Revamping your home

Dubai: A home is supposed to reflect an individual's sense of style and make them comfortable. But some may be a little unsure on how to put together a design concept without the help of a professional.

Whether modern chic, oriental or traditional styles of interior décor, designers at the Gulf News Ideal Home Show said it is what makes a person feel comfortable.

The latest trends for homeowners are bright, warm colours that evoke a sense of calm, said Yvette Robeck, head of creative direction at House of the World.

"People are spending more time at home, so they like to feel their best there. We are finding a lot of warm colours and a lot of texture, like silks, brushed satins and the cottons even have a lot of ribbing on them," said Robeck.

She added that wallpaper is making a comeback as well as mixing diverse elements like glass and fabrics, all of which stems back to the texture end of design.

Linda Barker, host of BBCs Changing Rooms, agrees saying that when decorating a room be brave using different colours and designs but take the time to search and figure out what is most appealing.

"I recommend that everyone look through magazines and start a collection of the colours, décor and fabric samples that are most appealing to them. That way they will get a feel for what may or may not work together," said Barker.

For those on a tight budget, Robeck suggests starting small, accessorise with fabrics and pictures first and that will make a huge difference. She also suggests using furniture that is muti-functional such as chests that double as coffee tables.

"Design is really nice at the moment because it's really personal, and much more about the individual, the previous trend of minimalism left people a little bit cold and wanting more," said Baker.

"People want more comfort in their homes, and they are incorporating pillows, fabrics and throws to add more personality.

Whatever the direction of design, both experts suggest taking a chance and experiment with colours and textures.