Maximalism, self-expression back on trend — interior designer
‘It’s bold, it’s self-expressive, but to make it work in your space, you have to find that tempering.’
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‘It’s bold, it’s self-expressive, but to make it work in your space, you have to find that tempering.’
With everything that’s happening right now — earthquakes, impeachment, flood control scandal, wars — we need to take a break and have a breather — starting within our home.
“Especially now that it’s gray and it’s chaos outside, I really want something that’s nice and quirky in my living room or my bedroom,” said award-winning interior designer Cynthia Almario in a recent talk at Opulence Design and Concept in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.
Cynthia, who co-founded the interior design firm Atelier Almario together with her sister Ivy, shared some pieces of advice on how to invigorate one’s space and inject some good vibes to flush out negativity.
Last year, Almario encountered the home collection of Jonathan Adler in New York and thought that the American interior designer’s signature pops of color, statement pieces and humor can add life and pizazz to any space.
“If you look at all the objects (from Adler), there’s humor, it’s funny, it’s both,” she said.
While other artists are criticized for “commodifying” the human body, Adler is hailed for “celebrating feminine divine energy” in his designs.
“It’s bold, it’s self-expressive, but to make it work in your space, you have to find that tempering,” Almario said of Adler’s pieces.
“And it’s very unique, we must really own it and celebrate it because the strength that we have is special,” Almario urged fellow empowered women about harnessing their “divine energy” in their spaces.
“We’re the healer, we’re intuitive, and the strength we have may seem soft for the others, but the softness is like water. It means it can surpass or withstand anything, so we adapt and so that’s what makes women really powerful and special.”
Infusing some female vibe and energy in a space is just one way to express one’s individuality, said Almario.
“So, right now, the design trend is really going back to self-expression. You know, for the last few years, we’re enjoying minimalist, but now, the current journey is going back to discovering one’s self and by doing so, I think with choosing a few pieces from Jonathan Adler, it’s practically expressing yourself and owning your voice.”
In whatever design endeavor one might take, she assured everyone that in designing, “there is no right and wrong.”
“Because I believe that a well-designed space may look nice, but more importantly, it should reflect the personality of the user,” she enthused. “And more often, clients may not be brave. But to me, when I work with you, I always encourage you.”
The role of an interior designer like her and Adler, she said, is to help homeowners find their voice.
“For you to own it because at the end of the day, you’re going to own the space, you’re going to live in it,” she stressed. “I want you to put something of your own. Get out of your comfort zone. As long as you’re happy, own your voice and be bold! It’s about finding that piece that resonates with you.”
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