Gaggenau’s new Expressive series draws inspiration from Bauhaus principles and the minimalism of modernist architecture
50 What to Exp ect at Downtown Design
The Middle East’s leading platform for high-quality contemporary design will showcase a curated mix of international and regional brands, alongside independent designers and studios
56 An Ethereal Stay
A bespoke, cultural and spiritual adventure awaits in the remote, magical Kingdom of Mustang with the all-inclusive Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection hotel
60 Where Faith, Knowledge, and Community Converge
Conceived by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Qatar is the first purpose-built contemporary women’s mosque in the Muslim world
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Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Managing Partner and Group Editor
Ian Fairservice
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Editor
Aneesha Rai
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Vibha Monteiro
Sub-editor
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Sharmine Khan
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Sunil Kumar
Production Manager
Binu Purandaran
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Venita Pinto
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Editor’s Note
Luxury is such a curious word, both magnetic and elusive. Increasingly, it resists definition beyond ‘a feeling’. Many designers shy away from the term, yet its allure is undeniable. With countless brands labelling themselves as ‘luxury’, has the word begun to lose its meaning? Today, the conversation often circles around exclusivity and being ‘in the know’. But in a world of relentless microtrends, I can’t help but ask: if we are always chasing the next thing, where is the luxury in that?
To me, luxury in design lies not in scarcity but in discernment – the ability to choose what truly matters and a reflection of freedom of thought. And perhaps more importantly, to say “No” without worrying about it. It is the freedom to think independently, underpinned by consistency and rigorous discipline.
This issue reflects that perspective. Our cover features Gaggenau, a brand that embodies design for the truly discerning. With gravitas born of relentless innovation, Gaggenau continues to define form-meets-function at its very best.
In this issue, we also journey through homes in Dubai and beyond, where we examine the many interpretations of luxury in residential design. Our Design Focus highlights the small yet impactful details that infuse personality into your living spaces. As Downtown Design approaches, we bring you an exclusive preview of what promises to be its most exciting edition yet.
We are also counting down to the identity Design Awards, and we’re thrilled to announce that this year’s shortlist will be revealed in mid-October at our exclusive shortlist party, in collaboration with Casamia. Each year, the creativity, dedication and passion reflected in the submissions leave us truly inspired. You’ve asked, and we’ve listened: in the spirit of transparency, we’re also introducing something new this year. Feedback on submissions will be shared, to help elevate future submissions and foster an even stronger sense of community within the industry.
Table and seat reservations for the gala night on 20 November are now open via Platinum List. Make sure that you secure your spots for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Until then, my best wishes to all. See you soon!
Aneesha Rai Editor identity
The Art of Distinction
Influenced by Art Deco design, Supreme by TREDEX now features a striking Matt Bourbon finish
In a region where design is celebrated as both lifestyle and art, TREDEX presents its latest triumph, the Supreme collection, now introduced in the striking Matt Bourbon finish. More than a new line of fittings, Supreme is a declaration of intent, positioning TREDEX as a brand defining the language of contemporary luxury interiors across the UAE and KSA. Italian manufacturing lies at the heart of the collection. Each tap and fitting embodies the marriage of advanced engineering and artisanal detail, from grooved lines crafted with precision machinery to high-accuracy handles that deliver smooth, effortless water control. Made from premium certified materials and tested for 500,000 cycles, the equivalent of approximately 70 years of residential use, the collection sets a benchmark for both durability and design excellence.
Supreme draws inspiration from the elegance of Art Deco, a design movement of the 1920s and 1930s defined by bold geometry, rich materials and refined craftsmanship. This heritage is reinterpreted into a modern vocabulary, with fittings that serve as sculptural statements within the bathroom space. The finishes carry distinct personalities: the timeless clarity of chrome; the bold modernity of Matte Black; the opulence of Brushed Bright Gold, plated with 24-karat gold; and the hero finish Matt Bourbon, developed exclusively for TREDEX. With its warm matte depth, Matt Bourbon harmonises beautifully with stone, wood and minimalist palettes, lending each setting a rare and unmistakable distinction.
