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The Jakarta Post
As one of the largest predominantly Muslim countries, Lebaran, or Eid, holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of Indonesia. This joyous occasion marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated through an open house, where families open their doors to welcome relatives, friends and even strangers into their homes.
As households prepare to welcome guests during this special time, we have consulted interior designers for expert advice on enhancing our living spaces for the occasion.
Ibtisam Ismail has a solid foundation of three years of professional experience in the interior design field, complemented by four years studying interior design at LaSalle College. Rayhan Hilmi, on the other hand, is an Interior Design graduate from ISI Yogyakarta, presently lending his creative touch as an interior designer at Alien Design Consultant.
According to Rayhan, creating a conducive gathering space is important when hosting an open house.
"It doesn't need to be big, the important thing is to be comfortable. For me, comfort entails tidiness, cleanliness and fragrance. Each sense contributes to the overall comfort—tidiness for the eyes, cleanliness for the skin and fragrance for the nose," Rayhan said.
1. Focus area
When revamping your space for Lebaran, Ibtisam suggests focusing on four areas – the entryway/foyer, the living room, the dining room and the bathroom, as these spaces have the most traffic.
Starting with the entryway, which sets the first impression for guests, homeowners should focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere. This can be achieved by maintaining clean and clear pathways, incorporating decorative elements such as traditional lanterns and giving the front door a fresh coat of paint.
For outdoor lighting, the facade and walkway should be well-lit and create a warm and safe environment for evening guests. Make sure to also clear pathways and address any tripping hazards, especially when expecting children or elderly guests.
2. Adjust seating arrangements to optimize comfort
As Rayhan puts it, one of the common oversights among homeowners during Lebaran open houses is failing to provide sufficient seating for invited guests. To ensure their comfort, it is important to add extra seating options like cushions or small stools.
Ibtisam also recommends adding plenty of cushions to sofas to make the space homier. To elevate the festive atmosphere, homeowners can consider integrating Lebaran-themed decor elements. This can involve incorporating ornaments that embody the essence of the occasion, whether through inventive lighting designs or by introducing themed tablecloths and area rugs.
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3. Freshen up the bathroom
Focusing solely on the main areas and neglecting the cleanliness of bathrooms or guest rooms can impact the guest experience. To enhance their stay, consider creating a designated space for guests to freshen up and wash and make sure the bathroom is well-equipped with extra tissue and toiletries.
Additionally, infuse the air with a refreshing citrus scent or a clean, soapy aroma using a reed diffuser. Ibtisam recommends a reed diffuser as it does not require electricity or fire.
Read also: Five things to know before booking an iftar gathering
4. Choose the color palette for decorations
When it comes to selecting a color palette for decoration, both designers agree on pastel colors for their soft and pleasing impressions. Shades like pale pink, soft lavender, mint green and baby blue can lend a light and airy feel to spaces, making them seem more spacious and inviting.
Ibtisam further suggests considering hues that evoke warmth, hospitality and festive joy.
Earthy tones and greens: Olive green, beige, terracotta and muted gold can bring a sense of calmness and connection to nature and create a serene and inviting environment.
White and gold: Crisp white, complemented by gold accents, symbolize purity, cleanliness and a fresh start, which aligns with the spiritual significance of Lebaran.
Vibrant jewel tones: Emerald green, royal blue, deep purple and rich burgundy add depth and vibrancy, fostering a luxurious and festive atmosphere.
Warm neutrals with colorful accents: Warm greys, soft browns and cream, accented with pops of colors like turquoise, saffron or coral, are versatile and welcoming, allowing for easy incorporation of festive decorations without overwhelming the senses.
Tropical brights: Bright, saturated colors inspired by tropical fruits and flowers, such as mango yellow, papaya orange and fuchsia, can be used to create a lively, energetic atmosphere.
5. Maximize your space
To maximize your space, Rayhan advises merging multiple areas into expansive rooms as a key tactic. For instance, combining a living room and dining area by temporarily folding or removing partitions or storing movable furniture can create an illusion of spaciousness.
Meanwhile, Ibtisam recommends investing in furniture with versatile functionalities. Items like stools doubling as seating or tables and foldable chairs offering easy storage when not in use prove invaluable in small spaces.
Homeowners can also optimize vertical space, such as shelves and hanging decorations. These elements not only draw the eye upward but also contribute to an illusion of larger rooms.
To foster movement and social interaction among guests, it is recommended to designate separate areas for food and beverage. This arrangement not only promotes a dynamic atmosphere but also mitigates congestion in any single area.
Read also: How to navigate unwanted questions and survive family gatherings
