TURNING A HOUSE INTO A HOME
SARA ATALLAH, A DESIGN CONSULTANT AT ETHAN ALLEN, SHARES TIPS ON INTERIOR DESIGN, STORAGE IDEAS AND HOW TO WORK WITH NATURAL LIGHTING IN A ROOM
Ethan Allen, the celebrated American home furnishing retailer, has released a fresh collection inspired by the coast. The collection will be available at both Ethan Allen locations in Dubai, at The Dubai Mall and Sheikh Zayed Road.
The collection features beautifully crafted pieces in natural textures and tones that add liveable luxury to any home.
Sara Atallah, a design consultant at Ethan Allen, recently spoke to Panorama about design trends this fall and what to think about when designing certain rooms.
What are the newest trends this season?
This season’s allwhite and greys are out and instead people are embracing warm, rich shades of brown, black, green and blush into their interiors. This season is more into relaxing retreats and adding more intimate areas in our homes; by using soothing fabrics such as velvet and combining it with rough natural textures, woven baskets and smooth metals.
The 90s collection is back to inspire with the velvet fabrics, geometric shapes and tartans. This season people want to experience their home by a turn to their senses. Designs are inspired to more exposed brickwork, use of cement and blown plaster finishes, and the pairing of metals with raw, natural materials such as cork, wood and clay.
What are some key factors to think about when designing a bedroom?
In a bedroom, it is important to consider symmetry to create an evenness and balanced look. We recommend clients to follow a colour continuity in the bedroom, for example having a neutral tone with an accent colour. Having the accent colour on the headboard is eye catching and can easily
act as a focal point for the bedroom then letting it inform your other pieces in the room.
How can you efficiently design a small space to make it look spacious?
Mainly by avoiding dark colours although they do make a room feel cosy, but they also absorb light instead of reflecting it. Choosing a statement furniture piece instead of multiple pieces is also efficient to decrease the look of clutter. Moreover, a simple trick such as pulling furniture away from the wall creates the illusion of spaciousness.
Do you have any tips to fill a windowless room with light that looks natural?
Adding a large mirror to the wall is one of the first ways to simulate the effect of a window, not just for bouncing some light but also for adding a sense of depth. Similar to a mirror, a large art piece, especially one in a white or metallic frame with a lot of white background, breaks up walls like a window. In addition, a full wall of drapery creates a beautiful backdrop and also implies a sense of depth.
How important is the role of natural light when it comes to picking out furniture or paint colours for a room?
Natural lighting is preferred because it shows off colours better and adds to the visual space of a room by bouncing off reflective surfaces. If the room does not have sufficient lighting, it will feel cramped. Natural light is also crucial when it comes to paint colours; it is always advisable to paint samples to check the colours throughout the day and see how they may change as the light in the room changes.
How does art impact the home?
Every room needs a focal point, or a single design element that will instantly draw the eye into the space. It goes without saying that a great piece of wall art could easily fulfil this position. An artwork can be a great guide to coordinate and select the rest of the colour schemes and textures in the room.
Can you share ideas about storage spaces for a small house?
A person can take advantage of every inch of space by hanging shelves, including built in drawers on headboards/ footboards in bedrooms or utilising ottomans as storing space in living rooms. You can also use storage to divide spaces, for example fitting units around the sides of your sofa to maximise your storage without taking up wall space. A storage bench in entrances is also an ideal way to contain shoes, hats and other items to be tucked away out of site.
Top interior design tip?
Design from the heart and everything else is secondary.
Most popular paint colours this fall?
The most popular paint colours this fall are black, minimalist pastels, pink, serene shades of blue, and vibrant yellows and greens.
Does Ethan Allen have in-house interior designers that can help people set up a home? If yes, how can our readers set up appointments?
Ethan Allen have their very own passionate interior designers who you can reach by visiting or calling our showrooms to set an appointment and help you design your dream home to completion.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Every piece of furniture in Ethan Allen is made with the sum of inventive design, precise engineering, the finest materials, and masterful craftsmanship. Our pieces at Ethan Allen are timeless as well as personalised to each client who walks into our store.