It’s official – most people in the UAE are unhappy with their homes.
Recent research by DMG Events, organiser of the upcoming Life & Style Show in Abu Dhabi, has revealed that 87 per cent of UAE residents are not content with the state of their current abode. Reasons for this dissatisfaction vary; more than 20 per cent of respondents want to make their home more convenient for their lifestyle and culture; 19 per cent want to
enhance their living standards; and 11 per cent admitted to wanting to be more on-trend. But for the most part, people are preoccupied with the aesthetics, with 33 per cent of respondents saying they want to make alterations purely so they could improve the look of their interior.
Interestingly, cost was only a minor consideration. Only four per cent of respondents claimed to want to improve their home to reduce expenditure on energy and DEWA bills, even though the cost of living in the UAE is on the increase.
The survey was completed by visitors to previous DMG events, the majority being expats and corporate individuals between 35 and 50 years old. “Our research shows a high level of dissatisfaction among UAE residents when it comes to the state of their home and a strong desire to make improvements,” says Ashley Roberts, the event director for DMG Events Middle East. “What better place to get inspiration and expert advice than at The Life & Style Show UAE – the region’s biggest lifestyle show?”
Taking place from December 5 to 7 at ADNEC, the Life & Style Show will be presented in six segments: Speed & Power; Gizmos; Gadgets and Tech; Fashion and Beauty; Sport and Leisure; and Toys, Hobbies and Games, in addition to a dedicated Home & Living Show.
From Middle East-inspired tableware by Alif & Co to furniture from favourites such as BoConcept and Andrew Martin and kitchen appliances by Poggenpohl and Sub Zero & Wolf, there will be a whole host of interior design products and services on show. Companies will be using the opportunity to showcase some of their latest product offerings; for example, the Spanish surface specialist, Cosentino Group, will be debuting Dekton, an ultra compact surface covering that can be used for flooring, cladding, countertops and panels, and is available in a range of finishes, from wood, leather and denim to steel and natural stone.
Another feature of the show is The Demo Home, a 300-square-metre space consisting of 12 room sets fitted with products by brands such as Natuzzi, Villeroy & Boch, Lexington and Miele. There will also be regular 30-minute demonstrations from renowned chefs, including Gary Rhodes and Chef Khulood Atiq, in the Celebrity Cooking Demonstration area.
Given that a reported 87 per cent of people in the UAE are unhappy with their homes, we ask two exhibitors from the Home & Living Show to provide their top tips for sprucing up an interior.
Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin
• Add depth and interest by grouping multiple or similar objects together.
• Add an element of surprise by not matching all interior elements. This will add diversity to the room.
• Invest in large-scale furniture and accessories, as height and width will draw the eye both up and along the space.
• Use wallpaper as a feature to easily transform a space.
• Incorporate at least one element of the cultural heritage of the region though artefacts or luxury textiles to fuse and blend the modern with the traditional.
Gayatri Dongre, brand manager, Natuzzi and retail consultant, Western Furniture
• Know your style. Your furniture should complement your tastes. Your home must welcome you and not just follow current trends. If vintage is your style, look at large pieces with ornate detailing and a mix of different elements, textures and even colours. If you lean towards the modern, choose sleek lines and solid colours.
• Start with furniture. Select on the basis of size, comfort and colour. As one cannot change primary furniture frequently, one must purchase on the basis of a relatively long-term vision.
• If vintage is the chosen theme, one has a huge canvas to play with. Wallpapers with stripes and textures go well with sofas with motifs. Adorn all horizontal and vertical planes – walls with paintings, clocks and mirrors, and tables, buffets and wall units with accessories like lamps, candles, bowls and sculptures.
• If you lean towards the modern, keep things simple. Paint or wallpaper one wall in a bold colour – I choose a dark ash grey. For accessories, I suggest bold, bright colours like lime green or orange to lift the space. This includes ottomans, rugs, sculptures and even the odd piece of furniture like an occasional chair.
• Lastly, as we in the UAE are exposed to different cultures, it is interesting to introduce some elements of what we see around us within our space. I love mixing styles in one space.
Follow us @LifeNationalUAE
Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.