design.”
Her own environment and life is a huge source of inspiration, too, she tells us. “Many of my posters reflect an element of life in Dubai, life as a parent, life as an expat.” Essentially, her aim is to simply bring a smile to your face and brighten up your living space. “Designs that can add a sense of calm or that can make you giggle.”
Emblazoned across the walls of Loretta’s own staircase are Mexican fan palms and the words “Yalla, yalla, yalla” (“particularly helpful when ushering kids up the stairs,” she admits). In the kitchen, an entire gallery wall is covered in Pop Art-inspired typographic posters and nature photography. Over in her sons’ room – she has four-year-old identical twins, Jet Gabriel and Eli Fox, who were born at Mediclinic City Hospital – you’ll spot American muscle cars and Dark Knight posters. And back in Loretta’s bedroom, “Life’s a beach” hangs over her bed.
While nature and mid-20 th century painters – such as Kandinsky and Picasso – will always inspire Loretta, she’s now heavily influenced by photography and digital artists, and loves working online. “My professional job was a digital creative director, so I was well and truly immersed in the world of digital art and design for almost two decades,” she explains. But, after the twins were born, she didn’t want to go back to working the long hours that come with a job in advertising. “I wanted to keep working in design, but on my own terms.”
And so, Paper Pop was born just a few months ago. “With only a small selection of contemporary poster art stores in Dubai, and almost no locally designed and manufactured wallpapers, I seized the opportunity.” The studio also offers a custom design solution, if you’re looking for something a little more bespoke. “It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”
So, we’re opting for the Burj Khalifa in Pink for our walls. What does that say about us?
