Our Exclusive Interview With Rola Abdelhamid Of All Things Rola

Let’s dive into the world of “All Things Rola” an interior designer with a passionate talent who has turned her lifelong love for creating captivating spaces into a flourishing career. From her early days of rearranging friends’ homes to pursuing formal education in interior design, meeting Rola Abdelhamid is a testament to the power of following one’s passion.

Rola’s unique approach to design focuses on blending different styles and elements from around the world. Her multicultural background and experiences living in various countries have enriched her design sensibilities, allowing her to create eclectic, harmonious, and visually stunning interiors that tell a story of diverse influences. With a philosophy that revolves around the concept of “eclectic modern luxury,” Rola carefully balances client preferences with her own design vision, fostering collaborative partnerships that yield exceptional results. CIIN enters the world of “All Things Rola” and discovers what it takes to transform a house into a true and unique “home.”

How Did You Get Started In The Field Of Interior Design?

It’s a passion turned into a career. Interior styling, decoration, and table setting have always been a passion of mine. I have always been fascinated by the art of transforming spaces and creating visually appealing environments. At my friends’ houses, I often found myself instinctively rearranging and restyling their spaces.

A few years ago, I decided to return to studying. I was determined to pursue my passion professionally. I enrolled in an interior design program and obtained my diploma.

Every day, I wake up excited to work on existing and new projects. Whether it’s revamping a living room, or creating stunning table settings for special occasions, I pour my heart and soul into every detail. Seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they step into their transformed spaces is the ultimate reward.

Interior Design is not just a job; it is my passion.

What Inspired You To Focus On Mixing Different Styles And Elements In Your Work?

My inspiration for focusing on mixing different styles comes from my exposure to diverse cultures. Having lived in Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, and the UAE, along with pursuing my education in Switzerland, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in various international settings. I believe this experience greatly influenced my sense of aesthetics.

Being exposed to different cultures broadened my perspective and allowed me to appreciate the beauty and richness of various design styles. I learned to appreciate the details of Middle Eastern architecture, the minimalist elegance of Swiss design, and the vibrant colors of North African décor. This has shaped my understanding of how different elements can be harmoniously blended to create captivating and eclectic spaces.

The mixture of various cultural influences has become a signature aspect of my design approach. Blending elements from different styles brings a sense of uniqueness and individuality to my work.

Can You Describe Your Design Philosophy In a Few Words?

Eclectic modern luxury!

I believe in blending diverse styles, materials, and elements to create unique and harmonious spaces, that are both unique and exclusive. I combine modern aesthetics with opulent touches, so my designs embody a sense of luxury and elegance while staying true to contemporary trends. Each project I undertake reflects my commitment to creating spaces that are visually stunning, comfortable, and timeless.

What Are The Key Elements You Consider When Creating A Modern And Timeless Space?

When creating a modern, timeless space, I consider several elements to ensure longevity. Simplicity is key. Keeping clean lines and uncluttered spaces is crucial in achieving a modern aesthetic. Creating a streamlined and minimalistic design avoids trends that might quickly go out of style. Other key elements I consider are the quality of the materials I plan to use, the lighting, the color palette, and the incorporation of iconic furniture pieces. Another key element is the essential balance that needs to be created between functionality and style.

By considering these elements, I strive to create modern timeless spaces that transcend transient trends.

How Do You Balance The Client’s Preferences With Your Design Vision?

Balancing the client’s preferences with my design vision is crucial to creating a successful collaboration. I prioritize genuinely listening to my clients and understanding their specific desires, needs, and preferences. I engage in conversations and ask relevant questions. This way I gain insights into their vision for the space. I make sure to articulate my design vision and ensure that the client fully understands and appreciates the rationale behind my choices. By understanding how the client will use the space and incorporating their functional requirements, I balance their preferences and practicality. I see it as a collaboration, where the client and I explore design ideas and inspiration together. Design is a collaborative process, and compromise is sometimes necessary. I stay open-minded and adaptable; I adjust and find alternatives that accommodate the client’s preferences within the overall design concept.

