Ramadan is almost here, and the excitement and anticipation can be felt in every home in Kuwait. This month is a time for spiritual growth and reflection, as well as an opportunity for families and friends to gather and break their fasts while enjoying the blessings of the month. It’s important to prepare not just our hearts and minds, but also our homes to create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for ourselves and our loved ones.
To guide us in creating the perfect ambiance for our homes during Ramadan, we interviewed Farah AlHumaidhi, a renowned interior designer who recently designed a beautiful Ramadan dining table at the JYSK store in the Avenues. She shared valuable insights, from simple decorating ideas to practical tips on creating a welcoming dining room for guests, to help us make the most of this blessed month.
Ramadan as seen by Farah Al Humaidhi
What does Ramadan mean to Farah?
Ramadan is a month of reflection, spirituality, and family. It’s a time when I slow down at work a bit and focus more on self-care, spending more time with my loved ones. By connecting with myself and my family, I cultivate inner peace.
What aspects of Ramadan from the past do you miss that no longer exist?
Ramadan in Kuwait preserves its traditions, such as family reunions and fast-breaking together. What I had missed was the arrival of Ramadan in the winter season, which is happening now and bringing back childhood memories of gathering around the fire, eating chestnuts and corn, and sipping tea with loved ones.
How important is the furniture in enhancing the Ramadan atmosphere?
Furniture is essential for creating a pleasant atmosphere during Ramadan. Family gatherings are a valued tradition in Kuwait all year, not only during Ramadan. But having enough space in the dining and living rooms, for example, is essential during this month so everyone can come together. For that, you can add furniture such as consoles, back and side tables, and other products available at JYSK that are specifically created for this purpose.
Farah’s Ramadan-inspired Dining Room with JYSK
The dining room setup that you created for Ramadan with JYSK is fabulous. Could you please share with us tips and guidelines on how to create such a perfect dining setup for Ramadan?
To set up a dining room for Ramadan, you don’t have to completely renovate the space. Instead, adding a few accessories can create a new atmosphere. However, if you’re starting from scratch, the dining table should be your first point of consideration. Think about how many people will be seated to select the size. Once you have the table picked out, the rest of the accessories will fall into place. It’s best to buy the table separately, not as a set, and then mix and match it with other furniture. In the setup I created for JYSK, I chose a dining table, a buffet, and cabinets. I placed some of the food inside the closed cabinet. You can use this tip and place foods like desserts, soups, and juices in cupboards.
Arranging the dining room for Iftars is important, especially with so many plates and dishes placed on the table. What are the essential items that should be included, and how did you arrange them in the setup you created for JYSK?
To create the perfect ambiance for Iftar, it’s important to add a special Ramadani touch to the dining area. JYSK Lanterns, candles, or maybe crescent-shaped plates are great options, but be careful to place them correctly. Please avoid placing high accessories on the table itself, as they may disrupt conversation and dining. As per the rule, the height of any accessory and item on the table should not exceed 30cm. A practical and elegant solution is to use a base to create varied heights and levels on the table, enhancing the overall aesthetic while ensuring maximum functionality.
What is the significance of using a carpet underneath the dining table, and why did you choose to use two carpets in the setup you created?
When it comes to the carpet in the dining room, there are varying preferences. While some people appreciate the warmth that a carpet provides, others may find it difficult to clean, especially when kids are around. Personally, I am a fan of having a carpet under the table. If you can’t find one that’s large enough to cover the area under the table, a trick I recommend is to use two plain carpets and adhere them together under it. It’s important to note that the ideal carpet should be at least 60 cm larger than the table to ensure it doesn’t hinder chair mobility.
We noticed that you used plants on the buffet table and in the corners of the dining room. Could you provide tips on how to choose the plants (color, size) and distribute them in a similar setup?
Plants are a great way to liven up any room, and it’s recommended to have plants of varying heights as they can add a bright and beautiful touch to any space while also filling up empty corners. So if you choose a taller plant, it’s a good idea to place a smaller one beside it to make better use of the space. JYSK offers a diverse selection of plants to choose from, as they are an essential element in Scandinavian design.
How can we effectively select and distribute candles and lanterns to create a nice setup for Ramadan?
Candles and lanterns are beautiful accessories, but there are various other creative pieces that can be utilized to add a touch of elegance to your dining room. For instance, big jars, which are available at JYSK, can be used to hold candles. The lighting is crucial in the dining room, as it highlights the food. Therefore, it should be positioned not only on the table but also on the buffet. JYSK offers several lighting options that can help you add a distinctive touch to your dining room and make it stand out.
We also observed that you utilized the trolley in the dining room. Could you please explain the importance of using it during gatherings and provide tips on how to decorate it?
You know how essential drinks are during Ramadan. We consume coffee, laban, juices, and other drinks during and after Iftar. Therefore, having a trolley can be very convenient, as it allows for quick and easy movement of drinks and desserts between the dining area and sitting room. In JYSK’s dining room, we decorated the trolley with plants, which can be complemented with modern or traditional ornaments such as Ramadan crescent-shaped accessories or battery-powered lighting that doesn’t require electricity.
Since we are all preparing for Ramadan, can you give us and JYSK lovers one last tip on where to start?
First tip: Avoid leaving everything until the last minute and instead give yourself ample time to go to the stores and shop. Examine the available space you have and gather inspiration. This will allow you to narrow down your options and make informed decisions.
When it comes to setting up your Iftar tables, consider using various heights to display dishes, as this does not only makes the food look more visually appealing but also creates more space. Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to the dining table; you may also use the buffet or back and side cabinets to display your dishes. And lastly, get creative with your decorations and ideas to make this Ramadan truly special.
JYSK and Farah’s Collaboration for Beautiful Home Decor
In a few words, how do you find our products?
JYSK’s products can seamlessly integrate into any home decor, capturing the very essence of Scandinavian style: simplicity, functionality, and usability throughout the year. Their simple and stylish designs make them ideal to complement a wide range of home decor and add a touch of elegance to any space.
What is your favorite JYSK product?
When I had my last child, JYSK gifted me a chair that quickly became my favorite. I use it every day because of its incredible comfort, high back, and the fact that I can hold my son while enjoying my favorite TV show. I absolutely adore this chair!
Tell us more about your experience and collaboration with JYSK.
I’m delighted to be collaborating with JYSK because it’s a truly unique brand with an impressive selection of products. Whenever I mention JYSK, my fans are always thrilled to hear about their offerings. Not only do they offer a wide range of items, but their products are always in stock and reasonably priced. Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience working with JYSK, and I highly recommend their products to anyone looking for good-quality and affordable home decor.
With the help of Farah’s tips and JYSK products, preparing your home for Ramadan has never been easier. You can now create a modern atmosphere for your family and loved ones. Visit the website JYSK.com.kw or any of their showrooms in The Avenues, The Assimah Mall, Dhajeej and Shuwaikh to find the perfect products for your Ramadan home decoration. For questions, JYSK’s customer service team is available to assist you via WhatsApp, the hotline number 1813131, or email customerservice@JYSK.com.kw
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