The corner: Mahnaz Adamjee

The fashion designer and entrepreneur welcomes us in her vibrant corner — a conservatory, that  provides her with peace and serves as inspiration in her professional life

Interestingly enough, Mahnaz Adamjee’s favourite space, instantly catches our eye as soon as we enter her tasteful home. Her beautiful conservatory is bounded by four glass walls and overlooks the large, lush garden outside her home. She regards it as her “little sanctuary”, which is also the reason why the space makes it to her list of favourites. “What I love about it is how it’s detached from the house. This gives me a sense of privacy whenever I spend time here,” says Adamjee.

The view of her garden is simply spectacular, and the serene sight brings with it a sense of tranquillity and peacefulness. As we begin our conversation with Adamjee, we learn that nature is the first and foremost entity that soothes her. Therefore it comes as no surprise, when she tells us that she likes to spend most of her time in this conservatory, indulging in a good book, drinking tea, practicing yoga or spending time with her friends. “If any of my family members were to look for me, they would have absolutely no trouble finding me in here,” she claims.



Adamjee’s home is approximately 40 years old, and naturally the conservatory has undergone various changes over time. Originally it was not an enclosed space, and had no boundaries, and although she was initially against her mother’s idea of enclosing it, she is now extremely grateful to her mother for going ahead with
her decision.

We look around the corner, to evaluate the contemporary yet traditional furniture the space is decorated with. The beige leather chairs with black, metal, cut-out details and matching black candle stands, give the area a modern touch. “Having lived in London for many years, most of my furniture is brought from there or inspired by designs I have seen there,” Adamjee shares while explaining her contemporary aesthetic. The tapestry and the main dining table are specific examples of pieces, Adamjee has brought from London. However, a vintage swing that belonged to Adamjee’s grandmother is actually her favourite piece in this corner. She tells us that it has been in the family for numerous years, and claims it is perfect for brief power naps.



When asked how this area is mostly used, Adamjee answers: “Perhaps the most beneficial use of this corner is when I use it for my profession,” she continues, “the serenity not only allows my mind to work freely and imaginatively, but also the bright hues found in the numerous flowers in the garden serve as inspiration for the colour palette I use in my clothes.” The conservatory is an ideal place for Adamjee to spend most of her time, also because of her love for nature and the outdoors. “I am able to spend all 12 months of the year inside this conservatory as I adore every season Karachi has to offer,” she smiles.

As we begin to wrap up and leave, Adamjee stresses on her mother’s imperative role in the conservatory; from deciding to enclose it, to maintaining the garden and selecting most of the furniture. “Without my mother, this place would either not exist or not be half as beautiful as it is now,” she concludes.