Combining these strategies helps me integrate the client’s preferences with my design vision, fostering a collaborative partnership.

Can You Share An Example Of A Project Where You Successfully Blended Multiple Design Styles?

In one project, we fully embraced the concept of juxtaposition by blending antique pieces owned by the client with modern, bold, and playful accessories. The space exudes a contemporary aesthetic at first glance, but one discovers later the hidden charm of antique elements intricately woven into the design. The combination of modern, bold, and playful accessories and modern lighting adds an element of surprise and intrigue, making the space truly captivating and unique. On the central coffee table, I combined a Jonathan Adler lollipop holder alongside a collection of classic coffee table books and antique silver boxes. This unique juxtaposition added both a contemporary touch and a touch of timeless elegance. In another area, we highlighted an antique mirror, which served as a stunning focal point, accompanied by Michael Aram accessories. Additionally, I enhanced the space by framing and displaying a 100-year-old wedding costume intricately crafted in silver. We incorporated Minotti sofas and Ligne Roset tables to further complement the design, creating a harmonious blend of old and new, traditional, and modern.

What Role Do Color Schemes Play In The Design Process?

Color scheme plays a vital role in any design process as it sets the overall mood. For example, cool tones like blues and grays create a calm and soothing ambiance, while warm tones like reds and oranges evoke energy and vibrancy. By understanding the desired mood of my clients, I can select a color scheme that aligns with their preferences and the purpose of the space. You also need to create visual harmony during the process by considering the relationship between different colors – whether they are complementary, analogous, or monochromatic. You need to realize that the color scheme influences not only the wall colors but also the furniture, accessories, and textiles used in the space. Colors are also a tool to draw attention to specific areas or elements in a space. By using contrasting or bold colors, you create focal points that intrigue the eye. Finally, I always consider the lighting conditions of a space when selecting a color scheme. Natural light and artificial lighting can affect how colors appear, so it’s important to consider how the chosen colors will work in different lighting situations; the direction and intensity of light are also important to consider ensuring that the colors selected will achieve the desired effect.

What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Creating Modern Yet Timeless Interiors?

Creating modern yet timeless interiors can be challenging and tricky.

Modern interiors often incorporate sleek lines, minimalism, and innovative materials, timeless designs tend to rely on classic and enduring features. A harmonious balance between these two aesthetics requires careful consideration, so the space doesn’t appear too trendy or outdated over time. You need to avoid using excessive elements. Another challenge of designing modern yet timeless interiors is staying updated on the latest design trends while recognizing when they might become outdated. You need to learn and anticipate which design elements will stand the test of time and which may quickly lose their desirability. Continuous research and an understanding of design evolution are necessary to strike the right balance.

While striving for timeless design, it’s essential to incorporate elements that reflect the client’s personality and make the space feel unique and personal. This can be challenging while maintaining the overall timelessness. It can be challenging to anticipate which design elements will stand the test of time and which may quickly lose their desirability. Designing interiors that accommodate changing lifestyles and technological advancements can be challenging, too. Balancing the need for modern amenities and functionality while maintaining timeless elegance can require creative solutions and flexibility.

Navigating these challenges involves a keen eye for design, a deep understanding of timeless elements, and a willingness to adapt to changing needs.

How Do You Stay Updated On The Latest Design Trends And Innovations?

I strive to stay informed about current design trends, although I do not blindly adhere to them. My approach is to blend timeless elements with the latest trends, creating a harmonious fusion of styles. To keep myself updated, I actively attend design fairs, avidly read magazines, and closely follow leading designers who inspire me.

Do You Have A Favorite Design Style To Work With, Or Do You Enjoy The Diversity Of Mixing Styles?

