Health Magazine March/April 2016 | Page 73

What are some of your more memorable key pieces you have designed? Sameera The Secret Study with the Flamingo artwork by Art Painting Lab. For starters, it is a very useful desk unit that has ample storage and can be closed off and placed anywhere, as it is quite small in size. And secondly, it is unique in design and color and it has a hand painted flamingo on it. The Wonderland Wardrobe- it is a magical piece that brings a lot of serenity to a room, and the beautiful wallpaper adds a touch of femininity to it too. Also the two custom beds I made last year for an adorable shared room. It was a lot of fun coming up with a functional, unique piece that has built in night lights… What gives you inspiration? Sameera I get inspired by my travels, art, fashion, nature, my childhood memories, travelling with my children, books, animations, and most of all my two daughters Lana and Sasha. Are there strong aesthetic trends in children’s furniture? What are these for 2016? Sameera I would say there are…One of my favorite is black and white themed rooms and accessories. Also the use of oversized art, Hanging Egg chairs indoors, half painted walls or gradient walls. Also probably more products made with 3-D printers, including more innovative lights and buying local and supporting smaller homegrown brands rather than buying mass produced furniture and accessories. What are your tips for our readers who are designing a room for their child? Where do they start and what are the most important aspects? Sameera I would say start with well-made neutral staple pieces for the room, such as a bed and perhaps storage of some sort like a chest of drawers or a cupboard. And then decide on the walls, if you don’t want to add patterned wallpaper or paint or a gradient wall, you can purchase a large wall decal to make an impact. And then a rug large enough to cozy up the room and bring warmth to it. Most often a light rug on a dark wooden floor or vice versa looks good. Try to then think of a general color scheme or a pop of color that appeals to you or your child. Keeping this in mind, play around with the accessories, such as the curtains, cushions and bedding. A cool chandelier light or two and an exposed bulb will transform the room at night…. And then add an unassuming bedside table or stool and some vintage storage boxes and you are good to go. Mar/Apr 2016 71