< PreviousTRENDS The 60 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6019/03/2024 13:41Three Dubai homeowners on movements that inspire them and styling spaces that speak to your design sensibilities PE R S O N A L P R EF ER EN C E Facing page: Karen Dougall’s Dubai home features furniture by Palm Living 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 refl ect the owner’s identity. Th ere’s proof that beauty on its own isn’t always enough, but, when bespoke, can have rippling eff ects 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. Interviews by AYESHA SHEHMIR Photography by EFRAIM EVIDOR The TRENDS HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6120/03/2024 10:22NIKKI MARTIN AND KAREN DOUGALL FOUNDERS OF PALM LIVING WHY IS TAILOR-MADE FURNITURE IMPORTANT FOR A SPACE’S CHARACTER? We often fi nd that after a site visit, some spaces can be more challenging than others, depending on the size or shape of the rooms. Th is is why tailor-made furniture is so important. We want to off er 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. TOP TIP FOR STYLING A HOME THAT SPEAKS TO THE OWNER’S PERSONALITY? It’s all about accessorising, fi nding the balance between key focal pieces and then complementing them with home styling. Th e way a home is styled speaks volumes about the owner. Th is is why we work so closely with all our clients and fi nd 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 diff erent 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 coff ee 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. 62 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 WHAT DESIGN MOVEMENT HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST? 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, eff ortless 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 refi ned 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. 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. “The way a home is styled speaks volumes about the owner” Karen Do u g all an d N i k k i M a rt in Eff ortless lines and neutral shades fi ll Karen’s home HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6219/03/2024 13:43TRENDS The 63 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 Karen’s residence combines varied textures to bring depth and sensorial richness The TRENDS HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6320/03/2024 10:22Facing page: Nods to nature within the styling elements soothingly bring the outside in This page: Movement and fl ow 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 ALBA PACANI DUBAI HILLS RESIDENT WHY IS TAILOR-MADE FURNITURE IMPORTANT FOR A SPACE’S CHARACTER? It allows for customisation and personalisation. It was important that our home refl ects our style and aesthetic. We also wanted furniture that would perfectly fi t within the space and complement the overall design style. TOP TIP FOR STYLING A HOME THAT SPEAKS TO THE OWNER’S PERSONALITY? 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. WHAT DESIGN MOVEMENT HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST? 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. Th e Estilo Blanco team has meticulously designed our home to balance these two design styles – and added a touch of minimalism and sophistication. “Incorporate meaningful and personal design elements throughout the space” Al b a P a c a n i HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6419/03/2024 13:4365 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 The TRENDS HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6520/03/2024 10:23TRENDS The ZARTASHA MALIK AND SAAD HUSSAIN FASHION DESIGNER AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER WHY IS TAILOR-MADE FURNITURE IMPORTANT FOR SPACE’S CHARACTER? It allows you to create pieces that perfectly fi t 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 fi nishes that align with your personal taste as well as the overall aesthetic of your home. TOP TIP FOR STYLING A HOME THAT SPEAKS TO THE OWNER’S PERSONALITY? 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. WHAT DESIGN MOVEMENT HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST? 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. Th e use of light colours, natural materials, and minimalistic furniture really helps to create that calm and inviting atmosphere. Polished and refl ective 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 INTERVIEWS BY AYESHA SHEHMIR, IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND EFRAIM EVIDOR HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6619/03/2024 13:4467 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 “Choose a colour palette that resonates with you” Z a rta sh a M a li k an d Sa a d H u s s ain 67 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 Bold bends, soft lines and proportionality inject character into Saad and Zartasha’s home The TRENDS HBI_060_60-65_Trends Homeowners_13190964.indd 6720/03/2024 10:23TRENDS The 68 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Summer 2023 CREDIT HERE This season’s spaces revisit the past and break into the dramatic – plain palettes take a backseat and self-expression is key NE W C A N V A S Words by LAURA CHERRIE BEANEY Sleek, simple and sincere design from Villeroy & Boch allows for airiness and fl ow IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS HBI_060_68-73_Bathroom-kitchens trends_13197154.indd 6819/03/2024 16:39TRENDS The 69 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Summer 2023 CREDIT HERE TRENDS The BATHROOMS An often underestimated domain, this season’s bathrooms break free from functionality only with aesthetics that command attention. Look to tactile materials that exude bohemian simplicity, explore the principles of biophilic design and boldly embrace individual expression. BIOPHILIC BEAUTY As evidenced elsewhere in the home, the trend of bringing the natural world indoors through biophilic design drives this season’s bathroom sensibilities. Enhancing our overall sense of wellbeing, this approach can be incorporated in both subtle and comprehensive ways. For those unable to make major alterations, small adjustments can make a signifi cant impact. Optimise natural light by strategically placing mirrors to amplify sunlight throughout the space, introduce potted plants, or create a statement with a living plant wall that thrives in the bathroom’s humidity. Select a material palette that evokes the natural world – textured wood, sleek stone, or bamboo. For those considering more noticeable transformations, consider replacing glossy tiles with textured stone or installing an open-air shower or bathtub in your garden – a serene escape nestled amidst tropical plant life. HBI_060_68-73_Bathroom-kitchens trends_13197154.indd 6919/03/2024 13:52Next >