A Year On: Nikki Martin And Karen Dougall On Creating The Perfect ‘Palm Living Lifestyle’ And The Launch Of A New Renovations Division

The co-founders reveal all the details on Palm Living Renovations, the challenges of running a business in Dubai, the secret to a successful collaboration, and juggling motherhood and career

Now in its fourth year, what’s new for Palm Living?

NM: Well, where to start! There have been a lot of big things happening for us as a brand. We’re excited to say that we are growing daily with new interior clients, completing more projects than we ever could have imagined, with a team that’s always expanding. We now have six interior designers that have a number of clients to see at one time. It’s hectic but we love it.

KD:  I think the main event for us this year has to be the announcement of Palm Living Real Estate! This was a big move for us, however it just felt right. The real estate world here in Dubai is huge and as we are already involved in the interiors industry, we felt as though the two areas just fitted hand in hand. We are now proud to offer a full 360 approach to purchasing, renovating, designing, and even re-selling our client’s properties. 

NM: We’re on a mission to build a brand that embodies the Palm Living lifestyle inside and out. It’s all about luxury through and through. Imagine a process that’s like a ‘full circle moment’ if you will.

KD: So yes, it’s safe to say it’s all go for us!

Karen Dougall at home. Photo by Efraim Evidor

What is your advice for successful entrepreneurial collaboration?

KD: I think the secret to a partnership that works, is most definitely communication. Luckily Nikki and I are very straight to the point, we both say it how it is. With this, comes thick skin. So if something isn’t up to standard or we aren’t satisfied, we are not afraid to speak our minds.

NM: Most definitely. I mean, it’s a huge help that we’ve both been business owners for a number of years now. We’ve tried, and failed and tried again. So it’s no shock to us that running a business isn’t plain sailing. It has its ups and downs, as do we, but it’s all about overcoming the obstacles along the way and making it work. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Karen’s dining area features soothing shades and soft contours

KD: I like to think of our ‘dynamic duo’ as one brain. Nikki is the left side, the logistical, operational and financial presence, who makes sure everything is progressing and running smoothly. As for me, I’m the right side, the creative side. In charge of designing new pieces and ensuring our new collections are always excelling the last.

How has the juggle between motherhood and work been so far?

NM: It’s no secret that motherhood in general is challenging, and with the added pressure of running multiple businesses, it can take its toll. I think both Karen and I are guilty of putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to juggle both work and family life. We’re so lucky to have such strong support systems around us who offer help where it’s needed.

KD: And also to have the staff and clients we do, to keep business as usual on days where we want that extra quality time with both our partners and children, or a break away from the madness!

Karen wears: Top, Dhs2,800, Loro Piana. Blazer, Dhs5,300; Trousers, Dhs4,900, both Michael Kors Collection. Shoes, Dhs4,350, Jimmy Choo. Nikki wears: Top, Nikki’s own. Blazer, Dhs12,800; Trousers, Dhs6,950, both Brunello Cucinelli. Shoes, Dhs2,048, Malone Souliers. Necklace, Dhs9,100, Pomellato

NM: And I think this is something we are both so grateful for, to have a team of talented individuals who are so dedicated and know the business inside out creates a massive sense of appreciation and trust. It’s the most rewarding job being a mother and being able to show our loved ones what we have created gives me such pride.

KD: I mean, we don’t exactly make it easy for ourselves! With the renovations, interiors and real estate in full swing it can be challenging, but we have a great Palm Living family who support one another who are all working towards the same goal.

How would you describe your signature styles?

KD: From the beginning, we have both been such lovers of Scandinavian and European styles. That relaxed, minimal look, that still feels homely. I’d say this is definitely what we instil into our interiors today and what clients recognise us for. However, having worked with such a range of different personalities at this stage, it’s completely dependent on their requirements and requests.

NM: Absolutely, we make it a point to infuse our clients’ personalities into the spaces we design, and I can confidently say we’ve tackled some truly extravagant projects so far. Our reputation for delivering high-quality furniture and services speaks for itself, and it’s gratifying to see that at this point, many clients seek us out for comprehensive interior design packages too, due to the endless possibilities that we offer.

KD: Of course, it’s always nice to create signature Palm Living projects, as this is the vibe we know and love, but I know the team definitely enjoys getting creative and having the freedom to go all out!

In our last interview we spoke about the potential introduction of home renovation services – has there been progress on this?

KD: Yes, since we last met, our sister brand, PLM Renovations is flourishing. Originally, we began renovating here and there, outsourcing the services. However, we felt as though, here in Dubai, there was a huge gap in the market for good contractors who completed a job to the standard we were striving for. So, after a whole lot of trial and error, we recruited our own team of trustworthy carpenters, technicians, painters and so on. Marking the birth of Palm Living Renovations.

NM: Our renovations company has been operational for the last year, and focuses on full home transformations; specialising in built-in media walls, flooring, bathrooms and of course, our favourite – kitchen renovations.

KD: It works well for us as it offers an all-around solution – the highest quality throughout the whole process, from the foundation to the finishing touches. It’s all well and good making interiors look aesthetically pleasing, but what’s the point if it’s not serving functionality? I’d like to think that a full renovation project with us, secures pristine standards as well as an incredible finish.

NM: Renovating can be a burden in general, so I think offering this service gives our clients a huge sense of relief that they are in safe hands with one or two project managers which creates a sense of security for the client and a much smoother process overall.

If you both had to pick a favourite design from Palm Living’s collection, what would it be and why?

KD: I think it would have to be the Ezme Cloud chair for me, it’s by far our best-seller and I would go as far to say one of the pieces of furniture that we are best known for. It’s just so unique in its own right and looks great in any space.

NM: Yeah for sure, it was one of our first-ever designs and has been a hit ever since. We both have them in our own homes. For me, my favourite has to be the Steph bed, I just think it’s a classic. I have it in my bedroom at home and still, to this day, absolutely love it. It’ll never get old.

What is the best feedback you’ve received from a client?

KD: We’re so lucky to have such amazing clients that are super grateful for the work we do. I’ve had clients who have told me I’ve ‘changed their life’ – which may sound extreme to some, but I’m a firm believer that your surroundings have a huge impact on you and how you feel.

NM: Oh for sure, I know when I first moved to Dubai and everything was up in the air, both personally and professionally, having a space that doesn’t inspire you or a space that you don’t enjoy seeing every day can take its toll on your mental state. Especially having started the business during Covid times, when people were spending a lot of time indoors, we felt it was so important to love your home – more than ever before. I think this is definitely one of the reasons why we are so passionate about our work; we make our clients happy daily and we love seeing all their pictures on social media too.

KD: Nikki and I are constantly being complimented on our work ethic and passion for interiors. But truthfully, it’s such a rewarding job. It’s such a nice feeling, taking the stress away from somebody who is in need and turning a house into a home.

Bespoke luxury is Palm Living’s forte. How do you believe customised pieces enhance one’s lifestyle?

NM: Most of our clients enjoy the customisable element of our pieces. The idea of having a unique, ‘one of one’ design in their home. Along with our designers’ input, I think some of our clients actually find the creative process a lot of fun. Experimenting with different fabrics, textures and selecting the materials helps envision the end result.

KD: I agree! Plus, we’re all about creating lasting furniture, those special pieces that you will have in your home for years, moving into different spaces as your home evolves or the people in it. Having a bespoke piece of furniture or interior style that makes you happy, plus what works around your lifestyle, plays a huge role in our day-to-day lives. It’s probably one of our favourite parts of our jobs. Palmlivingae.com, @palmlivingae