Lifelike fires and butterflies
The who, what, and how of home decorating
Italian ceramics, Egyptian hookahs, tapestries, Indian souvenirs, chess sets, candlesticks, chandeliers, sconces made of rattan, water hyacinth, and eelgrass, and pictures twinkled and sparkled, capturing the visitor’s eye. The splendor of bright colors, glamour, and luxury are the leitmotif of modern life, where every detail is thought out. These details played a key role at the fourth international exhibit Decor & Gifts.
The multitude of styles and elements of decor left one dazzled. The largest number of interested buyers was gathered at a stand featuring small interior design details: butterflies, baskets, purses, miniature carts, little hats, and decorative umbrellas. Flitting swallowtails can be an excellent addition to curtains and blinds. They can be placed as small flocks and will certainly boost the cheerful atmosphere in your home. For those home decorators who prefer elegance, an alternative to the traditional flowerpot is a pouch of natural moss; bonnets and umbrellas of all colors and shade can be used to decorate walls.
A fire consisting of small wood planks and a flaming piece of cloth kept fluttering by a fan is an original idea for your home. Hinz & Kunst, a company that specializes in the hi-tech decorative products now in fashion, offers stainless steel figurines a la Soviet craftsmen’s contraptions of screws and nails. Functional items, like coasters and souvenir-type objects, like thematic figurines portraying love, sports, and hobbies are a cheerful addition to any house. The largest assortment of items on display consisted of figurines made of everything from bronze and antiquarian gold to porcelain.
The popularity of flowers as an element of decor was in evidence everywhere. “Floral interior design trends are hard to track,” the girls at a flower stand explained, “but as a rule, customers prefer something rich and refined, like an exotic flower in an exclusive vase. A lot of people decorate their homes, offices, suburban cottages, and restaurants with flowers in the hi-tech style.” Bright colors are a must for vases. “Collections from Vietnam and Philippines are popular right now. People prefer bright colors: lilac, blue, gold, olive, bronze, and red. Personally I like ceramic pieces encrusted with mother-of-pearl,” Olena Ilienko, a clerk at Seta Decor, told The Day.
There were masses of decorative elements on display, but no models of interiors incorporating them. Something that looked like part of a room turned out to be a magazine stand, and my expectations of an interesting conversation with designers about modern home design trends and styles did not pan out. “Subscribe to our magazine and you will find out what you’re looking for in six months,” the organizers recommended.
Next to inexpensive trinkets were items that few Ukrainians can afford. “What is this style called?” The Day’s reporter asked art designer Liubov Hatylova about her sophisticated pictures and blinds. “This is my energetically powerful textile. I use new technology and do everything myself.” Our conversation was interrupted by two girls who wanted to know if Hatylova could teach them.
“You know how many requests I’ve received in the past 15 years? Girls, why don’t you try to learn yourselves? You won’t learn anyway, even if I show you how. I am what I am and you have to be me.” Embarrassed, the girls left. Hatylova’s blinds sell at 3,000 thousand euros a meter. “About the same as a meter of some exclusive fabric,” the designer said.
It was impossible to leave the exhibit without buying something. People instantly emptied stands with cheerful home decor products. Women were excitedly whispering to each other, trying to decide what ornament to buy and where to place it at home. As long as there is a desire to change things and make them look beautiful, you can rely on your own vision of style.
