< PreviousTRENDS The 70 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 BOHO SIMPLICITY Let the sense of slow, sun-kissed days in Ibiza or Tulum slip into your abode. Th is aesthetic embraces earthy tones – think terracotta, off -white, clay, caramel, and sand – to inspire slow living and tranquillity. Imperfect textures add dynamism through their tactility. Consider hand-fi nished tiles and natural stone basins nestled among weathered driftwood. Timber elements radiate warmth while rugged stone creates subtle tension against sleek glass surfaces. Accessorise with rustic rattan accents and lightweight linen to summon a sense of eff ortless escapism. Experiment with soft, ambient lighting that eff ortlessly blends with an understated colour palette, allowing the textures to tell their story. EXPRESS YOURSELF In contrast to the stark, clinical whiteness that characterised bathrooms of the past, we state a case for spaces that speak of individual character. Achieve this through colour blocking – in wall tiles, fl ooring, or wallpaper. Juxtapose dusky pinks and saff rons with existing white ceramics or explore one of the season’s statement sink designs, imposing a playful burst of colour onto an otherwise blank canvas. Traditionally associated with privacy, render your bathroom a talking point. Surprise guests with textured tiles in unconventional shades, heirloom faucets in brass, or eclectic art pieces adorning the walls. Elevate the environment further by incorporating additional pops of expression through accents such as candlestick holders, sculptural wastepaper bins, or innovative light fi xtures. From top: Tanzania by Sara Group focuses on earthy tones and wooden materials; The Villeroy & Boch Artis washbasin in a soft pink emanates radiance The showering range ALU+ by Ideal Standard blends long lines with curvature in striking shades RIght: This Gaggenau kitchen denotes individual expression with its striking and vivid presence HBI_060_68-73_Bathroom-kitchens trends_13197154.indd 7019/03/2024 13:52CREDIT HERE TRENDS The 71 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Summer 2023 XOX OXOXOOXOXOX XOXOOO XOXOX OXO XOXO XOXO XOXO XOXO XOX XO XOX OXOX OXOXOOXO XOX OXOXOOXOXOX XOXOOO XOXOX OXO XOXO XOXO XOXO XOXO XOX XO XOX OXOX OXOXOOXO KITCHENS Th is season’s kitchens are characterised by artful expression, life-enhancing technologies, and a re-evaluation of materiality. TECHNICAL SUPPORT Th e increasing integration of technology into our daily lives has extended its reach into our kitchens. Th is season, our focus is on effi ciency. We’re seeking out advancements that streamline our routines and alleviate our daily chores. Smart appliances have reconfi gured our approach to cooking and food storage in dynamic ways. Integrated voice assistants in fridges and ovens support food prep, manage our grocery lists, and warn us when stocks are low or fresh produce is about to expire. App-connected kitchens also aff ord us the luxury of setting timers and turning off devices from afar. Kitchens that look barely lived-in captivate our attention. Beyond functionality, innovations like invisible induction countertop ranges cater to minimalist sensibilities, integrating essential equipment into the countertop for a cohesive aesthetic while creating space for socialising. For those not yet ready for a complete kitchen overhaul, smart appliances like app-controlled coff ee machines are great entry points. HBI_060_68-73_Bathroom-kitchens trends_13197154.indd 7119/03/2024 16:40TRENDS The LIGHTING REVISITED Harsh overhead lighting is shifting towards more subtle and spectacular ways to illuminate kitchens and dining spaces. Enhance the entertaining experience by incorporating experimental light pendants that fuse artistry with functionality. Th is is your chance to introduce unconventional materials and elements into the dining area – think antique coloured glass, dangling mid-century orbs, or sculptural metal. Playful pendants not only illuminate the space but also add a sense of movement, casting the gaze upwards and acting as conversation-starting art pieces. Consider how these additions dialogue with your other works of art for cohesion throughout the home. TRACE OF TIME Much like the evolving trends in this season’s bathrooms, the way we approach the kitchen is also undergoing revision, questioning the necessity of being confi ned to pristine whites. Th e introduction of dramatic raw marble, brushed metal, and natural textures adorning sinks and countertops celebrates the trace of time and the allure of imperfection. Materials which garner character over time, like veined marble and statement stone, are rising in popularity. When it comes to cabinets, opt for a streamlined aesthetic by minimising fussy elements like handles and prioritising clean lines, such that, your emboldened material choices speak volumes. A beachfront villa in Kuwait with lighting that transcends limitations in scale and scope; From left: A kitchen in Dubai Hills featuring honey notes, and clean lines softened by arched furniture and distinct lighting. Both by ANARCHITECT. Photo by Leva Saudarg HBI_060_68-73_Bathroom-kitchens trends_13197154.indd 7219/03/2024 16:4073 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 HBI_060_68-73_Bathroom-kitchens trends_13197154.indd 7319/03/2024 16:40Design Space AlUla in the AlJadidah Arts District brings together heritage and contemporary interpretations FOCUS Design HBI_060_74-79_Design Focus_13197316.indd 7419/03/2024 13:56The first permanent gallery dedicated to design across AlUla has opened in AlJadidah, marrying modern architecture with ancient rock formations LEGACY OF THE KINGDOM IMAGES COUR TESY OF RESPECTIVE DESIGNERS AND DESIGN SP ACE ALULA With its location along the ancient Incense Road, AlUla has borne witness to the movement and imprint of mankind for over 200,000 years. Today, the heritage site has evolved into a destination synonymous not only with tradition and striking scenery, but also with culture. Among its recent additions, including artist residencies and festivals, Design Space in AlJadidah, AlUla’s cultural district, emerges as a key contributor to the destination’s rapidly expanding cultural ecosystem. It welcomes design into the conversation. 