The Supreme collection extends beyond taps and showers, offering a fully immersive bathroom experience. Its Italian-made ceramics include wall-hung WCs with a generous 550mm length, available in Glossy White, Matte White and Matte Black, paired with matching bidets. Crafted from a superior ceramic blend and fired at 1250°C, they feature a ‘True Rimless’ design for uncompromising hygiene and a protective glaze that resists bacteria, mould and mildew. Completing the experience are bathtubs manufactured in the United Kingdom, made from sanitary-grade cast acrylic, naturally warm to the touch, precision-trimmed with CNC machinery and reinforced with FSC-certified timber for strength and stability.
Now available across all SARA showrooms in the UAE and KSA, the Supreme collection underscores TREDEX’s reputation for originality, exclusivity and trusted quality. In Matt Bourbon, luxury acquires a new depth, transforming bathrooms into curated spaces where design, precision and artistry coexist seamlessly.
The Chedi Wadi Safar
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and KCA International are collaborating to launch this new hotel
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Set amidst the historic beauty of the Diriyah district, The Chedi Wadi Safar is an architectural ode to the region’s rich heritage. The design of the hotel combines Najdi architectural elements with contemporary luxury, resulting in a harmonious retreat that offers both an immersive cultural experience and a serene escape for global travellers.
The Chedi Wadi Safar is designed as a tranquil sanctuary where guests can experience a seamless blend of modern elegance and traditional craftsmanship. The collaboration between KCA International and BIG, with the support of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) brings a unique vision to life. The interiors are inspired by the natural beauty surrounding the site, with an emphasis on organic textures, earthy tones and the use of local materials like stone, clay and handcrafted wood.
Upon entering the grand lobby, guests are greeted by the breath-taking panorama of the
Wadi, framed by expansive glass walls that flood the space with natural light. A striking central feature – a serene water installation paired with a solitary tree – serves as a natural focal point, creating an atmosphere of calm that permeates throughout the hotel. The Chedi Wadi Safar's all-day dining restaurant, crafted with an open, airy layout, draws inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture. The design features handwoven textiles, local limestone and intricate geometric patterns, providing guests with an authentic yet elevated dining atmosphere.
The emphasis on sustainability, in line with DGDA’s vision for eco-conscious development, is evident in the choice of materials that honour Diriyah’s cultural heritage while supporting modern environmental responsibility.
The spa, inspired by the stillness of the desert, offers a holistic wellness experience that connects guests to the surrounding landscape. The use of natural light, earthy hues
and sensory elements draws upon the desert’s tranquillity, offering an immersive retreat that rejuvenates mind, body and soul. The Chedi Suites, meanwhile, are testament to the philosophy of understated luxury. The interiors embrace simplicity, with muted tones, natural materials and minimalist designs that encourage relaxation and introspection. Each suite offers panoramic views of the surrounding Wadi, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
A highlight of the project is the exclusive Branded Residences, which combine the allure of luxury living with the timeless charm of Najdi heritage. These residences are thoughtfully designed with spacious courtyards and private terraces, allowing residents to bask in the beauty of the desert landscape while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities. With its visionary design, The Chedi Wadi Safar not only celebrates the historical significance of Diriyah but also sets a new standard for luxury in the region.
A New Chapter in Surfaces
APE Grupo brings Spanish expertise to the Middle East with a flagship showroom designed for visionaries
Design has always been an act of convergence: ideas travel, influences overlap and the most compelling spaces come into being when cultures and practices intersect. Few companies embody this principle as directly as APE Grupo. With more than three decades of experience and operations in over 120 countries, the Spanish surfaces company has built its reputation on connecting technical precision with design ambition.
The decision to open its first international flagship store in Dubai is a natural extension of that philosophy. Unlike a traditional retail outlet, the showroom is conceived as a collaborative environment for the design community, featuring the largest tile portfolio in Spain. Bath and pool environments are staged at full scale, XL panels are displayed like canvases, and dedicated areas invite designers, architects and clients to explore ideas in real time. The act of touching, testing and imagining becomes a form of learning, one that informs both aesthetic and practical choices.
This shift matters. In an industry where surfaces have often been considered background elements, APE Grupo positions them as central to how design is both imagined and realised. By combining Spanish craftsmanship with the aspirations of the Middle East, the showroom becomes a bridge, linking expertise and innovation with a growing demand for design that is at once functional, expressive and enduring.
