If you thought that fashion is only about what we wear, think again! For me, fashion includes also my home. Your home says everything about you, very often more than clothes. I had the pleasure and honor of catching up with Design Excellence Award Winner George Arnold Foster-Vincent who is the Head Interior Designer at Ethan Allen Design Center in Dubai and if you are looking to freshen up your home look or completely redesign your house this article is for you,
MY RELATIONSHIP WITH INTERIOR DESIGN
Photo courtesy of Astor Hotels
I have a big passion for furnishing, homes etc. Leaving the apartment that Mr Doozy and I owned and loved in London and moving to Dubai meant that I have lacked that sense of belonging. Our intention was to stay in Dubai for a few years only and in addition to the temporary stay, I really dislike the rental attitude here. It's a far cry from the one in London Perhaps with luck, but I always had excellent landlords who had a property or two, resulting in a more personal service, and I have been both a tenant and a landlord, so having experienced both sides, has made me realize how renting in Dubai is very different. It is not about finding you a "home", helping you find your haven, it's all about money and where you are from, and very often there are several layers of agents that you get to collect the keys in the building's lobby and see the apartment or house alone with no guide whatsoever.
Providing that you find something you like and can afford, you then have deposits for DEWA and telecom companies, deposit to the landlord, Ejari registration, annual parking fees, fees to agents, and let's not forget the movers! You literally have spent thousands of dollars, before you even moved in!
If then you have to start decorating, you better have a good budget at hand, because it becomes another hunt to find someone who gives you a honest price and does a professional job.
All of the above has contributed to me disliking the rental market here, and with the thought in the back of my mind, that we would not stay long term, it's resulted with me never feeling rooted. As a result I have not been able to design my home as I would like it to be. Having said this, I have not stopped loving interior design, and I can easily spend hours in furniture and home design stores (Just not Ikea).
If then you have to start decorating, you better have a good budget at hand, because it becomes another hunt to find someone who gives you a honest price and does a professional job.
All of the above has contributed to me disliking the rental market here, and with the thought in the back of my mind, that we would not stay long term, it's resulted with me never feeling rooted. As a result I have not been able to design my home as I would like it to be. Having said this, I have not stopped loving interior design, and I can easily spend hours in furniture and home design stores (Just not Ikea).
ETHAN ALLEN DESIGN CENTER - DUBAI
The design center for Ethan Allen is located in The Dubai Mall. This is a gorgeous place that reflectsclassic design with modern twists, basically "my cup of tea"! The company offers a free interior design service to its clients and its products are custom made mostly in the company's plants in the U.S., so it takes about four months to have them made and delivered here. If you travel up and down the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, you may have also noticed in the Al Manara section that there is a new Ethan Allen store opening up over there. This is due to open before this year is over and I cannot wait! The new store will be showcasing more eclecticism with some key pieces that will give anyone's home the "WOW" factor. So stay tuned, for Simply Doozy will do a coverage on that too!
MEET MR. G.
I must say that I was really looking forward to meeting with George or Mr. G as he likes to be called, because I had heard such great things, and yet these did not make him justice. He truly is a visionary.
If George were a cocktail (you know I love my cocktails), I would say he is a Bellini. The Bellini is presented in a stylish flute, and has a fruity flavor of peach and most of all the bubbles from Prosecco; similarly the first thing you notice about George is his fashion: very stylish, I'd say even with a dash of eclecticism.
Then, his bright smile and aura shine through, like the sweet notes of peach and finally similar to a fine bubbly Prosecco wine, his Latin flair completes the picture, creating a sparkling conversation.
I enjoyed chatting with George as he is a difficult-to-find kind of individual within this profession. After graduating in architecture, he realized that his true passion was interior design and for how much he loved designing buildings, the profession requires a technical design more than a creative onr, so George went back to study and got his interior designer degree.
