The lovely newlywed couple, Akram and Carla, didn’t expect to find the project of their dreams while on their honeymoon in Indonesia. Even if it is Carla’s dream project, as she has a sharp eye for design, and an avid love for landscaping, her supportive husband was more than elated to help her pursue her passion. Instead of enjoying their lazy days exploring Indonesia, they found an unexpected surprise at one of Indonesia’s ‘lost islands’, unspoiled havens reserved for the crafty hands of talented artisans. As of now, the Islands’ heritage moved to Kuwait to settle in your gardens. It’s the call from nature.
Come September, we start that annual garden refurbishment project: getting our garden areas prepped with comfy settees, whimsical lighting to set a relaxing mood, that powerful barbeque installed to suit those weekend gatherings, and beautiful flowers are potted to usher in the cooler months of winter. To complete your landscaping project, Carla and Akram offer an immediate touch of exotic elegance with their bespoke collection of handmade pots and planters from Indonesia’s lost islands.
The ornamental pots and planters are perfectly suited for the garden and even the home, as these handmade fixtures are made from intricate pieces of pebbles and hand cut pieces of stones. Not only so, the variety of interesting shapes on offer, from classical to modern, will make for the central conversation starter at any of your weekend gatherings.
Akram speaks to us more about the collections, “The materials used in sculpting these masterpieces are all natural stones, where slabs of larger stones are broken down into slates and then are reassembled. No glue or adhesives are used; an organically crafted pot is the result for your plants to beautifully thrive in your garden space, or even inside your home.” He further explains that pebbles are also employed to achieve a different design aesthetic. And that’s where Carla’s artistic touch comes in. Her flair for exterior design and landscaping flourishes as she envisions how these pieces can complete the home. She adds, “I love that the designs of the pots and planters are customizable; two kinds of pebbles may be assembled into different designs.” Paying attention to her clients’ tastes and styles, she is able to envision an inimitable piece of art for the home or garden. She continues, “I’ve exhibited at several spaces, and I notice that customers have a taste for the unusual. That’s the best part with these beautiful pots, the options are unlimited.”
The lost islands of Indonesia, home to these beautiful pots, thrive on handmade crafts that include the art of Rattan, bamboo, and creating these stone pots and planters. Paying heed to the islands, Akram and Carla decided to name these pots after their original homeland. Akram states, “A typical piece takes them at least three days to complete. Like crafting a clay pot, attention to detail is given to the stone pots. A craftsman will start at the base and gradually build a shape, allowing the stones to dry up naturally and organically. It was truly a beautiful experience watching these pieces come to life in such an artistic manner.” Akram adds, and his words hold true. Upon closer examination, we notice that no two stones used in creating a typical piece are the same, yet they fit effortlessly together to stand as a magnificent structure. Upon watering your plants, listen to the water trickle down the inside of the crafted stone pot, and indulge in the soothing sounds of much needed serenity.
Carla has so many ideas for her work with The Lost Island, as she has customized the pots to be created in modern shapes like shorter oval-tine spheres suited for Bonzai trees, inverted pyramid shapes, edgier pieces that are much larger in size and even smaller souvenir sized pots suited for smaller events and gatherings. The color options can vary from dark grey to lighter hues of beige and brick, yet the organic quality is shared among both to ensure that you receive a one-of-a-kind piece that is completely your own.
Whether you wish to make your home entrances elegantly simple, give your office, home, chalet, and garden a touch of exotic elegance, these handmade pieces will inspire unlimited ideas. Looking to create something to suit your own taste? Not to worry, as Carla likes to create the unexpected, she sees every vision as a feasible one.
Get to know The Lost Islands collection by visiting Facebook: thelostislandkuwait and Instagram @thelostisland_kuwait.