Behind every surface is a team shaping the vision. APE Grupo Dubai brings together a multicultural, multilingual group of professionals – each member united by expertise, passion and a shared dedication to making design tangible. From those guiding clients through creative choices to those shaping marketing or driving collaborations, every APE Grupo member contributes their knowledge and perspective, making the showroom a space where ideas converge and cultures intersect. It’s this combination of skill, diversity and shared dedication that turns a showroom into a destination where creativity thrives, collaborations spark and design comes to life.
For Firas Atallah, Middle East Delegation Manager, this store is also a statement of intent: “Dubai felt like the right place to start. It is a city where ideas are exchanged constantly and where design ambition runs high. Opening here shows our commitment not just to the market, but to being part of that larger conversation.”
The opening of the Al Quoz flagship reflects a broader maturity within the region’s design ecosystem and points toward a future where dialogue between designers, clients and materials becomes richer and more collaborative. In that future, spaces like the new showroom will be as important as the projects they ultimately help bring to life.
From top – Fayenza by the pool: Handcrafted by APE Grupo for an elegant Dubai project. Design: Astrid Peacock | Execution: Pools by Design | Photograph: Casa Mia Visuals; (from left) Jone San Salvador - Specifications Coordinator, Ali Ameen Drbas - Sales Representative, Maja Simic - Marketing Coordinator, Eyad Ghosn - General Manager, Louis Arden - Sales Representative, (sitting) Firás AtallahMiddle East Delegation Manager, Angela Luana Petrella - Business Development
A Touch of Luxury
Here’s how you can bring both sophistication and style to every room
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Vincent Van Duysen's collection for Perennials and Sutherland
Perennials and Sutherland has unveiled a sweeping collaboration with Belgian architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen. The Fall 2025 launch introduces a comprehensive offering of outdoor furniture, high-performance fabrics, rugs and most notably, Van Duysen’s first-ever collection of wallcoverings.
The collaboration marks a milestone for the designer, whose minimalist, textural approach has influenced iconic brands worldwide. “This was my very first time exploring wallcoverings, so I approached it as an opportunity to translate both my architectural language and personal sensibility into something expansive and textural,” explains Van Duysen.
The Perennials by Vincent Van Duysen wallcovering collection debuts with six distinct designs: Stitchery, Grooves, Tableau, Tierceron, Filament and Ashlar. Each one explores dimension, rhythm and materiality.
Building on the success of his 2021 Perennials collection, Van Duysen introduces six new fabric qualities: Parquet, Weathered Stripe, Ardennes, Waffle, Brickwork and Antwerp. Each reflects the designer’s understated aesthetic through textures such as small-scale herringbone, chequerboard chenille and linear masonry-inspired patterns.
The textile story also extends to the floor with four new rug designs: Passer, Lignes, Brickwork and Waffle. Each showcases Van Duysen’s passion for tactile structure – whether through chequerboard tufting, stacked-brick effects or flatwoven rope inlays. The rugs balance performance with artisanal craft, grounding interiors with depth and quiet elegance.
Sutherland’s beloved Franck collection, first launched in 2018, is reinterpreted this season as Franck Aluminum. While retaining the original silhouettes, the update introduces powder-coated aluminium frames and sling seating. The result is a series of lightweight yet durable pieces, including dining and lounge chairs, a three-seat sofa, adjustable chaise and versatile tables topped with either aluminium slats or Belgian Bluestone. “It appears lighter, softer and firmly anchored in the modernist universe that is so dear to me,” Van Duysen explains. “The materials and proportions have been reconsidered to express a sense of quiet sophistication, while maintaining the timeless elegance of the original spirit.”
DESIGN FOCUS
[LEFT]
Deltalis dining table by Roche Bobois
Designed by Maurizio Manzoni, Deltalis is a stunning fixed oval dining table featuring a top in ceramic or glass composite. The crossbeam is made of aluminium and the base is formulated in steel with an epoxy lacquer finish that can be customised in various colours. Deltalis is offered in two dimensions
Inde Rose by Jaipur Rugs
Inde Rose, available at Jaipur Rugs, channels art, architecture, design and nature into larger-than-life art objects that harmonise, and in doing so creates relationships between spaces, bodies and the experience of beauty and luxury. Hand-knotted to perfection using the finest silk, the collection takes the historic tradition of coordinated décor elements to the next level with its coordinated pairs of rugs. Each pair has one graphic-heavy piece and a visually lighter one that subtly mirrors its palette and patterns.
