Typical is not a word which I often use to describe an interior, or at least not one which I plan to create. Why go for typical when you can afford to be unique?

Choosing and purchasing a home is a personal journey which already says a lot about the lifestyle you are comfortable in or that which you crave to be a part of.

For its’ size, Malta has a lot of variety on offer when it comes to architectural style. A good part of our homes are historical properties which offer a sense of grandeur and established wealth. More recently we have seen many new developments and properties in an extreme modern, futuristic style being built offering a different kind of opulence, a 21st century modern luxury. Although the exterior of a property, and in historical the structure itself, can often be dictated somewhat by the authorities, the interior should be dictated by the inhabitant and reflect their personal lifestyle.

Inspiration must come from the personalities of the owners of a home bearing in mind the existing personality of the built and that of the void spaces of the property. The interior should be a reflection of your likes and dislikes, your way of life, your comfort zone.

The above is the ideal situation, so how can you go about creating this in your home? Remember one thing, there are no rules, rather there are guidelines and the interpretation of these should be different in every case as no two people or two homes are identical (even those in North American subdivisions are intrinsically slightly different if you had to look really close J).

It is important to find a balance in a space between the elements working together to create the ultimate desired atmosphere. Many people aim for the luxurious look but remember, luxury need not mean extravagant to the point where a home becomes stifling making it impossible to feel at ease in your own home. Luxury could also be understated to a point of refinement that the homeowners and their guests can enjoy the home in every space and in every dynamic without feeling overwhelmed by the décor.

Look for authentic products, originals pieces and furniture made out of natural materials to give your home the balance and comfort which will allow you to feel at ease in your environment. Strive to use elements of real wood, even in their natural state, furniture crafted by hand giving the artisanal quality of the pride and love that went into the making of it, accessories reminiscent of age old crafts like basket weaving, hand painted ceramic and porcelain pieces, carpets made by traditional methods, cloisonné, fabrics made of cotton and linen which allow you to breath and keep your mind and soul at ease. These essentials mixed in with contemporary furniture will help you create a sense of belonging and peace in your new home.

Discover the potential your new home can offer you by creating something truly yours. Whether it is a palazzo with an overwhelmingly classic interior, abundantly found in the area of the Grand Harbour; an apartment on the 15th floor with views of Sliema Creek done up in a 5 star hotel style with all the modern luxuries you can imagine or simply a beachside casual, calm retreat across from St Paul’s Bay Islands.

Remember it is your personal oasis as you first imagined it when you walked through the door.