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June 2, 2005
Soothing ambiance
Most of the old houses have a gloomy outlook. Maryam Nazir discovers a house whose owners have changed its design to make it lively
Remodeling of a house that has primarily been built to suit the needs of a typical Asian family with minimal knowledge as far as the design element is concerned is an arduous task, but Haroon and Sonia Mirza took upon themselves to give the place a new outlook when they bought it due to its prime location. Hence life was brought into a place that was old and gloomy.
The main door leads to a small foyer that has entrances to the upper floor, through stairs, and to the ground level. Sonia’s love for mirrors is reflected throughout the house and the first one that is almost wall-length with gold and crème border stands firm against one of the walls in this space.
Two wooden arm chairs upholstered in crème shade are kept on each side of the mirror with a table in the centre having a sculptured white horse head and candles. There are also lights in beautiful wall fixtures on each side of the mirror creating an eye catching seating space.
The ground floor has a central passage with rooms on each side of it. Family photographs have been displayed in this area giving it a very personal touch. One notices another mirror against the wall with a beautifully carved border. The same set up has been followed.
Opposite the mirror are glass sliding doors leading to the drawing and dining rooms. Both rooms are one unit. The front wall of the drawing room has a huge mirror with an intricately carved wooden border. The room is furnished with plush sofas upholstered in crème shade and thick carpet in conformity with the walls. The lighting here has been done with either wall fixtures or lamps in the corners.
At the far end of the room is a large wooden dining table with two candle holders in the centre having white candles. The table is set against a divider in which artefacts and china are displayed. The earthen tones with a touch of wood and soft lights create a soothing ambiance in this whole space.
Next is the informal living room. Here maroon has been used in contrast with crème for a striking effect. Hence the chairs and the sofas have been upholstered in the bright shade. This is further enhanced with the greens of the indoor plants. In the centre lies a wooden table with a huge maroon candle in a lantern like stand.
This area also has a huge mirror with light fixtures on the wall on each side of it. The windows have been draped in a light chiffon curtain that allows ample daylight to make it a bright and cheery place.
The exclusivity in the style of the lady at the helm is apparent from every nook and corner of the house. The master bedroom speaks volumes of her sophistication. It has been done in a western style with wooden furniture and simple white bedding. The bedpost has been cleverly done with a golden rod fixed in the wall and white soft cloth hanging from it and tied on each front corner of the bed. A wooden chest lies at the end of the bed.
Though Sonia does not have any formal degree as far as interior designing is concerned, she has decorated her whole house in a manner that reveals her fine taste. She justifies her excessive use of mirrors by considering them a tool for creating open spaces.
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