[BELOW]
Photography: Flavien Carlod
Vela door by Oikos
The new entrance architecture door by Oikos, Vela is a sliding security door that combines aesthetics, performance and functionality. Innovative in its concept as a sliding door for main entrances, it stands out for its absence of traditional locks and keys. Opening and closing are managed through four methods: smartphone, PIN code, Oikos Card or fingerprint reader. The latter can be integrated into the door’s handle or, for a cleaner design, placed on an adjacent wall or in another room,
up to eight metres away from the door. Vela is unveiled with a new range of porcelain stoneware finishes that each combine the elegance of metallic effects with the urban character of concrete. From neutral and sophisticated tones to deep and intense shades, each nuance tells a unique material story.
The door also boasts high-performance standards, validated by the rigorous tests to which the company subjects all its product lines. Vela offers Class 4 burglary resistance,
42 dB acoustic insulation and air-water-wind tightness ratings of 3-7A-C5 – among the highest ever achieved. Lastly, it features thermal insulation with a Ud value of 1.3 W/m²K.
Vela presents itself as a true platform for creating entrance architectures that have never been seen before. Its flexible dimensions allow for custom solutions, making each entrance unique and special; Vela is available in a range of sizes, from a minimum of 900 x 2100 mm to a maximum of 3750 x 5000 mm.
Bold coffee table by Ethimo
The original Bold coffee table has been reinterpreted in different sizes and intense and bright colours, which highlight the sculptural spirit and high quality craftsmanship. The new Boldini tables are suitable for furnishing outdoor lounge areas, providing the opportunity to create different arrangements and original combinations alongside the many other lounge items produced by Ethimo. The tabletops, offered in three ‘soft’ shapes, are created in Rosso Francia or Verde Guatemala marble or sand-coloured travertine, available in a bright glossy finish that accentuates the beauty and natural veining in the materials. The glazed ceramic legs echo the colours of the tabletops and their shiny effect, adding dynamism and cohesion to the overall design.
Photography: Massimo Gardone / Azimut
Photography: Tom Bassett
Nina Takesh Furniture
Renowned interior designer and entrepreneur
Nina Takesh has unveiled her highly anticipated debut collection: Nina Takesh Furniture. Featuring 14 meticulously crafted pieces, the collection captures Nina’s elevated design ethos, blending modern sophistication with timeless appeal. From the graceful curves of chairs and stools to the bold elegance of every bed, sofa, console, bench and coffee table, each item reflects a fresh interpretation of luxury –one rooted in comfort, craftsmanship and an enduring sense of style.
At the heart of the collection lies a reverence for mid-century French design, reimagined through a modern lens. Stacked, rounded silhouettes define the line, giving each piece a soft yet confident presence. The Rêverie sofa makes a striking statement with its modular design and inviting plushness, while the Époque chair brings a sculptural touch with its curved embrace, seamlessly balancing softness and structure. The Mélange credenza is an artful storage piece, featuring a curved façade and striking marble accents, while the Étoile bed exudes a quiet opulence, its upholstered headboard enveloping the bedroom in serene comfort.
Upholstered in sumptuous luxury textiles by Misia Paris, the pieces are as tactile as they are elegant. Rich textures and tailored forms come together to create a visual and sensory experience that invites touch and celebrates materiality. “This collection is a true reflection of my design journey, my love for architecture, and my deep appreciation for artistry in furniture-making,” said Takesh. “Every piece is thoughtfully created to bring beauty, function and a sense of sumptuous comfort into the home. I wanted to design furniture that not only complements a space but transforms it.”
Each piece is handcrafted in Los Angeles, highlighting Nina’s commitment to local artistry and customisation. Clients are invited to select from a curated range of premium materials or use COM (Customer’s Own Material), allowing for a highly personalised approach to each design.
Poltrona Frau x Fornasetti residence in Milan. A kaleidoscope of butterflies flutters over a backdrop of multilingual news clippings. The observer is invited to visualise actively and imaginatively: the leather resembles paper and, originally, this paper was designed to be printed on a fabric. The message concealed in this decoration, engraved on the 1919 tray and on the plaque applied to the Isidoro trunk-bar, is perfectly summed up by Barnaba Fornasetti: “Don’t dwell on the news, because the news is fleeting.” With shelves, drawers and bottle racks, the Isidoro drinks cabinet stands 117cm (46 inches) high and tastefully mixes aesthetics and functionality, re-editing itself into a furnishing item with a vibrant visual impact and a newfound modernity.
