July 27, 2006

Shanaz Ramzi visits a house whose owner has given full vent to his creative energies in decorating his abode

The residence of Ally Aadil exudes the personality of its owner –– artistic, creative and experimental. The minute one steps into the main doorway, one finds that the home has an individuality of its own. For instance, the wall on either end of the door is decorated with hand-engraved, huge steel and copper plates ensconced within elaborate frames.

The entrance foyer is octagonal in shape and the interesting aspect about it is that the four angular corners of the room have arched niches incorporated in them that have been hand painted by Aadil and his friend. One niche depicts a locked door; another displays a raging sea; the third a view of the waves seen from a hut and the last a scenery of a place visited by the family abroad. The centre of the room is occupied by a carved table that has been designed by Aadil himself.

To the left of the foyer is the formal drawing room that has no door to it. Decorated predominantly in a beige colour scheme, it has furniture made out of pure Burma teak that has been duco painted to maintain the colour code of the room. The carpet is also beige as well as the chicks over bay windows. Colour has been added by different hued cushions, rug and decoration pieces.

Some of the paintings in this room have also been painted by Aadil and his friend. A decorative fireplace with the mantelpiece adorned with curios lends character to the room.

To the right of the foyer is the formal dining room, again with open access to it. A Queen Anne design sideboard and dining table grace the room while two corners are occupied by showcases that reveal china, silverware and crystal pieces. A discreet liquor cabinet completes the furnishing in the room.

A glass door in the front of the foyer leads into the lounge area. To the right of the lounge is an open, walk-through kitchen, which can be approached through the dining room as well. An informal dining area complete with table, sideboard and huge mirror occupy one portion of the kitchen. The dining table set, one is told, is over a century old.

The lounge is sparsely decorated, and boasts just an off-white leatherette sofa with a dolphin-base centre table. To the left of the lounge is a staircase, all along the length of which the wall has been painted by Aadil, with running horses.

The interesting aspect of the abode is that the tiles in the open area around the house and the walls have been placed geometrically with a lot of time and painstaking calculations being put into it.

It is obvious when you visit Aadil’s home that he has given full vent to his creative energies in decorating his home.

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