For Ombré Window Treatments, Zak Profera Finds Inspiration in Madagascar Folklore

Los Angeles designer Alexandra Azat of Plaster and Patina undertook the design of a colonial-revival home's primary suite in Pasadena. Having recently lost her own home, Azat sought to create spaces that provided a sense of safety and visual tranquility. The result is a deeply personal and moody design that emphasizes texture, comfort, and unique aesthetics. The suite encompasses a bedroom, sunroom, sitting area, bathroom, and closet, showcasing how trusting personal instincts and integrating meaningful materials can lead to a beautiful space. Azat describes her style as grounded, utilizing nature-inspired colors, akin to painting a piece of art. Her design approach, termed 'pattern drenching,' can be applied to various homes through five key strategies. First, establishing a rich, nature-inspired color palette is crucial. Azat avoids high-contrast combinations, preferring layered neutrals to build dimension. For instance, in the bedroom, she drew colors from the natural world, incorporating deep browns, earthy reds, and warm honey tones. Her background as a 'horse-girl' influences her frequent use of rich browns, and she advocates for layering tones within a similar color family, such as rust, caramel, and espresso, through fabrics, wall treatments, and natural materials like wood or stone, to prevent stark contrasts in private spaces. Second, patterns are utilized to tell a story. Stripes, checks, and even scenic murals are integrated thoughtfully. In the closet, a hunt scene mural references Azat’s equestrian past, a recurring motif in her work. The main room features a vintage nature-inspired tapestry from Roweam, positioned behind a custom curved sofa, adding old-world charm and serving as a conversation starter. The key to mixing patterns harmoniously is varying their scale and maintaining restraint. For a large bedroom, Azat focused on grounding the space to make it feel livable rather than overwhelming. She suggests pairing patterns of different scales, such as a wide stripe with a small check or a graphic tile with a soft mural, while keeping colors within the same tonal family for cohesion. Third, incorporating texture is vital for creating a soulful atmosphere. Every surface in the suite boasts a unique tactile quality, from Holland & Sherry wool upholstery on the curved sofa to Larsen mohair on the bed. Azat, influenced by her travels through Europe, values furnishings and finishes that possess an aged, authentic character. She highlights finishes that 'are alive,' like imperfect real wood, patinated unlacquered brass, or marble that has 'lived many lives.' Woods are varied, with polished walnut, distressed elm, and other finishes mixed to avoid monotony. She notes that combining old, charming materials with fresh, modern shapes yields an intriguing and appealing result. A practical tip is to combine at least three textures in each room, such as linen curtains, a sisal rug, and a stone table, preferably materials that age gracefully. Fourth, displaying meaningful art and objects personalizes the space. Azat sourced original etchings and paintings from a local Pasadena gallery, ensuring each piece held significance and contributed to the room's authenticity and magic. The bathroom vanity, crafted from walnut, brass, and honey onyx, stands out, especially when paired with curved 'In Common With' sconces and black-border encaustic cement tiles, transforming the space into an elegant retreat. The advice here is to curate rather than just decorate, selecting artwork and items that resonate with one's personal narrative, even if they are imperfect or unconventional. Finally, allowing personal passions to shape the design is paramount. Azat’s profound love for horses deeply influences her design, permeating her work both directly and subtly. This equestrian spirit is evident in elements like the hunt scene mural in the closet and the elegant curves of the furniture, which evoke riding gear and classic English design. This approach encourages individuals to reflect their own formative experiences—travel, hobbies, or childhood memories—in their design choices. Azat provides specific sources for some of the featured items, including Wallshoppe for striped wallpaper, Villa Lagoon Tile for encaustic tiles, Roweam for vintage tapestries, Holland & Sherry for wool upholstery, and Larsen for mohair, suggesting similar options from Interior Define for a custom bed. #PatternDrenching #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PasadenaRenovation #NatureInspiredPalette #TexturalDesign #PersonalizedSpaces #EquestrianInfluence #AlexandraAzat

Basma Medhat, an Egyptian interior designer, has introduced a unique form of fluid art to Egypt. This innovative art style, which is new to the Egyptian art scene, involves applying paint to various surfaces, including wooden pieces and plates, to create intricate and visually appealing home accessories. Medhat's journey began with her graduation in 2011 from the faculty of applied arts at Helwan University. She subsequently dedicated five years of her career to working for a prominent decorating company, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience in the field of design. Her transition to entrepreneurship was prompted by personal circumstances. After getting married and having her first child, Medhat found it challenging to adhere to the rigid schedule of her corporate job. This personal shift inspired her to pursue an independent venture, leading her to establish her own business. With the unwavering support of her husband, she embarked on six months of intensive study and preparation, culminating in the launch of her fluid art project in July 2018. This venture marked a significant turning point in her career, allowing her to combine her artistic passion with the flexibility needed for her family life. Fluid art, as practiced by Medhat, stands out for its unique application and the use of specialized materials. This art form is relatively rare in Egypt, primarily due to the scarcity and high cost of the necessary supplies. Despite these challenges, Medhat has successfully created an elegant collection of home accessories, showcasing the distinctive beauty and vibrant potential of fluid art. Her artistic creations are characterized by a profound appreciation for color, a theme that has been central to her academic and professional life. Her studies extensively covered the nuances of colors, shadows, and lighting, all of which are reflected in her work's remarkable and overlapping shades. Medhat's approach to art is deeply rooted in the belief in the power of colors to influence environments and emotions. She observes that Egyptian consumers are increasingly recognizing and embracing the aesthetic and psychological benefits that her colorful accessories bring to their homes. This growing acceptance highlights a shift in consumer preferences towards unique and expressive home décor. To reach a wider audience and market her distinctive pieces, Medhat effectively utilizes social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, allowing her to connect directly with potential customers and share her artistic vision. Her pioneering efforts are not only establishing a new artistic trend in Egypt but also empowering her as a female entrepreneur who successfully balances family life with a thriving creative business. #BasmaMedhat #FluidArt #EgyptianArt #InteriorDesign #HomeAccessories #ColorTheory #Entrepreneurship #SocialMediaMarketing #ArtisticInnovation