The Isidoro trunk, which serves as an exquisite drinks cabinet and was originally designed by Jean-Marie Massaud in 2007, exemplifies the topend craftsmanship and Italian creativity inherent in both Poltrona Frau and Fornasetti: the elegant finishes are in Walnut-stained wood, while the interior and exterior components are covered in precious Pelle Frau ColorSphere Impact Less leather printed with UItime Notizie decorative motive, one of the most iconic patterns in the Fornasetti archive. Created in 1950 by Piero Fornasetti as a print design for a silk fabric, in 2003 UItime Notizie was reissued and modified by his son Barnaba for the kitchen furnishings in Casa Fornasetti, the historic family
[LEFT]
[ABOVE]
TOTO NEOREST WX
The TOTO NEOREST WX has a sleek, corner-free form that integrates the WASHLET system seamlessly within a pristine white ceramic body, reflecting precision craftsmanship and subtle elegance. Features such as EWATER+ cleaning, PREMIST, automatic flush and personalised comfort settings deliver effortless hygiene and convenience. Designed for architects, designers and design-conscious homeowners, the WX blends technology, sustainability and aesthetics to create a serene, sophisticated bathroom experience.
This feature is presented by Al-Futtaim Engineering, demonstrating the company’s commitment to bringing world-class design and innovation to the UAE. Customers can explore TOTO products first-hand at showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Kahrs Oak Herringbone by Nordic Homework
Herringbone-patterned floors remain a favourite among designers for their elegant geometry and timeless appeal. They introduce movement and texture to interiors without overwhelming a space, striking a balance that feels both classic and contemporary.
Unmistakably Scandinavian, Kährs’ Oak Herringbone AB in Crème embodies this sentiment. In a Business Bay penthouse by Leila Khalil Design, its pale,
creamy tones anchor airy, light-filled rooms, while in a Nikki Beach residence by SETE Interiors, it softens a dark interior and balances a bold red kitchen island. The delicate knots and gentle colour variations give each board a natural, lived-in warmth, while the precise herringbone layout adds quiet sophistication.
Supplied and installed by Nordic Homeworx, Dubai’s go-to experts on Swedish wood flooring for the past 20 years, the floor reflects a careful attention to craft under the guidance of Swedish native Pauline Madani. Here, herringbone is more than a pattern; it’s a foundation for spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Business Bay penthouse by Leila Khalil Design, photography by Natelee Cocks
LWhen Art Meets Light
Brush and Switch by Sans Souci bend light in unexpected ways
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
ight is more than illumination. At Sans Souci, installations transform spaces into experiences, each one telling its own story through glass, light and emotion. Two of the brand’s latest collections, Brush and Switch, perfectly capture how differently this vision can come to life.
Brush celebrates creativity in its purest form. Like a painter’s stroke across a canvas, its sculpted glass forms seem to freeze movement mid-air – fluid, expressive and alive. As light plays across the textured surfaces, they bring a sense of drama and energy reminiscent of fine art. Whether referencing the paintings in a gallery-like interior with colours or standing as a bold centrepiece, Brush infuses spaces with spontaneity and turns ceilings into living works of art.
By contrast, Switch is all about precision and modularity. Its mirrored elements can form anything from a subtle reflective feature to a
sweeping installation spanning entire walls. Depending on the composition, the result can be minimal and serene or strikingly dynamic, especially when paired with dynamic lighting effects that shift and evolve before your eyes.
What sets Switch apart is Sans Souci’s signature nanocoating. This innovative finish not only gives it its distinctive mirrored look but also brings environmental benefits, reducing the need for additional chemical treatments. The result is a reflective, durable and ecoconscious surface that combines beauty with sustainability.
Together, Brush and Switch showcase Sans Souci’s belief that when shaped by light, art and design have no limits. From the organic fluidity of Brush to the architectural versatility of Switch, each installation transforms the way we see and experience space.
Sans Souci will present its latest creations at Dubai Design Week 2025.
