Three Dubai Homeowners On Bespoke Design

by Ayesha S. ShehmirMay 8, 2024May 8, 2024

Three Dubai homeowners on movements that inspire them and styling spaces that speak to your design sensibilities

After stepping into an endless list of beautiful homes over the years, if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: no home is complete without storytelling pieces that reflect the owner’s identity. There’s proof that beauty on its own isn’t always enough, but, when bespoke, can have rippling effects that inject a type of depth capable of entirely transforming the home’s spirit. And the best part about this? Personalisation expands creative horizons and doesn’t restrict to what’s readily available. From handpicked art and furniture to dominating hues and accent books, these spaces are made to carry legacies.

Nikki Martin and Karen Dougall

Founders of Palm Living

HBA: Why is tailor-made furniture important for a space’s character?

NM and KD: We often find that after a site visit, some spaces can be more challenging than others, depending on the size or shape of the rooms. This is why tailor-made furniture is so important. We want to offer the best service to our clients and create their dream space with no limitations – while also having the luxury of creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Working together to design furniture that you can’t just buy off the shelf. Adding a unique element to the home and making them stand out from the next.

Karen Dougall’s Dubai home features furniture by Palm Living

HBA: Top tip for styling a home that speaks to the owner’s personality?

NM and KD: It’s all about accessorising, finding the balance between key focal pieces and then complementing them with home styling. The way a home is styled speaks volumes about the owner. This is why we work so closely with all our clients and find out exactly what it is they’re aiming for upon handover.

For example, if we get a more minimalist client who wants to avoid colour, we tend to mix a lot of different textures in order to create depth and keep it interesting. All the while, sticking to a neutral-toned palette.

And vice versa, if they want to add colour, we always keep it tasteful, infusing pops of colour throughout the home, subtly. Using items like coffee table books, wall art, and soft furnishings, such as feature cushions and throws, so as to achieve a cohesive look that showcases unique character and style.

Effortless lines and neutral shades fill Karen’s home

HBA: What design movement has inspired you the most?

NM and KD: Palm Living displays traits of many design movements combined into one. However, we mainly take inspiration from Scandinavian design and minimalism.

Minimalist design follows neutral colours and clean, effortless lines. Which, evidently, is exactly what we like to infuse into our projects. Creating a fresh take on modernism, that focuses on form and function to create a refined space. We’re always using clean lines, simple shapes and interesting textures, and focusing on object proportions to best complement the space. Combining this with current trends and blending them with classic design principles.

“The way a home is styled speaks volumes about the owner”
Karen Dougall and Nikki Martin

All the while, we pair this with Scandinavian traits. We specialise in thought-through placement of furniture, to draw in natural light. We create focal points in a room to display functionality, such as a lighting centrepiece, or an oversized sofa. All the while, adding in a range of textures, such as bouclé or linen. We also keep in mind the Nordic lifestyle, to create a simplistic, homely feel. We often create beautiful black accents in a space by either adding a deeper metal to our soft furnishings or through home styling to break up the limited minimalist colour palette.

Karen’s residence combines varied textures to bring depth and sensorial richness

Alba Pacani

Dubai Hills resident

HBA: Why is tailor-made furniture important for a space’s character?

AP: It allows for customisation and personalisation. It was important that our home reflects our style and aesthetic. We also wanted furniture that would perfectly fit within the space and complement the overall design style.

Nods to nature within the styling elements soothingly bring the outside in

HBA: Top tip for styling a home that speaks to the owner’s personality?

AP: Incorporate meaningful and personal design elements throughout the space. We have always wanted a home that suited our lifestyle and interests.

We worked with Gema and Claudia from Estilo Blanco Interiors to make sure we included design elements such as colours, furniture and materials that truly spoke to us.

“Incorporate meaningful and personal design elements throughout the space”
Alba Pacani

HBA: What design movement has inspired you the most?

AP: We embrace mid-century modern design for its timeless appeal and clean lines – it’s been a popular choice for homeowners like us. We also love contemporary design, which, on the other hand, is constantly evolving and incorporates new materials, technology, and design elements, making it an exciting and innovative movement to watch. The Estilo Blanco team has meticulously designed our home to balance these two design styles – and added a touch of minimalism and sophistication.

Movement and flow reverberate all throughout Alba Pacani’s home, especially highlighted in the curvature and grace of the furniture designs. From natural veining to pops of green, organic references across surfaces are masterfully woven into the space

Zartasha Malik and Saad Hussain

Fashion designer and real estate developer

HBA: Why is tailor-made furniture important for space’s character?

ZM and SH: It allows you to create pieces that perfectly fit your unique space and style. When furniture is custom-made, it can be designed to maximise functionality and optimise the use of space. It also gives you the opportunity to choose materials, colours, and finishes that align with your personal taste as well as the overall aesthetic of your home.

Bold bends, soft lines and proportionality inject character into Saad and Zartasha’s home

HBA: Top tip for styling a home that speaks to the owner’s personality?

ZM and SH: Choose a colour palette that resonates with you. Whether you love bold and vibrant hues or prefer a more muted and calming vibe, the colours you choose can really set the tone for your space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures too! It adds depth and visual interest.

Polished and reflective surfaces enhance the glow within Saad and Zartasha’s home, while saturated textures encase the furniture with warmth for harmonious balance. Panelling vertically elongates the rooms and draws attention to the structured light pieces, all the while emphasising uncluttered lines and a restful airiness

HBA: What design movement has inspired you the most?

ZM and SH: We absolutely love the minimalist aesthetic. One design movement that has inspired us the most for a minimalist house is Scandinavian design. It focuses on simplicity, functionality, and clean lines, creating a serene and uncluttered space. The use of light colours, natural materials, and minimalistic furniture really helps to create that calm and inviting atmosphere.

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Interiors Spring 2024 issue

Images courtesy of respective owners and Efraim Evidor