Bina’s creative hideout

interior

This week You! takes you on an artistic journey of Bina Ali’s outlet in Karachi...

When designing or decorating a house or any space, it’s the little things that count - the accent pieces, that unique tile inlay, the right wall hanging etc. In fact, an eye to detail is what enhances the overall interior of a given space. Designer Bina Ali is known for her creative ideas and designs that go a long way in jazzing up any interior space. She is the CEO of ‘Artel Lounge’ - a store that offers an array of exclusive furniture with intricate hand-painted tile inlay, hand painted artefacts, jewellery, and much more.

It all started when Bina was still a student. “I wanted to do something creative that would in reality make a difference to the society and include artisans from the lower strata of our society. And that is how the store was born. ‘Artel’ is a Russian word which literally means a group of artisans and designers. I started off with exhibitions along with a group of friends. Initially we engaged local artisans and trained them according to modern trends. We recycled paper and sawdust and developed products that we would paint,” says Bina.

By 2000, Bina’s friends were all following their own professions. “My father, who was my biggest supporter, got me a studio. I started off by engaging and training youth from the community with little or no education. And our tagline ‘Transforming Lives Through Art’ says it all,” she shares. 

“From the studio, I moved on to creating a space ‘The Artel Lounge’ in Phase V, DHA, Karachi. The outlet is a happening place where people not only come to shop but are welcome to pop in for a cup of tea or coffee and chit chat. It is also a reader’s hide out, a place you can head to, simply to chill,” adds Bina.

The interior of the store is an amalgamation of coloured glass, white walls, padlocks on the door and the most eye catching feature is the midnight blue wall. The furniture inlaid with hand-painted terracotta tiles and hand crafted and painted pottery are elements that set the outlet’s design apart from others. For Bina and her clients, the lounge offers art therapy by just experiencing it. “The display of wall art including mirrors has been developed in a gallery style where the old products are continuously replaced by new, simultaneously changing the look of the store. The store is a realm of its own. Each design is different yet unified.”

Moreover, the display of products at the lounge is such that it can be manoeuvred around giving the space a fresh look every now and then. “Except for a couple of shelves, no furniture is fixed. We are always working on bringing new designs and products to our clients. Our best inspiration comes from the clients’ demands which guide us in our product development. We also work around colour trends. We participate in exhibitions, both local and international,” she states.

The lounge has a unique, signature design philosophy which has developed over the years. “Some associate our designs to Native American; some find it to have a Mexican or African touch and others feel that it has Indo Pak vibes. Our most popular products are our customised weather proof glazed tiles, our planters, and furniture. We create interiors by just adding our products and perhaps suggesting minor changes like a paint job that would enhance the impact. A customised tile inlay can transform the space. One of the tasks I cherish is when clients approach me to up-cycle their very precious vintage family heirlooms. I incorporate my tiles, I polish the pieces, refurbish them. The result is a fantastic, fresh piece of art, crafted with love. The smiles and tears of gratitude on the clients’ faces make my joy immeasurable!” apprises Bina. 

There is a whole new product range that Bina has lined up in accordance to the evolving client demands. “Artel is developing new wall art, souvenirs for overseas Pakistanis to take back as gifts plus products which are both aesthetically appealing and have utility and value,” she concludes.