Things to Covet
Here are some unique pieces and home accessories that can add a refined touch to your home
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
1. Wave by Alexa Lixfeld
Caspaiou curates unique styling items and accessories from Europe, tailored for contemporary luxury interiors. Each piece is chosen to bring subtle character and refinement to your home. The glass sculptures are created by Alexa Lixfeld, who designs unique centrepieces and sculptures for high-end interiors. With her distinct and sensitive approach, Lixfeld merges contemporary design with the finest European glassmaking traditions to create unique objects, limited series and bespoke installations. Each piece is masterfully crafted – mouth-blown, freehandshaped and sculpted. The use of traditional techniques ensures that every object is truly one of a kind.
2. Dodge Murano Glass Vase By Aina Kari
Ingrained in mouth-blown opaline Murano glass and presented in drip-like shapes, creating a sense of interest and intrigue.
3. Laser Blade by iGuzzini
Laser Blade has revolutionised the concept of downlighting, liberating light without revealing the source. With its minimalist design and outstanding performance, it has become an icon in professional lighting, combining aesthetics and functionality. Its success lies in the miniaturised Optibeam optic, offering high levels of visual comfort and a perfectly defined circular light beam, free from chromatic imperfections.
5. Buccellati’s Sea Collection
Sea jewels with mysterious refined shapes and endless appeal add a striking style to this collection, inspired by shells – eternal symbols of prosperity, renewal and fertility. The magnificent centrepieces, elegant vide-poches and precious placeholders all are characterised by exquisite craft and absolute perfection in every single detail – a result obtained thanks to a dedication to long-standing tradition and the patient and meticulous work of passionate silversmiths.
6. Art Deco Table Lamp By
Il Paralume Marina
Part of the Art Deco collection, inspired by the geometric rigor and bold silhouettes of home decor from the 1930s and ‘40s, this metal table lamp features a frame with striking gold finish and is handmade by skilful craftsmen. The round base supports a V-shaped frame where the bulb is inserted, covered above by a curved, metallic structure that projects the light downward. Elegant and sophisticated, this piece can be displayed alone or combined with other pieces from the same series.
7. Mao Hand Waved Pouf By Tonucci Collection
4. Riesling Bar Cabinet Technical Shagreen Fabric By
Armani Casa
Marked by a large storage unit that lies on a thin linear structure in smoked gold, the Riesling Bar features doors in technical shagreen fabric. The backs of the doors are equipped with short shelves conceived to store glassware.
Chic and intricate, this pouf draws inspiration from the iconic cross-stitch patterns seen in luxury fashion, crafted from natural leather and handwoven with care. Designed by Viola Tonucci, it received an honourable mention at the 2011 Young & Design contest in Milan, Italy. The leather is folded with precision, echoing the art of Origami.
For Those Who Know
Gaggenau’s new Expressive series draws inspiration from Bauhaus principles and the minimalism of modernist architecture
– ANEESHA RAI
WORDS
“
Two frames, one circle, a piece of art” – these are the words that encapsulate the essence of Gaggenau’s latest Expressive series. This new cavity range is the first of its kind by the brand in nearly two decades. The series unites its aesthetics with professional-grade functionality in a way only Gaggenau can. Sven Baacke, the brand’s Head of Design shares, “This new oven series is significant because it’s the first completely new design in almost twenty years. It’s not just an appliance but a piece of art. This design
balances tradition and innovation, honouring our roots while looking forward.” Alexander Stuhler, Industrial Designer for Gaggenau, shares, “After nine years of development, we have something that evokes joy through both its design and how it performs. It’s not just another oven – it’s an experience that redefines what luxury in the kitchen can feel like.”
DESIGN EXPRESSION
“One of the key features of the Gaggenau Expressive series design is its recognisable form, the ‘two frames and a circle’ concept,
“After
nine years of development, we have something that evokes joy through both its design and how it performs. It’s not just another oven – it’s an experience that redefines what luxury in the kitchen can feel like.”
Left page – The design of the Expressive series is devised from Bauhaus principles;
Above – The series includes ovens, combl-steam ovens, combi-microwave ovens, fully automatic espresso machines, culinary warming drawers and vacuuming drawers
which merges aesthetics and professionalgrade functionality. The materials and geometry have been refined – fewer visible screws, smoother joints and perfected surfaces. Lighting also plays a significant role in this series,” shares Baacke. For Stuhler, the beauty of the design lies in its subtlety. “The seamless integration of form and function – like how the curved profiles improve airflow while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic – creates a harmony between the visual and practical aspects of the oven,” he adds.