Why do I say difficult-to-find? Because, if you ever had the chance to experience a room or home being built and decorated, you will then know that architects and interior designers are not the best of friends. It's the forever standing war of brain VS heart or if you understand it better in Star Trek terms, it is a Mr. Spock Vs. Captain Kirk's type of fight.
George however, has the technical and structural understanding of an architect combined with the creative eye of an interior designer, this ensures that if you are looking to have George designing your home, particularly if you are building it or refurbishing it, he becomes an invaluable asset to your project.
If George were a cocktail (you know I love my cocktails), I would say he is a Bellini. The Bellini is presented in a stylish flute, and has a fruity flavor of peach and most of all the bubbles from Prosecco; similarly the first thing you notice about George is his fashion: very stylish, I'd say even with a dash of eclecticism.
Then, his bright smile and aura shine through, like the sweet notes of peach and finally similar to a fine bubbly Prosecco wine, his Latin flair completes the picture, creating a sparkling conversation.
I enjoyed chatting with George as he is a difficult-to-find kind of individual within this profession. After graduating in architecture, he realized that his true passion was interior design and for how much he loved designing buildings, the profession requires a technical design more than a creative onr, so George went back to study and got his interior designer degree.
Why do I say difficult-to-find? Because, if you ever had the chance to experience a room or home being built and decorated, you will then know that architects and interior designers are not the best of friends. It's the forever standing war of brain VS heart or if you understand it better in Star Trek terms, it is a Mr. Spock Vs. Captain Kirk's type of fight.
George however, has the technical and structural understanding of an architect combined with the creative eye of an interior designer, this ensures that if you are looking to have George designing your home, particularly if you are building it or refurbishing it, he becomes an invaluable asset to your project.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HAVE YOUR HOME OR ROOM
DESIGNED BY GEORGE & THE ETHAN ALLEN'S TEAM?
George has been with Ethan Allen for over 12 years: 10 in the US and almost 2 in Dubai. This means that he knows the brand inside out, but George is not one of those designers who will recommend you to have this color or that fabric and pattern because they are on trend, George adamantly said: "...my client is my trend! A home has to speak about you, who YOU are as a person, has to tell YOUR stories, has to reminisce YOUR memories. When people come to my home, the best compliment they can give me is telling me: George this is so you!"
I found myself nodding my head in agreement so much as he was talking that for a second I thought I had turned into Churchill, the dog! (If you are not familiar with Churchill, here's asneak peek of the best ads)
I found myself nodding my head in agreement so much as he was talking that for a second I thought I had turned into Churchill, the dog! (If you are not familiar with Churchill, here's asneak peek of the best ads)
Let's delve into the actual process:
STEP 1: The consultation. Once you give George the brief, he will then switch tables and start interviewing you, to get to know you as a person, far beyond the stage of "I like white or I like blue". This is to ensure that your house speaks about you. Be ready to have an in depth conversation about your past, where you grew up, what are your hobbies, your dreams, your passions, etc. this way he can start the thinking process to create a design where YOU are the trend.
STEP 2: Location visit: George will come to visit the room or house you want to design to see the structure, to measure and analyze all the technicalities and possible architectural challenges he may face from a design point of view. Sometime there are columns, or particular shapes, or lack of natural light to be dealing with, that can influence the design and must be all taken into account.
STEP 3: Homework. George will give you some homework to do. Home-what?! Yes! Homework. He will ask you to bring an item or a picture of something that is in your house and that is special to you, whether it's because you particularly like it, or because it holds sentimental value, or perhaps reminds you of a special vacation you took, this can be literally anything.
STEP 4: Creative process. With the information gathered, George will brief his team and together they will all start working on the concept. After an internal review the concept and mood boards are presented to you and this is the time for you to feedback. Your thoughts will be taken into account and if there's anything that requires touching up it can be done at this point. George and his team will then finalize with you the design and once everything is agreed, we are off to the next stage where the magic becomes reality.
