It's been a while since I
commented on an interior design show , and I must admit a lot of things are
going on in my apartment – so many in fact that I cannot decide if it is better
to carry on with the works, or stop, breath in and think about it.
As of this date I am not aware
if somebody is systematically reading my blog – but if so – please raise your
hands in the form of a comment. Should it not be the case, I must say that the
blog is nonetheless true to the intentions. I definitely need and use this
wonderful sounding board to look at my decisions.
So, here I am forcing myself
once again to stop and think on the occasion of House and Garden festival.
I had the occasion to visit it
a couple of weeks ago and the impressions are still fresh. Hereunder I share with you
what I liked about it in particular, what I would see more of, and what I am
missing here in Brussels.
1. The
wonderful talks! sadly, one cannot dedicate all the time to talks, but those I listen to, were very enriching
Farrow and ball's Charlotte Cosby gave away quite a lot of advice. I
admit I haven't thought about making a list of all the items that I want to
have painted, or the difference it makes to the architraves when the colour is
matched and not plain white. Brilliant, very visual presentation, lots of
people interested. Had a peak in her book and may be buying it, even though I am
nearly finished with decoration (or not?).
Another alleyway to explore for
instance is my minuscule entrance hall – which on top of everything is quite
dark. So I am really playing with the idea to die the ceiling a beautiful green
colour that can be integrated in all 3 rooms colours schemes.
It is of course debatable if a colour can be integrated in different colour
schemes – probably subject to a different post. If I could find such a colour
(have something in mind) that would be the common thread which will nail it all
down.
The talk on bringing ethnicity to one's home. I am so proud of my
relatively good record – already have my Nicaraguan coffee table, Japanese
tableware and Malaysian ceramic sculpture on display. Agree with the presenter from Kalinko that colour should be leading – if your finds don't match the colour scheme –
put them somewhere else. Disagree with her that if we like something, we must
absolutely buy it – this in the light of my beautiful sarees whish may not see
the light in this particular apartment. Excellent food for thought still
2. Decorated
rooms sets. Just what I was sadly missing at Cocoon Brussels where just 4
designers were present and no tangible expression of their work. There were at
least 5 room sets – some form designers I follow (2LG) and some from designers I
have just discovered and find fascinating!
Natalia Miyar presented a very brave
living room with gorgeous pink walls. I was also impressed by what she said in
the subsequent interview : Go big or go home. I suppose this is the massive
difference between the interior designer's client who just needs someone to
guide him to the utmost expression of his inner world in the form of a designed
room. And then, there are hobby designers (such as myself) who'd rather stay in
the safe perimeter of IKEA furniture. Nothing embarrassing – just food for
thought.
The other interviewed designer – Tiffany Duggan of Studios Duggan
also showed an audacious room with brave animal print fitted carpet. So,
indeed, would be nice to see more of those sets
3. Products
which are not naturally present in Brussels but provide an interesting
incentive into interiors – in that case it was a first time for me to see how
the paneling works …
And more decorative objects,
furniture, lights, art. Strange enough there was a lot of clothing, jewelry and
food – a bit unusual – but I'm guessing they know their readers. Can count me
as a reader too – for the next year, because they got me subscribed!
I hope to be able to make it to
another fair soon, and not necessarily in Brussels where the identical event
looked a bit rough and raw – more the store house than the shop window. Will
report back, and especially if and when I integrate and idea into my designs –
this way you can trace the origin!
As to yourselves – what is your
experience? Do you generally learn useful things, enjoy meeting the industry or
deepen your knowledge of brands? Don't be shy, share! Recommend me a next fair
to visit!
