Go bonkers for Bokja

I went round to a friend’s house for the first time recently and her home was just beautiful; gorgeous stripped floorboards throughout with an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern furniture.

Much of her furniture has been shipped from abroad after having travelled and seen the pieces but Bokja shows that you can purchase such wonderful items from the comfort of your (shortly to be disposed of) sofa!

Lebanese designers Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri set-up their company in 2000 and create vintage furniture upholstered in Middle Eastern fabrics.  The Bokja studio is located in the heart of Beirut and employs a team of highly specialised artisans who reinvent pieces of antique furniture with textiles from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Bokja is actually an old Turkish description for an embellished velvet wrapping of treasured items for special occasions.

posted by Emily

How Wunderleyful!

“Part of the pleasure of travel is finding unique things that reflect the beauty of another culture,” say the guys at Wonderley and I couldn’t agree more.

inlaid chest, $9975

I came across Wunderley’s website whilst searching for something entirely different; isn’t that always the way?!  The US-based company began trading in the early 90’s and specialise in Moroccan and middle eastern furniture and accessories.

cushion cover, $62

The furniture is really exquisite; it’s amazing to think how much detail goes into each piece, not to mention time spent, using old-fashioned manufacturing techniques.

It’s worth it though isn’t it… no offense to big corporate companies but I’d much prefer something special and meaningful.  Although at these prices I think I may be shopping at Ikea for just a little longer!!

Brass and glass wall sconce, $110

octagonal shell inlay accent table, $1235

beaded brass lamp, $285

posted by Emily

All things Oriental

It must be so much more satisfying to able to say you truly love every piece in your home.  Why spend money on something which you feel only half-hearted about, especially when you’ll see it every day?  It may be functional and purse-friendly, but do you really like it?

I envy those who have a home full of memories where every piece has an interesting background, be it something picked-up whilst travelling, or a special gift.  At the same time though, it’s important to have some kind of theme going- you don’t want the room looking like a car boot sale!!  Grazia hit the nail on the head last week, saying “your living room is full of cultural markers- the things that identify who we really are”.  Indeed every room in your house is, so be proud and allow your home to reflect your true personal style!

Here at Coco Målé we love the oriental look, with its rich colours, intricate detail and intriguing history.  I’ve sourced these images below to inspire you and to help you get started on a new look!  Obviously visiting the Far East would be fabulous but lots of authentic pieces can also be found on the internet… and remember – make sure you only buy something you love!

Notice the attention to detail in this room above… the unique headboard, the fans decorating the wall and how the flowers in the vase reflect the colours in the bedding and headboard, bringing the whole look together.  Small touches go a long way. For similar items, check out the oriental furniture range at Coco Målé.

This image above has to be my favourite.  I like the bare stone wall (I’m not sure why… I think it reminds me of a converted New York warehouse or something!! ) and the rich, vibrant colours in the patterned rug and throw.  Even the door follows the theme!

I love how the green really ‘pops out’ from the plain white walls, above.  Keep it simple to avoid overkill.

This image prooves that the oriental look needn’t be a slave to a dark colour pallet.  Are you renting?  If you’re not able to decorate your walls, why not use a screen instead to display an attractive design?  Alternatively, opt for patterned blinds or try framing sections of wallpaper, as seen above.

images from Elle Decor and House to Home

Posted by Emily.