A Letter From The Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Summer 2024

by Ayesha ShehmirJuly 4, 2024July 4, 2024

Bazaar’s Ayesha Shehmir pens a letter for the summer issue: ‘Transformation’

Consciously or subconsciously, I believe we absorb the energy of every space we inhabit. This opens up so many doors for designers – to uplift or to embrace familiarity? More importantly, do we even have the power to manipulate these energies? The home of fashion designer Dina Melwani has been intentionally curated with these questions in mind.

A fusion of Vastu Shastra and feng shui, the Dubai dwelling exudes an endless emanation of calm and positivity. Designed by boutique firm KR Studio, every element has been carefully chosen to achieve an effortless coexistence of function and form – an endless journey where both mingle in perfect sync. Placements were critical in this project (which was shortlisted as Residential Design of the Year at the CID Awards); furniture had to face a certain way and the incorporation of water and fire had a huge influence. Dina is a big believer in fashioning a bespoke environment that is uniquely the homeowners’.

This is also true for Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar, who has recently upturned a Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat home. Continuity, practicality and craftsmanship are the cornerstones of the timeless, artistic property. Businesswoman Laura Aviva’s pied-à-terre in the heart of La Condesa, Mexico City’s vibrant artistic enclave, is another such residence. It’s a space humming with a distinct aura; the L’Aviva Home-founder was immediately struck by its gravitas and fell in love with the home’s modernism. It’s now her personal tribute to Mexican contemporary design and craft.

Anchoring personal design in a property’s original character, a historic apartment on the East Coast of the US has been transformed by Architrave Interior Design. The building is neoclassical in style and dates back to 1922, envisioned by the late American architect David Hyer. Filled with a lifelong collection of colourful modern art and European antiques, the space has been entirely revamped to preserve its old spirit while inviting a new personality. The storied architecture and the owners’ private art and furniture collection guided the new aesthetic.

One of the most crucial elements to consider in the endeavour to shift energy is the colour palette. Author Kelee Katillac demonstrates the power of colour as medicine for the soul and as a spiritual tool that can align our homes with health and happiness, while Femke Hofhuis of Amsterdam-based studio femm discusses the use of intense hues to infuse vibrancy and enhance connectivity.

Elsewhere, we explore the return of cottagecore; rooted in the charm of traditional English countryside living, the theme encapsulates the quaint allure of rustic cottages and the simple joys found in nature and domestic activities. It’s an aesthetic movement that nourishes a collective yearning for a slower pace of life. We also sit down with Palestinian-American artist Janan Shihadeh, learning the creative process behind the J Tables collection and the many multicultural influences reflected in each piece.

I hope this issue inspires you to absorb the positivity around you and to use the negative as an opportunity for change.

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