As a prominent designer, Meshary AlNassar is no stranger to H&M HOME, as the designer has been following the concept long before it came to the Middle East. When the store first launched in Dubai, he was happy to shop their products for his various projects and kept a keen eye on the brand’s seasonal collections when the store opened in Kuwait. “I enjoy finding objects that allow me to style up any given space, and H&M HOME offers a wide variety that has made my job a bit easier.” He told bazaar. And while we’d featured Meshary AlNassar’s work in our pages a mere few issues ago, we knew that the designer was already working on something huge, only to learn about his most recent collaboration with H&M HOME!
The collaboration saw the designer transform an entire home in Kuwait using his creative eye and his pick from H&M HOME’s summer collection. The home chosen for this project served as Meshary’s blank canvas, and by choosing from various collections at the H&M HOME store that was released for this summer, Meshary was able to show us his vision for five spaces which ranged from living, eating, sleeping, bathing and outdoor living. We managed to pull Meshary away from his busy schedule to give us all of the amazing details behind this collaboration in this special interview.
How did the collaboration with H&M HOME come about? What were the goals of this collaboration?
As a designer, I do a lot of shopping for my projects. Since H&M HOME is one of my go-to stores for accessories that I use to style my projects, I became a regular at the Avenues phase 1 store as well as the Dubai Mall branch. That’s when I was approached by the H&M HOME team for this collaboration and was very excited to create something for them, as the curation of a space is something I truly enjoy.
Why did you feel it was important to collaborate with H&M HOME?
Firstly, It is important to represent the region and build a bridge for a young Arab designer like myself to be able to work with such a large-scale brand. But also, I wanted to use H&M HOME’s products to showcase what I as a designer am able to create with it on an empty canvas. It truly shows the versatility of these products and what a designer is able to make of them.
What was your creative process like when it came to preparing for this special collaboration? Did you prepare in the same way as you would prepare for any design project that comes your way?
Absolutely! For my own projects, we create a visual moodboard and then carefully curate the color scheme and overall theme and feel. We did the same for H&M HOME’S summer collection, which was right up my alley. We used linens, natural accents and olive tree branches to create a warm and laid-back composition. The summer collection is truly something that I would personally use for a Friday morning brunch! The products all seemed so inviting that it was such a natural process putting things together for this campaign.
Which pieces did you like the most for each area you were styling as part of this collaboration and why?
My favorite pieces were the olive branch cushion covers and the ceramic vessels at H&M HOME. As they function so well in any setting! I also have a soft spot for anything ceramic or handmade. Speaking of handmade, when I lined up the blown green glasses, I noticed how slightly different they all are, which shows you how organic the making of these glasses was as a process. I loved those green glasses!
What did you enjoy the most about this collaboration? Did you learn something new about yourself in the process?
Well, transforming five spaces in a record-breaking time of 48 hours was definitely fun! I like to work under pressure and on a deadline. It allows me to focus on getting the job done and tweak things around until it’s perfect. It truly has been an enjoyable process. But also, I grew up watching home makeover shows, and it has always been my dream to have my own one day and I think H&M HOME allowed me to live that dream for just a tiny bit.
How can your curation and styling be recreated by the everyday customer at H&M HOME? Any tips and tricks you can share?
Well, I always say that there is no right or wrong when it comes to styling, but if you ask me, I would say that personalization is key! Allowing yourself to curate the space and styling according to how you function and utilize the space is the right way to go. You can change things up by moving things around, but definitely personalize it and show your personality and how you are within the space.
What are some design considerations that every customer should think about before making a purchase for their Home?
Making sure that the purchase is ergonomically comfortable for you, but also that you measure to make sure that it fits your space comfortably without overcrowding. Also, always have a color scheme in mind, so you don’t end up mixing a lot of materials and colors together.
For more information on Meshary AlNassar, check out mesharyalnassar.com and follow his work on Instagram. Visit H&M HOME at 1st Avenue – The Avenues to see their latest collections, and shop online at kw.hm.com or via the H&M MENA App. Stay updated on socials by following @HMHOME on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by Matt Mulvey @bumulvey on Instagram.