More than just a striking visual detail, the ring embodies the brand’s philosophy of blending tradition with forward-looking design.
What may appear to be a radical departure is, in fact, deeply rooted in Gaggenau’s tradition of ‘evolution over revolution’. The brand’s ovens have consistently pursued a streamlined, simplified aesthetic while consistently reducing materials, refining form and integrating display and operational elements with increasing subtlety. The floating ring builds on this history, representing the next step in a lineage defined by refinement.
Concealed behind the oven’s sleek front glass lies a discreet display, while the ring seems to hover before it, offering a tactile, future-proof interface that bridges the physical and digital worlds. The materiality of the ring
reflects Gaggenau’s heritage. Since its founding in 1685 as a forge, the brand has worked extensively with stainless steel, and the ring represents the pinnacle of this expertise. Its production requires complex milling techniques, creating a piece that is both elegant and robust – a symbol of Gaggenau’s craftsmanship and avant-garde spirit.
“The ring’s design and production are complex, combining the precision of milling the inner part with the outer, creating an elegant and highly refined piece. It symbolises the fusion of our heritage in metalwork with cutting-edge modern design,” shares Baacke. The outer frame of the Expressive series creates
“There’s no contradiction between aesthetics and functionality in the design of this series.”
a clear boundary with its kitchen environment, while the inner frame cradles the innovative passepartout and smoked glass, harmonising strength with elegance. The passepartout itself is not just a component; it’s a curator of visual balance that is dark, refined and meticulously crafted. It presents culinary creations effectively, transforming each meal into a display of perfection and enhancing all living spaces with its distinctive appearance of stainless steel behind smoked glass. The series includes ovens, combi-steam ovens, combi-microwave ovens, fully automatic espresso machines, culinary warming drawers and vacuuming drawers. “There’s no contradiction between aesthetics and functionality in the design of this series,” shares Stuhler. “For example, the curved profiles optimise airflow, balancing form and function beautifully. This kind of innovation is only possible through close collaboration between designers and engineers.”
“We always strive to balance tradition with avant-garde design. The use of stainless steel has been a constant in Gaggenau’s history since the company’s founding, and it continues to play a key role in the Gaggenau Expressive series,” states Baacke.
KEY FEATURES
Behind the blue enamel interior, the ovens feature a high-performance heating system and full surface grill. Key features include temperatures that reaches up to 300 degrees Celsius, an intuitive user interface that lights up as you approach, and a convenient onetouch door opening mechanism. The ovens are also equipped with advanced automatic programmes, a multi-point core temperature probe and a pyrolytic self-cleaning system.
Skilled craftsmanship and state-of-theart manufacturing converge – a small group of craftsmen perform the hand-brushing on
stainless steel before the automated process. Precision-chamfered edges are achieved using custom milling, adding the quality and detail that define the series. “The concept of staying tangible in a digital world was crucial in the design process,” shares User Interaction and Interface Designer Soeren Strayle. “We spent many years developing this project, focusing on ensuring that the physical interaction with the product remained a key part of the experience.”
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
The Gaggenau Expressive series introduces a new level of intelligent interaction in the kitchen. The user interface comes to life as one approaches, instantly illuminating to make operation intuitive and effortless. A distinctive circular visual indicator tracks cooking progress with precision: glowing orange segments expand as the timer advances or as the food nears its target temperature. When no settings are activated, the circle pulses softly, maintaining a subtle yet engaging presence.
Beyond the visible, innovation extends deep into the appliance’s construction. Advanced materials have been incorporated into the oven cavity to enhance heat resistance, while seamless integration ensures that every new element works in harmony rather than in
isolation. Automatic programmes further simplify cooking, adjusting heating modes for a variety of dishes to help users achieve consistent, professional results. And with the ‘Home Connect’ technology, the oven integrates smoothly with digital devices.
THE DIFFERENCE IS GAGGENAU
True to Gaggenau’s design ethos, the Expressive series demonstrates that form and function need never be at odds. Curved interior profiles, for example, are engineered to optimise airflow while simultaneously elevating the oven’s aesthetic appeal. The precision of stainless steel edges, the seamless way each component aligns and the considered proportions all reflect an obsession with detail that sets the series apart.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE BRAND IN DUBAI
Gaggenau will open its latest flagship in City Walk this October, in line with the brand’s announcement, made in 2021 after achieving a record year of sales. The Dubai flagship is at the heart of an elevated neighbourhood where leading architecture, design and furniture showrooms cluster. This positioning ensures Gaggenau is part of the region’s creative and luxury design ecosystem while offering a unique, hospitality-driven environment for culinary experiences, events and personal consultation.
