Artistic expressions

As you step inside the gates of the Shehzads’ abode, you have no inkling of the world you are about to enter. A world of wonderment awaits you, beckoning you to come within its folds and experience the artsy lives of Ainee and her husband Shehzad. As you are led to the foyer, you cannot help but draw a parallel between their house and a Victorian era mansion that boasts of space utilised in a beautiful manner.

The first thing that strikes the observer is the huge collection of paintings and other works of art that has been liberally displayed in all the rooms which is a stunning sight to behold “I love art and yes there are many paintings of national and international artists, old and new alike. I have collected them over the years both locally and on my travels abroad,” apprises Annie about the beautiful display of paintings.

“My husband jokes with me and says that the paintings will now go on the ceilings and I say why not! I think that change is always good as long as you value the age old traditions,” she shares. “The paint finishes, the murals, and the decorative items, the books - everything has been done and collected with a lot of love - for me it is love at first sight. I do not procrastinate; I go for what appeals to me and my family and friends. An ideal home should be beautiful and welcoming for family and friends alike,” adds Ainee.

The house was lovingly built by the couple in 1998. When asked what Ainee’s source of inspiration was when designing the interior of their house, she says, “Life inspires me. Travels abroad, different cultures, natural beauty are all elements that inspire me and have also been the source of inspiration for me for doing up our home.

“However, it was not a process that was completed within a limited time span; the process of decorating the house and bringing it to its present pristine condition has been a labour of love. It has evolved over time in terms of the number and types of pieces. At any given stage, one would not have said that the interior is incomplete.”

Ainee has been blessed with a creative bent of mind and the way she has done her home speaks eloquently of her artistic skills. “I did it all by myself with my husband Shehzad’s help, my daughter Nireen and my son Sameer were equal partners - all of us take a keen interest in beautifying spaces,” elucidates Ainee.

The house has been designed on open lines which gives a sense of unending space inter-connecting the various rooms beautifully. “I love the openness of the layout. I am a very straight forward and open person. I am who I am. My home reflects the same attributes. It is open and welcoming to all who enter it. The dominant theme running throughout the house is love and serenity - every corner of the house signifies beauty - not just apparent beauty but it gives you calmness and serenity of the soul.”

One also notices impressive furniture pieces strategically scattered all over the place.

“I am an interior designer and I manufacture furniture.” Each year Ainee exhibits her new collection of furniture. The furniture exhibitions are mostly held on Ainee Shehzad’s walk-out patio, also one of her favourite retreats.

This year’s exhibition of ‘Regalia Extraordinaire Furniture Collection 2015’ features bespoke pieces of furniture. Each piece has been carefully crafted paying attention to the smallest detail and has been finished in the most unique of ways with creative art-work, beautiful upholstery and diverse mediums.

“This collection, like all my other collections is different from the others. My motto is ‘to do different things and not just do things differently.’ This exhibition is an expression of art and beautiful emotions. It offers the most discerning connoisseurs of beauty a feast for their eyes. The prices will tempt you even more,” states Ainee.

“My favourite hideouts of the house are the study and the walk-out patio. These are safe havens for family and friends and our guests - once they come in, they don’t want to leave these comfort zones - a fact that gives me immense joy and happiness,” concludes Ainee.