75 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 Words by LAURA CHERRIE BEANEY HBI_060_74-79_Design Focus_13197316.indd 7519/03/2024 13:56A 3D render of Azulik Eco Resort, a luxury space created to off er total immersion into the storied surroundings of AlUla HBI_060_74-79_Design Focus_13197316.indd 7619/03/2024 13:56In the face of contemporary challenges, urban planners, designers and architects are tasked with preserving AlUla's natural and cultural heritage while envisioning a sustainable future. Design Space AlUla rises to the challenge, off ering a platform for exploring a multitude of design practices from around the globe, through the lens of AlUla's distinct cultural and natural context. “We've immersed ourselves in extensive research to gradually uncover our design philosophy,” suggests Sara Ghani, Curator of Design Space AlUla. Th e gallery space, archive and workshop were launched with the vision of nurturing collaboration and exchange, among design professionals, students and enthusiasts through a series of exhibitions, workshops and archival initiatives under Sara’s stewardship. “As the curator, I posed these questions: How do we defi ne design? What are the boundaries of design and their intersections?” she explains. “Rather than confi ning ourselves to a singular fi eld, we aimed to present design in all its facets, from branding, graphic design, and product design to architectural and urban design. We’re showcasing processes across scales, disciplines and initiatives to underscore the diversity in our design community. Our inaugural exhibition presents a unifi ed narrative; a celebration of a multitude of visual stories.” Th e exhibition entitled Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design reveals the design vision behind ten recent creations across design, architecture and urban planning, all infl uenced by the location’s traditions and terrain. “It’s a curated selection of designers who have previously contributed to various initiatives in AlUla,” notes Sara. Some showcased projects cast a fresh gaze towards the site’s historical past, while others animate the present or off er a glimpse into sustainable futures. Maraya, meaning ‘mirror’ in Arabic, is an architectural illusion that appears to disappear into the surrounding desert canyon. Preparatory works by Giò Forma Studio/Black Engineering reveal how their mirror-clad concert hall melds seamlessly into AlUla’s natural textures. Indicative of the space’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing modernity, the exhibition also highlights how Hopkins Architects have applied the concept of 'kintsugi' to the regeneration of Madrasat Addeera, a modern heritage building that originally housed Saudi Arabia’s fi rst girls school in the 1960s. In the Japanese context, kintsugi is the art of repairing ceramic vessels through the joining of pieces with golden seams, accentuating the cracks in a celebration of old meeting new. Inviting the past to converse with the present in their approach, Hopkins Architects retained the school’s existing features such as the raised windows that off er ample natural light while maintaining privacy, whereas original murals connect with newly commissioned artworks by local creatives. Th e building will now serve as a centralised arts and design centre for AlUla, off ering community training programmes and workspaces that inspire innovation. “It's intriguing how, instinctively, when fi rst encountering the cultural and natural landscape here, designers gravitated towards creations that do not intrude on the natural environment,” says Sara. “Th rough a comprehensive survey, we arrived at a simple yet impactful idea: to create buildings that harmonise with the desert environment rather than imposing upon it. Some designers took the initiative to incorporate DESIGN FOCUS HBI_060_74-79_Design Focus_13197316.indd 7719/03/2024 13:57sensitivity to the landscape into their designs. For example, if you examine the renders closely, you'll notice designs inspired by the winds, colours and sun on the mountains.” When envisioning the Azulik Eco Resort, Roth Architecture came up with material combinations and architectural forms that drew from natural formations in AlUla, shaped by the wind's passage over time. Meaning ‘tribe of the wind’, Azulik summons the character of its surroundings, connecting the area's ancestral heritage and ecosystem to the artistic sensibilities of its guests. Roth Architecture’s approach transcends aesthetics, cultivating opportunities to embrace intangible concepts like the passing of time, etched into the environment. Community cohesion on local and international scales is another core contributor to the Design Space ethos. Th e restoration of the historic Ammar Bin Yasser Mosque, led by SAL Architects, is the material trace of open dialogue with surrounding inhabitants and reinforces the signifi cance of spirituality in the setting. Integral to the design process was the collection of oral histories, with community memories and stories informing the vision for development. Th is preservation eff ort also ensures meaningful integration of the mosque into the context of AlJadidah. Th rough successive rebuilds spanning generations, the landmark forms a spiritual gateway between AlUla Old Town and AlJadidah, connecting the past and present. SAL Architects' vision combines a subtle palette, geometric elements, and clean lines whispering mid-century codes. Sara doesn't view Design Space as operating in isolation, but rather as a site that evolves with local and international minds. “We’re cultivating a design community, engaged in conversation with other institutions globally,” she explains. “We consulted with the director of the Design Museum in London to develop our vision and mission and we plan to engage in knowledge transfer with other leading institutions as well.” Th e curator emphasises that inclusive design leads to a society where everyone has a voice, as such, AlUla’s residents will continue to shape Design Space: “We welcome the local community to witness and engage in our endeavours,” concludes Sara. “We're committed to involving them in our development process through ongoing workshops and brainstorming sessions.” From top: The Ammar Bin Yasser Mosque is a revered and key component of integration in the area; Plush palm trees pepper the paths of the Heritage Oasis trail which exudes serenity 78 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 HBI_060_74-79_Design Focus_13197316.indd 7819/03/2024 13:5779 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2023 From top: Aerial view of AlJadidah; Award-winning Oil Lantern by Imane Mellah, designed to inculcate culture while delivering functionality DESIGN FOCUS HBI_060_74-79_Design Focus_13197316.indd 7919/03/2024 13:57Next >