In this flagship store, the architects behind the project have created a striking art installation depicting a sun rising from the desert dunes, symbolising both the region’s landscape and Gaggenau’s forward-looking vision. “For architects and interior designers to homeowners and design enthusiasts, the new flagship stores and showrooms will provide an aesthetically inspiring experience which showcases Gaggenau’s pursuit of culinary excellence; an exclusive sensory space of expertise that complements the consumers’ luxury lifestyle,” shares Dr Peter
Goetz, Managing Director of Gaggenau. Developed with German architecture firm 1zu33, the new concept transforms traditional showrooms into sensory, residential-style interiors. Each flagship acts as a stage for Gaggenau’s craftsmanship, culture and philosophy. The design strategy weaves the brand’s Black Forest heritage with local cultural references, while offering immersive experiences such as tastings, wine appreciation and culinary events.
Hendrik Müller, Founder and CEO of 1zu33. explains: “The new flagship concept, as a first and very important condition, looks at buildings with a tighter connection to the cities they are located in. The building structure should represent the characteristics of the place and bear an architectural quality, offering the potential to infuse the design of the space in an authentic manner.”
Soon, the brand is also set to release its Minimalist series to offer even further reduced design, stripping away additional features for a pure, sleek aesthetic, giving customers another way to express themselves with the brand’s iconic style.
Left page – The circular user interface operates with precision; Below – The use of stainless steel continues to play a role in the Expressive series
Eternal Flow
Inspired by the open seas and its five-star location on the Palm Jumeirah, this natureinspired home by Katrin & Muse Design brims with inspiration
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Designed for a family of four, the 460-square metre apartment at Atlantis The Royal was a standard shell and core space. The owners commissioned Dubai-based designed Katerina Suleymanova and her studio, Katrin & Muse Design to turn the space into a contemporary home by using natural premium materials, integrating advanced technology and planning comfortable, functional zones – all while making the space feel deeply personal.
One of the main changes Suleymanova and her studio instigated was to create a sense of ‘eternal flow’. They sought to eliminate the sharp angles of the home, instead introducing soft curves in ceilings, walls and built-in furniture. The colour palette is
nature-inspired: beige, cream and walnut brown, with peach in the female suite, grey in the male suite, and rose and violet accents in the daughters’ rooms.
Suleymanova also sought to combine the apartment’s main core – a living space, dining space, kitchen and corridors – into a functional space. This was achieved through a series of signature design solutions: a glass-partitioned office with a folding bronze-mesh screen that offers privacy when needed yet disappears seamlessly to preserve the sea view; a custom onyx TV unit placed perpendicular to the windows, which hides storage, defines the entrance corridor, and serves as a sculptural centrepiece with its wave-inspired curves; a dining area positioned by the windows for uninterrupted sea views and
Previous spread – The colour palette is nature-inspired: beige, cream and walnut brown, with peach in the female suite, grey in the male suite, and rose and violet accents in the daughters’ room
convenient kitchen access, complemented by a bespoke reading bench with an integrated olive tree that creates a tranquil retreat; and finally, a concealed entry buffer zone, where an awkward open vestibule was transformed into a hidden cloakroom with a full-height sliding mirror door on a magic guide, visually expanding the space while adding discreet functionality.
The suites were all designed around each user’s routines and needs. The male suite uses dark Cosmos Rock stone, walnut, leather, chrome and herringbone fabrics, forming a masculine, composed atmosphere. In the female suite, existing wardrobes façades were redesigned as fabric-clad panels in thin metal frames to blend with the walls, and a dressing table was integrated by the window for natural light. The daughters’ rooms are age-appropriate: one is airy and rosetoned with boucle textures and pink quartzite, the other features violet Calacatta Viola and a full-width headboard with built-in study zone.
All the built-in furniture was designed by Katrin & Muse studio in line with the flow of the apartment, juxtaposed with branded furniture from Cattelan Italia, Meridiani, