How to bring an “Exotic Touch” to your home by Claudia Rodriguez
I speak with clients all the time who ask me, "how do I make my home or room more exotic?" and my answer is to create a space that exhibits a personality of its own, a space with a sense of history and soul, but also a contemporary feminine edge as well. Whilst this is easier said than done, here are some tips that can help you bring that "exotic touch" to your home:
1. Be Unique and Distinctive
Choose products that are "striking" in appearance, and guaranteed to generate conversation with guests. You are looking for a balance between "wonderfully exotic" and "warm and welcoming", and I believe in creating something sensual as well. Quality should be of the highest calibre when being unique.
2. Use Deep, Rich Colors
The best interior design in my opinion, is full of deep and rich colours; this can be achieved with "earthy" colours or brighter "spicier" ones, but whether it is the pattern, material or fabric of the product, it's important to go for something deep and rich that is noticed as soon as you walk into the room. For warmer climates, choose "earthy" colours like dark brown or "sand" colours; for cooler climates, "spicier" options like red, yellow or orange can help you achieve that warmer feel.
3. Be Eco-Conscious
I am a huge fan of creating that "organic" style, by using a wide range of woods, metals and glass. Place a huge emphasis on using these natural materials, especially in today's society where "plastics" are all too common. You will create that exotic and individual look in no time at all, and know that by choosing something "hand-made" you are gaining greater quality and being kind to the natural environment.
So achieving that "exotic touch" doesn't mean just buying something from overseas; really take the time to think about your decision, don't be afraid to be bold or striking, and with the right mix of furniture, art, lighting, fabrics and textures, your home will be more exotic in no time!
I speak with a lot of people every week who are re-designing some aspect of their house, and they are constantly stressed or viewing the experience with some level of annoyance, and even fear. I always tell them the same thing: your home right now, is like a blank canvas; a space where you can truly express yourself, and create a work of art.
The colours and materials, the shapes and positions - these are all a reflection of you, and the choices you make will shape your canvas. And just like the art-world, the world of interior design is quite objective - everybody has different tastes, appreciations, styles. My advice is not to be afraid of having furniture pieces from different styles and backgrounds; as long as they are meaningful, symbolic, luminous, and harmonious, it isn't hard to create a work of art you've always dreamed of.
Remember to try and always look at the "big picture" of the room as a whole; the lamps or artwork or wall pieces or couches are merely individual pieces, and it is the combination of these pieces that will make the room work. While there are a lot of options out there in terms of products, many of us feel inclined towards the "quick fix" at the most economical price, however if you want your look to last, it is sometimes best to invest in more quality products that will have a longer life expectancy. You can find that you are actually saving yourself money in the long-term.
Whilst not always possible, I believe that interior design should be like life - something you should always try and enjoy. Remember to relax, slow down, ask for help if you need it, and enjoy the journey. I believe renowned European designer Eric Kuster, says it best when talking about what defines luxurious style: "The essence of luxury for me, is to create a sense of comfort. Our interiors strive to evoke this sense, as an emotional response through materials and objects".
Whatever you decide, always remember one thing: this home, this canvas, it's yoursâ
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