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July 28, 2005
A minimalist approach
These days the interiors of most houses tend to be overdone. Marium Nazir finds one whose owners have used the less-is-more philosophy and decorated their home in a way that exudes warmth and homeliness
In the heart of the city, within a building bearing a modest yellow facade is the exquisite apartment of Navaid and Dr Sabiha Khan. The exterior of the building belies a beautifully done interior.Although the place is small, visual space has been created using mirrors and muted tones. A minimalist approach has been employed while furnishing, using contemporary pieces to avoid a cramped look. The floor has been mostly left bare with small rugs in different rooms. Only the master bedroom has a thick beige carpet that adds warmth.
Every room has a special feature that makes it eye catching while creating a soothing effect. The seating space created against the far wall of the drawing room with plush crème sofas and heavy drapes in the same shade looks formal and impressive.
This is accentuated with mellowed lighting that emanates from the wall fixtures and lamps kept at both ends of the sofa. A small contemporary, hand painted table is kept in the centre. The set up is oriental with a modernistic touch.The dining room also speaks volumes of the less-is-more philosophy employed by the owners. A dining table for eight with a glass top has been kept here to reduce the over powering effect that bigger pieces create. Beside it lies the only antique piece in the house –– a Vietnamese pot. It complements the small, hand painted credenza with a raised glass top. A narrow window in a corner is covered with delicate, hand-painted glass to bring in natural light. Mirrors have been used here to create visual space.
One of the advantages the couple have of owning a top-floor apartment is that they can make extensive use of the skylight. The passage leading to all the rooms is therefore brightly lit due to the natural light flushing in. The skylight has been screen painted in soothing sea green and light blue shades to prevent the harsh glare of sunlight.Another attractive feature of the apartment is a counter against the French windows in the lounge, with high chairs accentuated with aesthetically pleasing royal blue pendant lights. This is further complemented with a stylish and comfortable seating space created with contemporary wooden chairs and a small table with hand pressed flowers.
The master bedroom was simply yet tastefully done as well. No ostentatious furniture overwhelms the space, just a simple bed with crème bed linen, lamps on the side tables in the same shade and chiqs covering the windows at the back.Minimal use of colour has been made through cherished art work of renowned artists in each room. With its simple, tasteful elegance, the apartment exudes warmth and homeliness.
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