It is clear Nina draws her inspiration from positively transforming people’s lives. Her expertise in her field is outstanding, and her ability to provide a vision of what could be and transform it into reality is amazing
RACHEL D (CO WICKLOW)
INTERIOR DESIGNER NINA KATI USES FENG SHUI PRINCIPLES ALONGSIDE HER DESIGN SKILLS TO BRING ABOUT TRANSFORMATIONAL
CHANGES, CREATING SOOTHING SANCTUARIES AND CREATIVE, CLUTTER-FREE SPACES
Q: How would you describe your approach to design?
A: The essence of my design style and philosophy is positively transforming spaces using a combination of interior design and feng shui. I use my expertise to create refreshing, unique, sophisticated designs matching my clients’ tastes and needs. Delivering a positive outcome is at the heart of everything I do. I especially love when my work helps clients to fall in love with their home all over again. I select colour schemes and furnishings that appeal to the senses and the emotions, and I create interiors that promote a sense of peace and tranquillity. I would sum up my design style as calm, elegant and desirable.
Q: What have been the key influences on your signature style?
A: My knowledge of authentic feng shui significantly influences my work. I place great importance on a clutter-free environment with lots of free work surfaces (especially in areas such as kitchens and offices) to promote clear thinking, quick decision-making and speed tasking. In living spaces I create a sociable space that encourages a good atmosphere and great conversation. In bedrooms I use subtle textures and soft colours to create calm and intimacy.
My signature style is also influenced by my belief that the home is a reflection of who we are. Books, photos, objects d’art, artwork and rugs make a house a home, and it is these items, our personal possessions, that not only look great, adding colour and pattern and texture to a scheme, but they also create familiar surroundings and help us to feel at home.
Another key influence on my signature style is my keen interest in our sensitivities towards how a space feels, and the effect an interior has on our senses and our emotions. I believe the home is a personal sanctuary, a healing place in which to rest and rejuvenate. Our home is our outer skin I believe it also has a ‘soul’. A happy house is a calm and peaceful haven, and offers us the ‘welcome home’ we all want to feel when we return after a long, hard day.
Q: Which is your favourite room at home and why?
A: My dining room is my favourite room at home. It is the only room in the house that leads onto the garden and has a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. I got the most satisfaction from creating the room’s scheme than with any other room in the house. I threw caution to the wind when selecting the décor and decided to position two large Moroccan style lanterns on the main feature wall and, as the room didn’t have a chimney, I also installed a fireplace. I went to a lot of trouble to source, frame and display paintings too. Now the room has warmth, interest, ambience and a focal point. When lit, the lanterns emit an amazing glow and the decorative fireplace has a faux ‘roaring fire’ in its hearth that adds a really special ambience when entertaining. I chose a round dining table which is particularly conducive to conversation and good relations, and my guests always have a terrific time!
Q: Which has been one of your favourite schemes?
A: Because I can work to any brief a client gives me and as I like so many different interior styles, it would be hard to pick one scheme and say it’s my favourite. However, I do like the schemes with which are not necessarily the ones with the highest budgets, just the ones that have been the most transformational.
Q: What are some of your favourite pieces of furniture?
A: The bubble chair is probably my favourite piece of furniture ever, and is available both as a hanging chair that is ceiling mounted and as a chair suspended from an arc shape frame.
Q: Which are your favourite designers and/or design stores?
A: Philippe Starck turned a toilet, an item that is possibly the most disliked of anything in the home, into an elegantly designed toilet-and-bidet-in-one. Objekt in Newcastle West, Limerick is a fabulous and funky store and also happens to stock a wide range of transparent furniture which can give a scheme an edge and make more of the available space by taking up less space visually. I love crystal lighting and the Conran designed crystal ceiling pendant is a great example of style and simplicity.
Q: Which key trends in interiors do you foresee emerging?
A: The big trend is makeovers, with clients looking for help redecorating and repurposing furnishings they already have. I think there will be a greater desire for people to individualise their homes too – this could be in many ways, such as a clever mix of vintage and modern to create a unique, eclectic look, or maybe by using 3D wallpaper with large scale scenes on a feature wall to create the wow factor.
Q: What are your top interior design tips for readers?
A: Colour, warmth and practicality are three important considerations. First, aim to get the proportions and style of a space correct and then make the scheme truly outstanding by using the right balance of colour, texture and pattern. Choose simple and timeless for the main aspects of an interior, as it’s cheaper and more practical to update the accessories than to create a whole new scheme.
Q: Do you have any exciting design projects on the horizon?
A: I recently consulted on RTE’s Room to Improve programme which was the most watched programme of the entire eight series of shows to date. This was followed by a Today FM radio interview on ‘Using feng shui to positively transform your workspace’ and some forthcoming editorial in various interior design magazines. I am also in the process of completing another project ready to be photographed before the end of the month, and as well as my designer make-over day and escorted shopping day, I am now offering a house rescue day. I advise on interior design schemes, building plans and construction projects for private houses, and preparing property for sale. I also give workshops in feng shui and interior design.
For further information, contact Nina Kati Interior Design Feng Shui, M: 086-812 6730. E: info@ninakati.ie, www.ninakati.ie
