By Melisa Ng | Sep 18, 2009
Decorating For Raya With Omar Arif
 Winner of Best TV Personality Sri Angkasa Award 2001, Omar Arif definitely deserves this accolade for he is a man of great charisma exuding charm and persona.
If you are familiar with the television anchormen of national prime time news, then the name Omar Arif should ring a bell. This well-known personality has a portfolio of myriad exposure and experience which includes the corporate sector, broadcasting, emceeing, acting, event management and public relations.
With Raya just around the corner, Omar shares with StarProperty on his preparations for this joyous occasion and his views on decorating his home.
 What does Raya mean to you?
I love Raya as it gives me the opportunity to meet and catch up with friends and family. It’s the best time because everyone is on holiday.
Have you done any preparations for Raya?
Yes, of course! I always make it a point NOT to do last minute shopping as the malls will be packed with the holiday shopping rush, therefore, I prefer to shop 3 weeks before Raya. However, this year I didn’t buy much as most of my furniture and decorative items are still new.
I also find time to do my spring cleaning 2 weeks before Raya. I will serve cookies and bake some cakes for those who come to visit during this time.
How do you decorate your home? Do you have any specific Raya theme this year?
With my busy schedule, I don’t have much time to plan on how to decorate, so I make do with whatever that’s available. I often recycle and reuse the decorative items from previous years.
There’s no particular theme this year. I prefer a more casual, instinctive approach. I usually get great home interior design ideas and inspirations from magazines and thereon, mix and match to achieve the look I want. They offer so many possible variables and I always try to pick something that will be versatile for my home especially with curtains and cushion covers; their colour and style change every year.
Do you have a favourite place where you do your Raya shopping?
It’s tough to pick and choose a favourite as I don’t usually get my Raya items from one particular shop. I love varieties and as mentioned before, I like to mix and match. Some stores may not have what you want. Therefore, whenever there are major sales in town, I will make a trip to the malls, window shop and make mental notes of similar styles or concepts.
 What do you look for when you shop for decorative items or furniture?
No special preference but when it comes to designs, I prefer simple and straightforward designs as it’s easier to match. As for colours, I like bright and brilliant colours as they stand out and create a cheerful environment.
I will also consider the cost; how much I want to spend on a particular furniture or decorative item.
You changed your curtains and cushion covers this year. Why did you choose this curtain and cushion covers?
For the curtains, what caught my eye was the contemporary and unique design. I like the fabric and furthermore, it was on sale! (Laughs)
As for the cushion covers, I bought bold, bright and contrasting colours to complement my dark brown daybed. These red and orange cushion covers are striking and help brighten up my living room.
Where is your favourite space in your house?
My favourite space has to be my bedroom as it is where I spend most of my time. After work, I look forward to going home for total relaxation in my bedroom. My bedroom design is simple in light, pastel colours with minimal furniture; just a bed, wardrobe, an armchair and a radio. The radio is for light listening while I do some reading on my cosy armchair.
Other than that, I watch television leisurely on my favourite daybed in my living room.
Do you prefer to design your house by yourself or hire an interior designer?
I think an interior designer will give a better perspective of what is nice and current, but I feel a home should reflect your personality. Hence, I believe in designing it on my own - I do my internet research, check out the latest interior magazines and also go to big furniture shops to get tips. I’m happy with the design of my house and it didn’t cost me much!
Like all Muslims, Omar looks forward to this Raya and enjoys having guests over at his cosy abode.
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