Interior stylist Souraya @bintihome, is getting ready for a cosy Christmas. The festive period is a moment for her to relax and have fun whilst bringing different traditions together. As the daughter of an Egyptian father and Dutch mother, she thinks she has been given the best of both worlds. Souraya tells us how different cultures are central to her interior style and shows how to find balance when decorating for Christmas.
How do you make it cosy during the festive season?
“I actually like to have a cosy house all year round, but during the festive season I will make it extra cosy with warm colours, rugs and candles. Our home is a melting pot of different styles: warm earthy shades such as ochre yellow, camel, terra, combined with natural tones give a chic and oriental atmosphere. I also use rich materials such as brass and natural stone. What I like best is to combine materials and colours that contrast well with each other, that makes the whole thing exciting.”
“I always work with a specific colour palette for our Christmas decorations. The colours in my home dictate our Christmas tree, the flowers and the tablescaping. I like to be inspired by different cultures and that is reflected in the styling. In our Christmas tree, for example, we hang a bauble in the shape of a camel.”
“I chose a soft terracotta colour for the tablescape, which emphasizes the fresh colour of the flowers. How to make sure it doesn't become too much? I divide party decorations into groups over different places in the house.”
Do you have any annual party traditions?
“December for us is all about 'slowing down': taking a break from work, spending a lot of time with family and friends and eating together. We celebrate Christmas as a tradition rather than a religion, because we are Muslim. But it is precisely the mixing of different cultures and traditions that makes it extra fun and special. One day we eat traditional Egyptian food and the next day we gourmet: the best of both worlds!”
What wish do you have for next year?
“The end of the year is a nice moment to be mindful, reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. This year, I have become even more aware of what makes me happy. I would like to tell everyone that it is okay to take time for yourself and see what really makes you happy. Do what makes you feel good. Live from your heart and then the most beautiful things arise.”