Interior

Photography by Shaharyar Hasan

Abdul Qadir Memon and Fehmida Memon’s stylishly designed home is an outcome of labour of love. The house is flexible enough to suit every season - a snug nest in winter and a cool retreat in the summer months. It has been built around a beautiful colour theme which reflects in everything from glass to wood work.

One of the greatest attractions of this house is its proximity to green spaces and the understated interior enhances this connection. “I wanted the interior to be cool, in every sense of the word, while keeping an easy connection with the outdoors,” says Abdul Qadir Memon. The architect Sharjeel Ahmed designed the house according to the couple’s peculiar taste and specifications around 10 years ago. Memons made sure to use the best products in their house. All the doors and windows are made of Burma teak, they have used Ziarat marble for their floors. They have furnished their bathrooms with Italian and Spanish tiles and Grohe sanitary fittings.

Though the interior was mostly done by the couple, they took some help from Mrs. Maliha Sharjeel in order to add some personality to the home. Finishing touches and accessories make all the difference when pulling a decorative scheme together and in Memons’ house we see a sense of cohesion. The interior spaces of the house are expansive, but Memons’ careful yet relaxed approach to the decor and finishing means that it never feels overly grand or self consciously stuffy.

The house has got almost everything - sauna, jacuzzi, library, basement, theatre and a small beautiful garden besides sitting room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. “The best feature of our house is that it is ventilated. None of the space of the house including most of the portion of basement requires electric light till the sunset. Though we appreciate every room in the house, we particularly like our son’s room as it is open to courtyard and terrace. One can view and admire nature while sitting in the terrace which we have adorned with antique chairs and table,” elucidates Mr. Memon. “It is one spot that makes me pause and slow down, reflecting on how lucky I am to be living such a blissful life,” he reveals.

The house is an amalgam of contemporary and period furniture. The laid-back sitting room embraces a comfortable mix of furniture and colour pattern with many of the items - including the cushions. It also carries some evocative pieces of artwork. “I want to live with things that give me joy every time I look at them,” enunciates Mr. Memon.

“Most of the furniture that you see here is from ‘Perception’ and ‘International Furnishing’. We are thinking of buying some new furniture for our courtyard which has been renovated recently,” informs Mr. Memon. ‘IKEA’ is our favourite spot for shopping for home accessories when we are abroad. In Karachi we prefer to go to Habitt, Nishat, Gul Ahmed and Bed & Bath for buying home paraphernalia,” adds Mrs Memon.

Mrs Memon also shares some interesting decor tips, “Keep it simple - always make sure to harmonise the colour scheme. Once the main decorating work has been completed remember to pay attention to the finer details, as this is what gives the decor a finished feel. Good lamps bring symmetry into a room while throws and rugs bring a sense of warmth. Picture frames are perfect for adding little pops of colour and a unique accessory can add some flair.”

Their immaculate garden is the testimony of the fact that the inhabitants of the house are close to nature. “The landscaping was done by Mrs Komal Pervez and it is looked after by a seasoned gardener,” tells Memon.

Abdul Qadir Memon is a tax practitioner by profession whereas his wife Fehmida is a home maker. Their daughter Hafsa has two sons whereas their son Ehtisham recently got married and is also a lawyer by profession. Memons like to entertain their guests on a regular basis. “Both my wife and I love to have friends over. We believe that a beautiful home brings positive vibes in your personality like fragrance all around your body,” sums up Mr. Memon with a smile.