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Even if you can justify any expenditure to achieve decorating splendour, the prospect of interior design can be daunting ... especially in Bahrain.
From Grecian stucco-fronted mansions to looming towers with exposed concrete pillars, the kingdom's homes come in all shapes and sizes. In the rental market, properties are often unfurnished leaving intimidatingly large expanses of marble floor and white-washed walls. Sale properties may look magnificent from the outside, but often need some tweaking within.
"The architects often tend to focus on the outside, not the inside of properties here," said Anabela Blofeld, consultant at Star International Real Estate's interior design division.
Whether you're trying to maximise space - or as is often the case in Bahrain - fill it, there are a number of pitfalls. Over-cluttering, over-minimising, amateur DIY and plain old bad taste can lead to disastrous consequences. But thankfully, professional interior design does not have to be the preserve of financiers and blue bloods.
"People think interior design costs a lot, but it doesn't have to," explained Anabela. "An interior designer can make the right choices for very little. You can make some really beautiful spaces from nothing."
Designing a home is also labour intensive, she explains and for those who are new to Bahrain, or whose jobs leave little time to shop around, it can be a difficult task.
"Many of my clients are very busy and don't have time or even know where to go," she explained. "Star Intenational is here to help."
Bahrain has a few excellent homeware and furniture shops, and, some that are not so good. Some fall on the expensive side unless you know where to look.
Anabela is adamant that searching the local market is rewarding.
"I try to use the local market, if you look hard you can find some real gems," she said.
Since recently moving to Bahrain, Anabela, who is originally from Portugal and is an associate of the British Interior Design Association, has transformed a number of villas, apartments and offices into elegant living and working spaces.
"My main focus and philosophy for any interior be it residential or commercial is to design a modern, functional and practical environment that takes account of the client's individual style and requirements," she said.
Everything from furniture and fabrics to mirrors and china is chosen to maximise the design and to work with the desires of the client.
"I have a consultation process, I ask the client to complete a questionnaire, incorporate their ideas, and I draw up impressions before we get started," she explained.
Anabela has a natural eye for colour and design.
"I've always had a deep interest in painting, colour, textures, and interiors.
"I enjoy and look for inspiration in all styles. My preference is a classic style with a contemporary feel with some traditional or exotic accents.
"I like to create bespoke items and marry rich textured fabrics with modern furniture," she explained.
Work with a well-established interior designer in Scotland, a soft-furnishings company and traditional furniture business, led to a BTEC Professional Development Award in Interior Design.
Recently refurbishing her own home in Wiltshire, UK, at the same time as completing a design for a villa in Oman was a busy but productive experience.
Sourcing locally, renovating both inside and outside and tackling plumbing and electrical challenges gave her insight into all aspects of project management.
She said: "I feel that making a home or working space into an uncluttered, welcoming, practical and elegant environment is of paramount importance.
"A home should always be your refuge and a working space should always encourage productivity."
