How One Dubai-Based Designer Is Looking To Her Roots For Inspiration  

Colourful and contemporary, Nasim Köerting channeled both her sisterly love and interior prowess to bring Nicky Yazhari’s dream home to life

A powerful depiction of family, harmony and joie de vivre, Nicky Yazhari’s Dubai home was designed to emanate a sense of timeless beauty that lingers throughout the space. The bright abode was designed by Nasim Köerting, a seasoned interior designer, and also Nicky’s sister.

Born in one country, emigrating with her family at a young age to another, and finally meeting her soulmate in a third, Nicky’s journey reads like an eloquent tale of wander and courage, and her style is best described as a celebration of joy.

Nicky’s house was no easy feat to design, but, who better to translate momentous milestones into vivacious upholstery and marble boards that are full of life, than her sister. “My sister and her husband are such supporters of the work that I do,” says Nasim. “Both of them have always pushed me forward and trusted me, especially with things that they are not sure about.” Speaking on the siblings dynamic, Nicky adds without hesitation, “This experience has certainly helped us bond. We learnt more about each other.”

Nasim’s goal when approaching this project was to bring out Nicky’s story, persona and everything that makes her family unique. After previously designing her sibling’s first house, this Dubai-based family residence was brought together to reflect her sister’s growth and maturity ahead of a new phase of life. “I was a refugee child,” shares Nicky. “My parents escaped Iran into Pakistan and arrived in Australia in the 1980s. Almost two decades later, I finished university and moved to London to pursue my dreams and try to widen my horizons. There, I met my husband. It was not long before we moved to Dubai together and we adopted our two kids from Ethiopia.”

Nicky continues, “My husband is an Iranian expat. His family moved to Japan then Belgium, and he then grew up in the UK.” Naturally, the aim of incorporating such vast roots and influences was not easy. Nevertheless, it was all unlocked with one masterful element. Discovered by Nicky during one of her visits to Australia, Hannah Nowlan is the artist behind the artwork that is defined as the project’s anchor point. “I flew to Melbourne, where her studio is based,” she reminisces. “I sat with her for four hours as she asked me questions about who I was, my beliefs, my spirituality, my children, my husband and the way we look at the world. So many questions, it was a beautiful and thorough chat. Four months later, this incredible artwork arrives at our doorstep. It was beautiful to see the spirit of our family captured by an artist and translated into art.”

According to Nasim, the use of styling elements was also instrumental as she was keen to incorporate a little bit of Iran, Japan, and Ethiopia through the décor and furnishing. In tandem, different colourways were also used to represent the family members and their diverse roots. Amongst a number of practical, rare and artful furniture, the sisters define different pieces as their favourites. Nicky’s key piece of furniture is a table by &Tradition, designed by Mia Hamborg.

“It was beautiful to see the spirit of our family captured by an artist”

Nicky Yazhari

“It has some beautiful colouring through it, but it is also so practical. I just felt like it was me in a table. So, the minute I saw it, I said I am putting this in my living room, I do not care, it is coming into my house one way or another. It just fits so beautifully.”

The home owner also looks with much adoration towards a Bethan Gray unit that stands proudly at the heart of the space. “Living in the Middle East, it was very important to me to have something that represents the Arabic culture,” says Nicky. “This unit is designed by a British designer, but in collaboration with an Omani company. It is such a beautiful unit and it has this Arabic feel to it.”

On the other hand, Nasim’s chosen item was conceptualised by the designer herself. “For the credenza under the television, we hand selected a marble that was representative of Nicky and her family. It is so graphic, much like an artwork; it is green, black and gold and even has a little bit of pink,” expresses Nasim.

As a family however, everyone seems to agree on one particular piece of furniture. “The Cassina sofa is where I feel most at home,” Nicky adds. “It is where we spend most of our quality time and create our family memories. It represents a place of unity and gathering in our home and it is also where we welcome our guests. Iranian culture is one of welcoming and warmth. The Cassina sofa emanates this sense of warmth and comfort, all while being a fabulous design piece.”

Aside from designing, sourcing furniture, and curating the house, configuring the space was not any less important. Finished during the global pandemic, everything had to sit still and await Nicky’s arrival as she was held up abroad. It was not until her arrival that the house started to shape up as she not only settled in, but also turned it into a family home.

Guided by her sister’s advice, Nicky changed things to make it work conveniently. “We got pieces from the first house that we worked on together and incorporated them into the second house. Together they all work perfectly. There are those pendent lights from Lambert & Fils, which were boxed up for many years,” says Nasim, as Nicky continues, “They suit the new house in a way that would never have been possible in the old house.”

With many events unfolding in her homeland of Iran, Nicky was inspired to demonstrate her solidarity with Iranian women through welcoming more Iranian art and design into her household. “Leila Nazerian is an incredible Iranian-American artist, who creates beautiful handmade pieces of art using ‘khatam kari’, an ancient Persian technique of inlaying, in many forms. We have commissioned two skateboard decks by the artist to be added to our home.”

After adding another casual dining area to address the family’s needs and introducing a number of accessories to tie everything together – as well as plants to make the space look more homely and lived in – the duo believe that even though the job is almost done, there will always be room for more. Nicky leaves us with her philosophy on design: “I feel my design and aesthetic are constantly evolving. For me, it’s about mixing staple and well-designed pieces that make my home timeless, while adding unique features so it’s reflective of who I am. Tailored – to my identity, my culture, my experience, my family, my life.”

Photography: Efraim Evidor. Styling: Laura Jane Brown.

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s January 2023 issue.