A common question I’m asked is not only what I do, but why I do it and specialise in man spaces. After countless articles on DMC, I realised it is something I haven’t shared with you in detail before. Interior design for me, isn’t just about furniture, paint colours and making spaces aesthetically pleasing. It goes a lot deeper than that, so here is a little about my journey and the creation of Designer Man Cave….
I have always been a big believer that we are each born with a specific set of skills and talents that are unique to us. Mix that with our upbringing, influences, opportunities and self awareness and you can have a pretty cool and fulfilling journey through life. I’ve always known I want to create spaces and help people in my own (commonly left of centre), ambitious and authentic way.
After years of trying out other industries and them never feeling quite right for me, I finally followed my heart and studied what I always deep down wanted to do – interior design. Fast forward years of study and working for other people in different aspects of the design industry and the day came when my first client (a bachelor) kick started the beginning of Kate Abdou Design.
A few man spaces later and I while I love and continue to work on all types of interior projects (homes, cafes, offices…) it became clear that I found my niche. It is very fulfilling to help someone create balance in life by delivering a sanctuary that not only refelcts them, but one they really love going home too. You gents commonly put the majority of your time and energy into your working life and often get out of tune with your own home, lifestyle and passions. Sound familiar? I get a lot of joy working one on one with clients to help improve and personalise their home life.
I work in my own unique, honest, fuss-free way and it works well for busy men. Over the years I have developed an action plan that minimizes time for work-oriented gents, all while delivering the most customised spaces that suit their personality and lifestyle. More often than not, men know what they like when they see it and are straight shooters too, which is how I like to work!
Having a nice looking home isn’t just about appearances. Yes, it’s a great perk to have a finished interior that you’re happy to show off to your friends and family, but the objective for me, is to complete a project that my client is wrapped to be in every day. I am repeatedly referring to your home as your sanctuary, because it should be! It’s your place in the universe that is yours. If you spend a lot of time out, at work or travelling, that’s even more reason to put some time into your home, so that when you do spend time there, it gives you the happiness and quality of life you deserve. It should be the one place in the world where you are most comfortable. A place to recharge your batteries.
Here is one of my favourite sayings I found years ago and is a nice reminder of why I do what I do – to help transform people’s lives and give them daily happiness when they spend time at home:
This is your space. An oasis where you can take off your shoes, enjoy yourself and the art of living. Feel free, think big, think small. Take your time and breath, sense the moment, use your key and open your heart. Laugh, cry or be crazy if you like. This is your space.
Getting to know my client and creating the design direction at the beginning of the process is where the magic starts to happen. The final part of fulfilment for me though, is signing off from a project and leaving a happy client to enjoy a space that has been transformed specifically for them and their life. I may not be changing the world on a big scale (yet!), but I’m helping to improve the way individual men live their lives – with quality, style and comfort.