I don’t have a favorite design style and not only enjoy but also prefer mixing styles. Mixing different styles allows you to create a visually exciting and dynamic environment that reflects your individuality and personal taste. It’s a fascinating and challenging process.

When combining different design styles, it’s helpful to identify key elements or characteristics that define each style. This will enable you to understand how different styles can work together harmoniously. For example, traditional design may feature ornate details and classic furniture, while modern design emphasizes simplicity and clean lines. You then need to establish a unifying factor or theme. Once you establish a common thread, you create a visual connection between diverse styles, ensuring they come together seamlessly. You then need to find the perfect balance between scale and proportion. Let’s say you have a large, statement modern sofa; balance it with smaller, more delicate traditional accent chairs.

The key to successfully mixing styles is finding a balance between different elements. It’s important to create visual cohesion without overwhelming the space. Experiment, trust your instincts, and have fun with the process.

How Important Is Functionality In Your Design Process And How To Ensure It’s Not Compromised By Aesthetics?

Functionality is a crucial aspect of the design process. A well-designed space should look aesthetically pleasing and serve its intended purpose effectively. Balancing functionality with aesthetics is essential to create a visually appealing and practical space. I have a few considerations to ensure that aesthetics does not compromise functionality. I make sure to understand the purpose and function of the space and the lifestyle of the people using the space. I consider traffic flow as well as accessibility. I prioritize efficient use of space and functionality and then integrate aesthetic choices within that framework. I ensure that I choose materials and finishes that are durable, require little or no maintenance, and are suitable for the client’s space. It is important that the materials and finishes selected are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional in terms of their performance and longevity.

Functionality and aesthetics are not mutually exclusive. When prioritizing functionality from the beginning of the design process you can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional.

Can You Share Some Tips For Individuals Looking To Refresh Their Living Spaces On A Budget?

If you’re on a budget but want to refresh your space, there are plenty of ways to achieve a new look.

Before purchasing new items, take inventory of what you already own. Repurpose or repurpose items in different rooms or give them a fresh look with new upholstery or slipcovers. Another cost-effective way to transform a space is with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that complements your style and adds vibrancy or a calming effect to the room. And experiment by painting your ceiling in a different color. It brings a whole new look to any space.

Incorporate plants, (Banana trees are a favorite of mine) and flowers as they can bring life and freshness to any space. You can also update lighting and accessories. Change outdated light fixtures or add new lamps; they can make a significant difference in the ambiance of a space. Inexpensive, stylish accessories such as throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and decorative items can also add a pop of color and texture to refresh a room. Don’t forget, that small details can have a big impact. Replace outdated hardware on cabinets and doors, update switch plates, invest in new bedding or towels, or hang a statement mirror to create a sense of spaciousness and light.

What Do You Consider Your Most Memorable Or Unique Design Project To Date?

Every project I have undertaken holds a special place in my heart, as each one has been both memorable and distinctive. These projects are a way of capturing the essence of their owners and expressing it through my work. That is why each of my projects is distinct in its own way, displaying an eclectic and bold uniqueness that truly embodies the individuality of its owner. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with open-minded and adventurous clients who were not afraid to explore and combine various ideas. These clients were willing to take risks and embrace experimentation, allowing me to create unique and unconventional designs yet timeless. Their openness and willingness to push their own boundaries resulted in truly unique spaces.

In Your Opinion, What Makes A Space Truly Feel Like ‘Home”?

The essence of a home lies in its ability to reflect the personality and tastes of its owner through the interiors. Creating a true sense of home involves carefully selecting elements that align with your individual preferences. One way to enhance this feeling is by choosing a home scent that represents you, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. Additionally, opting for coffee table books that genuinely reflect your interests and complement your interior, rather than merely following trends, adds a personal touch. To truly feel at home, it is essential to incorporate pieces that are unique to your space, ones that hold sentimental value or tell a story about your travels. These accessories not only add a layer of personal connection but also contribute to the overall character and warmth of your home.