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AWARENESS ON INTERIOR DESIGNING IS SLOWLY CATCHING UP IN THE SULTANATE AMONG DIFFERENT SECTIONS. A. HARIKUMAR ANALYSES THE LATEST TRENDS

 

Interior design in the Sultanate is beginning to evolve. Here as well as in the most parts of the world, in the past, interior design at initial stage meant interior decoration. It was confined to the selection of colours and materials only.  However, interior design today describes a professional approach to interiors that places more emphasis on basic planning and functional design than decoration.

 

But the situation is fast changing. Of  late, the science of interior design is gaining acceptance in Oman. Several leading projects including the integrated tourism complexes have their own qualified interior designers to take care of interior design aspects of the project.

 

 

SCIENTIFIC COLLEGE OF DESIGN

 

In the Scientific College of Design, Muscat an interior design programme is being offered to aspiring learners by a group of qualified professionals. Dr. Mona Kamal Ismail, head of interior design department pointed out that the college is the only one in the entire GCC region specializing in design and arts. The college which offers bachelor degree and diploma in interior and graphic design as well as fine arts programmes is affiliated to The Lebanese American University. The curricula are based on a liberal art model of education.  The programme offers theory and history courses as well as technical courses and design studios.

 

Though the country does not have a professional organization of interior designers or set standards on interior design, these are likely to happen in the near future.

 

Students who graduated from the college are working in different institutions in the capital such as furniture stores, consultancy offices, and specialised design firms. Some of them plan to open offices in interiors of the Sultanate also, thereby spreading awareness of interior design even in far flung areas. Presently there are a group of qualified Omani men and women who graduated from the college

 

working as interior designers which will lead to local influences in interior design.  Many companies are hiring students from the college as interior designers once they graduate.

 

  

 

FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Speaking on the importance of interior design, Dr. Mona says interiors of a home or a commercial institution could be done in a way which would make people more comfortable and more efficient. Professional  interior design can assist special groups like children, physically challenged individuals, or older adults to maintain their independence.

 

Familiar examples of commercial interior design to serve business purpose are evident at fast food restaurants which use warm colours and not so comfortable chairs which make people finish their food quickly. Several financial institutions organise space inside their office to help users with efficient circulation. They use diverse colours at different counters to differentiate services quickly. It makes people who arrive at the place identify the counter where the service which they need is provided.

 

Interiors of residential buildings in Oman maintain traditional space division such as separate Majlis for men and women. The exterior architecture of buildings in Muscat has a unique style due to the standards set by Muscat Municipality.  The interior has to somewhat reflect the same style as the exterior. Interior design trends in Oman currently are influenced by the Asian and South East Asian trends. Omani culture is colourful which is influenced by Indian and Persian trends, noted Dr. Mona. Presently, the furniture used is mainly imported from Malaysia and China which has dark colours, she said.The awareness on eco friendly paint and fabrics which could be used is yet to catch up in the Sultanate. People still use paints to impart colour to walls and use of wall paper is not popular, Dr. Mona noted. For flooring, marble and porcelain tiles are the norm. 

 

Interior design involves making any space into an effective setting for the range of human activities taking places there.  It is essential to improve the quality of life in residential, commercial, and public settings.  It is interesting to note the increasing development of such a field in Oman.

 

Muna Baquer, an expert interior designer noted that the idea of interior designing is yet to become popular in Oman. Here when one builds a home they visit neighbours’ homes and replicate ideas of interior design.

 

When you enter houses in Oman you don’t feel the differences, she said. Floorings are the same, ceilings are the same and colour scheme is also the same which is all white.

 

People take whatever available in the market. Sometimes they would approach painters and ask what is available.

 

 

There is significant French influence in the interior design of houses here. Window panes and columns are all French. Once you enter an Omani home there is separate majilis for men and women, corridor, another hall, staircase, three to four rooms scattered and a small family room. This is the normal trend, she said.

 

Interior designing in some of the big hotels in Oman is influenced by Omani traditions. The Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is an example of Omani traditions in interior design. However, increasing awareness on interior designing is also resulting in people giving importance to ensure functionality while designing specific areas of their home and offices.

 

 

MODERN SANITARY SOLUTIONS

 

Presently trend is catching up among the high end users including top hotels and offices to select sanitary ware, lighting solutions and furniture carefully so as to match each other and provide maximum comfort. Builders, interior designers and providers of electrical and sanitary solutions work in close coordination during the construction of many high end homes, hotels and offices.

 

Bathroom is one of the areas where a lot of planning and innovation is happening. Modern bathrooms have become a place to relax and refresh. As the awareness is becoming very high, those at the high end opt for designer sanitary wares, says a top end dealer of sanitary wares.  Along with hassle free functioning people want exclusive sanitary wares for their homes.

 

  

 

Aesthetics have become an important concern of the high end users along with the functionality aspect. The market may see many innovations in interior designing of bathrooms in the coming days. Several leading companies are planning to introduce new products also in the segment this year. Awareness on ecology is also catching up slowly. Eco-friendly products are already available in the market.

 

Though the present trend indicates that majority prefer to paint their walls but this trend may also change in the coming days with the introduction of wall papers. An exclusive wall paper shop is coming up in the capital city. It is planning to introduce different varieties of wall papers in Oman market which are not available here. With people developing an interest for interior designing and more professional interior designers offering services in the market, it seems that the business of interior designing is all set to flourish in Oman in the coming days.