STEP 5: Execution. The major selling point of Ethan Allen is that everything is made to order and customized for you, therefore it's going to be unique. Pieces are built with the utmost care and delivered to you in about 4 months (depending of the size of projects) from the time when the order was placed.
STEP 6: Implementation. So, your precious new items arrived. You are both, excited and scared. Excited for this amazing new look, but scared that you will not be able to set it up in the perfect way. Don't worry, if you want for George to come and position your furniture perfectly, he will do this for you, because for him, seeing you happy with your new design is the most important thing.
STEP 7: Enjoy! Your new room is ready now all that's left to do is simply for you to make yourself comfortable and start living your home!
STEP 1: The consultation. Once you give George the brief, he will then switch tables and start interviewing you, to get to know you as a person, far beyond the stage of "I like white or I like blue". This is to ensure that your house speaks about you. Be ready to have an in depth conversation about your past, where you grew up, what are your hobbies, your dreams, your passions, etc. this way he can start the thinking process to create a design where YOU are the trend.
STEP 2: Location visit: George will come to visit the room or house you want to design to see the structure, to measure and analyze all the technicalities and possible architectural challenges he may face from a design point of view. Sometime there are columns, or particular shapes, or lack of natural light to be dealing with, that can influence the design and must be all taken into account.
STEP 3: Homework. George will give you some homework to do. Home-what?! Yes! Homework. He will ask you to bring an item or a picture of something that is in your house and that is special to you, whether it's because you particularly like it, or because it holds sentimental value, or perhaps reminds you of a special vacation you took, this can be literally anything.
STEP 4: Creative process. With the information gathered, George will brief his team and together they will all start working on the concept. After an internal review the concept and mood boards are presented to you and this is the time for you to feedback. Your thoughts will be taken into account and if there's anything that requires touching up it can be done at this point. George and his team will then finalize with you the design and once everything is agreed, we are off to the next stage where the magic becomes reality.
STEP 5: Execution. The major selling point of Ethan Allen is that everything is made to order and customized for you, therefore it's going to be unique. Pieces are built with the utmost care and delivered to you in about 4 months (depending of the size of projects) from the time when the order was placed.
STEP 6: Implementation. So, your precious new items arrived. You are both, excited and scared. Excited for this amazing new look, but scared that you will not be able to set it up in the perfect way. Don't worry, if you want for George to come and position your furniture perfectly, he will do this for you, because for him, seeing you happy with your new design is the most important thing.
STEP 7: Enjoy! Your new room is ready now all that's left to do is simply for you to make yourself comfortable and start living your home!
1. Impact of accent colors.
For the fall of 2014 opt for a versatile color range with soft geometric prints and contrast.
Sofas and accent chairs should remain in neutral colors such as rusty orange or mustard yellow.
For the fall of 2014 opt for a versatile color range with soft geometric prints and contrast.
Sofas and accent chairs should remain in neutral colors such as rusty orange or mustard yellow.
ETHAN ALLEN TOP 5 AUTUMN/WINTER DESIGN TRENDS
2. Window sheers are back! Transparent, fresh, and bright are the words that best describe the living and dining window coverings this fall. It is an easy way to add drama while not having to sacrifice a beautiful view.
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3. Be unique! One of a kind piece such as an entry chest or coffee table will be trending this fall. Introduce a different and unique piece into your home this fall. |
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4. A splash of color! Accent walls remain an easy way to add color to a room and warm up the tone of your living area.
Dramatically enhance your space by coating an accent wall in a bright color!
Dramatically enhance your space by coating an accent wall in a bright color!
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5. Old & New. The combination of vintage and modern is the trend this season. In the next few months, Ethan Allen will unveil its Modern Masters Collection, an exclusive exhibition of rare and collectible lithographs created by some of the most legendary artists such as Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Jean Cocteau, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali. These pieces will add a touch of history to any home
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The Ethan Allen Design Center is located on the 2nd floor of The Dubai Mall. Store Hours are: Sunday-Wednesday 10am-10pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-12am
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