From Italy with Love
Italian design connoisseur, Sara Zuliani, gives Ohlala an insight into the world of design, décor, and how Qatari home style is moving in the right direction
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elf-proclaimed globetrotter, this savvy Italian is always on the hunt for knowledge. Having moved to London at the age of 18, Sara Zuliani recalls being in need of something fresh and new. Willing to accept any challenge that came her way, the young and driven girl launched into a new culture, new language and new traditions without hesitation. The jetsetter dodged every bullet on her path and delivered. Having lived between Europe and the Middle East, this Italian beauty took over Doha as showroom manager of one of the most prestigious décor stores in the country, Poltrona Frau Design Center. And as if that wasn’t enough, she is now at the helm of the WAW Furniture showroom. Why did you decide to get into the décor field? For the first two years of my career I worked as the assistant of an event manager for one of the best hotels in London. I was 20 and organising events in one of the largest cities, for me, it was a dream that came true. Later I decided to go back to my beloved Venice, since I had been offered to manage a luxury glass showroom. This was the first time I was exposed to the infinite beauty of Italian design and architecture. Working together with creative minds became daily challenge, where I was assisting some of the most important Italian and international designers; choosing their master pieces from our collections, to decorate their residential and commercial luxury projects.
“I believe your house is the reflection of your soul”
Must-have pieces when designing and decorating a house? Well for sure an L shaped sofa with a nice relaxing chaise longue, and definitely one design piece from Cassina or Cappellini. I’m personally in love with the LC4 designed by Le Courbouise. Tips when choosing furniture? I believe your house is the reflection of your soul. This is why I always try to create a close relationship with my clients. I want to know them and be able to advise them accordingly and choose what best suits their villas, apartments or offices. I believe that you should follow your instincts but at the same time ask for professional support from an expert whilst designing your projects. Which décor style is in high demand at the moment? It’s very subjective; every day I’m visiting residential properties, governmental offices and commercial spaces. Our clients are businessmen and women, politicians and influencers. Everyone has his or her personal tastes and style. What I would say, based on my experience, is that the classic style is definitely not the only style in Qatar as it was a few years ago. Which celebrity’s house do you covet? I honestly don’t have any particular VIP I follow. I believe a house should be a place full of memories. Some of the houses I love the most are the houses belonging to art collectors with a passion to travel.
What are your thoughts on Middle Eastern décor style? During the past five years living in Qatar, I’ve noticed how my customer’s style has drastically evolved. I believe this is a natural process; people have started travelling more often and are therefore exposed to different influences from all over the 50
world. Internet and social media have also helped in developing people’s tastes. The classic style is still a fundamental element that you can find in a typical Qatari house, the symmetry and the pursuit for perfection, but compared to a few years ago it is more common today to find people appreciating a modern design piece together with a Louis XVI vintage armchair.
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Sara Zuliani