Anatomy of fine living

Your home says a lot more about you than you may think. The colour of the walls, the carefully picked centrepiece or the sofa you bought reflects on who you are as a person. Based on this philosophy, The Inside Story, an online store, was launched early last year by partners Naureen Hassan, Mehreen Hassan, and Zeyad Rahman. Their unique and exclusive home décor products, hand-picked from all over the world, have already turned many heads. Naureen Hassan, who also serves as creative head, has a few suggestions on some basic home décor questions. [caption id="attachment_258760" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo: Courtesy[/caption]

What elements make up a killer table setting?

Stick to a colour theme. The right flower arrangements, putting a lovely table runner along with placemats, matching napkins, napkin holder and candles are a must! Everything should complement one another. Also, try to avoid mixing gold and silver accessories on the same table setting. [caption id="attachment_258761" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo: Courtesy[/caption]

What items can open up a narrow space?

Mirrors create the best camouflage to open up a narrow room, corridor or bathroom. Also use light colours on the wall. If you want to use wallpaper, go for a subtle pattern; nothing too big or busy. [caption id="attachment_258762" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo: Courtesy[/caption]

If you had to pick a great hostess gift from The Inside Story, what would you pick?

Most definitely our wooden printed tea boxes with gold foil work. I mean who doesn’t love tea! It’s from our exclusive range and makes a great statement piece when you put it on display. Definitely a great gift to give and one would certainly appreciate it! [caption id="attachment_258763" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo: Courtesy[/caption]

What can I put in my foyer/entrance to make it more welcoming?

As the saying goes: first impression is the last impression. To make your foyer/entrance stand out, use a beautiful corridor rug, a sculpture or a painting atop a foyer table, hang a statement chandelier and you are done. The wows won’t stop!