Mix 'n' match for inspired interiors

Whether it's the combination of different patterns and textures, or the blend of vintage and modern, fusion is the buzzword this season.

Interior designer Michael Clattenburg hopes that dark brown wood — a design trend that died out in Europe and the US three years ago — is finally finished in the UAE. He says that with people getting more selective about buying quality items, the market has responded by offering a better and wider selection of products. People, he says, are now mixing different design styles in an eclectic way and are taking influences from diverse parts of the world.

Clattenburg's own firm, Michael Clattenburg Interiors LLC, which has worked on projects such as the Emirates Tower Hotel, Dubai, Microsoft Middle East Office, Dubai Internet City and the Hilton Resort, Kuwait, and residential projects in Dubai, London, South of France and Sweden, uses walnut and grey oak in all their projects now.

Wood, however, is not the only thing clients are experimenting with. According to Dubai-based Alfred Johnson, Managing Partner, Imagination, Concept Design Studio, "Contemporary fusion is predominantly being seen as a trend in homes in the UAE. The modern design is complemented by the homeowner's personal taste and style. Suede, for instance, is also making a big comeback in a variety of areas such as drapes, couches and wall coverings."

Clattenburg and Johnson like Mae Demetillo, Senior Interior Designer, Interiors Department, Artec-Architectural and Engineering Consultants, say that wallpaper is a big trend this year. "Wallpapers are back in business. But this time around they are available in large bold patterns in textured or glossy finishes. Clients are also displaying a strong preference for customised wall art such as murals, digital images, creative stenciling and mosaic images.

This indicates that people are looking for individual and unique creations over mass-produced items. Another interesting development is the combination of vintage and modern in home design. These are classic designs with a twist. In addition, we are also witnessing an interesting combination of different patterns, textures and styles," says Demetillo.

Demetillo says bright colours such as blue, green and orange are very popular. "However, black and white are still among the dominant choices. I think more people are willing to experiment with their homes now in terms of colours and themes. The UAE, especially Dubai, is an exciting place. You see an amazing mix of cultures and influences here that have enhanced people's design sensibilities. Whenever people travel, they come home with new inspirations and ideas to try out," she says.

Office spaces

Clattenburg says there are several trends influencing office design. "Offices are all about function, which is what influences the design and layout. And then, if there is some space left, special zones such as a common area for employees to relax with pinball machines or a snack bar, can be created," he says.

Johnson says the common room, or the area where the staff has a few recreational options to indulge in during their breaks, has made a massive comeback. A lot of smaller firms have incorporated this due to its ability to increase staff productivity.

"The 'open plan' office has been very popular but many offices are closing more areas or at least dividing the workspace differently. Employers need to think about giving their employees an environment that they feel comfortable in or they will not stay," says Clattenburg.

He adds that in terms of colours, finishes and materials, there aren't many new materials that are in focus. "Materials such as wood, metal, glass, paint, plaster, wallpaper, carpet and marble are still being used but a client's choice and a designer's perspective can give these elements a fresh angle. Colours and finishes in offices have been steered by the company's corporate identity and colours such as blue and yellow reflect in the colour of the leather used in the furniture, or the paint on the walls," says Clattenburg.

According to him, the trick is to use less of the obvious (blue walls) and choose metal or laminate panels with a modern touch with just a hint of blue. "The colour of the wood has changed: the old dark brown wenge colour has been replaced with natural oak, walnut, or treated wood that has been tinted grey," he says.

Demetillo, who has worked on two corporate buildings in Bahrain and Qatar, says spa-like or Zen-inspired environments also are popular design themes, especially in high-traffic reception or waiting areas. The look, she says, is achieved by using clean lines and uncluttered spaces to evoke a sense of serenity, luxury and comfort. "Another trend is open space designs that incorporate tall windows, skylights, solar panels and atriums to supply as much natural light as possible."

While these trends are dominating 2007, the year ahead will also bring new influences both in office and residential spaces. "I reckon 2008 will see a big influx of experimental design from advanced new materials and creative thinkers. What makes a space unique is the approach used by a design team, and I think the UAE is definitely going to be a creative platform with design houses finding lateral ways to apply a finish," says Johnson.

Demetillo says that colours such as grey white and black with textures will remain steadfast classics. "Yellow, green and blue will continue in 2008 as symbols of the steadily increasing eco-consciousness. Browns, coffee tones, tans and variations of oranges will continue. Nature-inspired design will be one of the biggest trends, as more people 'go green'. Texture will also be important as will design influences from countries such as India, China, Latin America and Russia," she says.

Whether it's the eco-friendly theme or an international feel, trends such as the ones expected in 2008 promise to give designers ample opportunity to experiment and consumers the chance to enjoy a unique personal space.