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Aperitivo Hour with Rey Vakili
Inspired by the alfresco lifestyle of Sicily and influenced by her experiences living in New York, San Francisco and London, Rey Vakili has created her own unique colour pop style. Eclectic is the word she uses to describe it.
“I love a mix and match of bits and pieces,” says Rey. “I love antiques but I also love the modern fresh aesthetic as well.”
It’s no wonder Rey is confident in her style. After studying at Yale University she went on to work at American Vogue as Anna Wintour’s Assistant. Having since returned to Australia, she now works as an influencer and creative entrepreneur, shaping fashion trends and sharing her signature style.
With classic KING Collection pieces as the base, Rey has infused the colours of her travels and mementos from her life abroad. The result is a vibrant and welcoming home that caters to quiet moments of solitude just as well as aperitivo hour with friends.
Drawing on her love of Sicilian tradition, Rey has created an outdoor entertaining area that is bright and vibrant. Featured here the Luna Outdoor Dining Chair.
Entertaining at home
The fun colours and bold prints of Sicilian pottery and ceramics feature heavily in Rey’s interiors. She even has an olive tree in her outdoor space, a nod to her admiration of all things Mediterranean.
“In my entertaining style I’ve incorporated a lot of Sicilian traditions,” she says. “I love their ceramics and their pottery so you can see it in the decor of the house. But also the focus on alfresco dining and eating outside and having a beverage outside. I love the idea of that.”
What’s most important to Rey in styling for alfresco dining is having a beautiful outdoor setting. For her, that’s the Quay Extension Dining Table with a mix of Luna Dining Chairs and the Luna Occasional Chair.
“My number one tip for alfresco dining is comfortable seating and somewhere where you can park your drinks and snacks.”
According to Rey, olives and a great cheese board are aperitivo hour essentials. Featured here the Quay Ceramic Dining Table in Pumice and Luna Outdoor Dining Chairs with seat pad in Oceania Outdoor Rock Art.
Aperitivo hour essentials
Beyond the dining table, side tables and casual seating options can help to create a particular ambience for aperitivo hour. For Rey, the Monument Side Table and Oasis Outdoor Inset Side Table as well as the Lode Outdoor Ottoman work in with her eclectic style offering comfort and versatility to make her guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
According to Rey, olives and a great cheese board are aperitivo hour essentials. Featured here are the Quay Ceramic Dining Table in Pumice and Luna Outdoor Dining Chairs in Salt.
“I’m obsessed with olives,” she says. “My go-to dishes are dips. Dips are so easy, delicious and they feed a lot of people.”
Her aperitif of choice is a white wine spritzer with sparkling apple juice as a refreshing alcohol-free alternative.
Rey embraces classic pieces, like the Fleur 2.5 Seater in Positano Sago, with pops of colour to have fun with her eclectic interior style.
Versatile living
Winding down at the end of the day with a good book and a killer playlist, Rey needs her living space to be functional yet relaxing. An entertainer at heart, she uses both the indoor and outdoor spaces of her inner city apartment to create an open and breezy space.
“My living space is super versatile,” she explains. “I live in an apartment in the city so my entertaining space is also where I like to relax and unwind. I love to entertain outdoors as well so it’s important for me to have a beautiful alfresco dining area. I like the idea of the living room blending into the outside.”
In her living space, you’ll find neutrals, such as the Fleur 2.5 seater, contrasted with bright accessories and feature pieces.
“My fashion is bright and bold,” says Rey. “In a lot of ways that’s reflected in my interior style as well. With the main staple pieces you want to keep it simple and clean. But then my rug is super bright. I love bright vases and accessories and I think you can have a lot of fun with that.”
Investment pieces such as the Fleur Lounge Chair in Prestige Palomino allow Rey to create different combinations of accessories.
On choosing investment pieces
Rey is into balance. She looks for pieces that suit her lifestyle and that offer the versatility and functionality she needs. But she also looks for investment pieces that she can use almost as a blank canvas for her to personalise with colourful accessories.
“I love to change up my artwork, the accessories, the coffee table books, the rugs, the vases,” she explains. “They’re really bright and fun pieces. So, for those investment pieces, like your sofa or coffee table, I like them to be quite neutral and versatile so they can be paired with any combination of accessories.”
As for the perfect sofa, the Fleur 2.5 seater ticks Rey’s boxes of something that’s comfortable and easy.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time on the couch,” says Rey. “For me, the sofa needs to be easy and versatile. It’s somewhere where I work, entertain and throw my legs up at the end of the day.”
Rey's indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly for effortless entertaining and ultimate relaxation.
Quick questions with Rey Vakili
Who would you invite to your dream aperitivo hour?
Rafael Nadal because I love tennis. Quentin Tarantino because I think he’d be really quirky and cool.
What would you serve these people?
A big bowl of pasta.
What classics are on your entertaining playlist?
I love the crooners so Frank SInatra is always on my playlists. But I also have a sneaky soft spot for Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber so they would feature too.
What’s the best dish you’ve ever eaten?
How do I choose one? I love the ragu pasta at Maffei’s in Taormina.
London or New York? London.
Classical or jazz? Classical.
Savoury or sweet? It depends on the time of day.
Trainers or heels? I'd normally say heels but it's becoming more and more trainers.
Sunset or sunrise? Sunrise.
Rey's investment pieces
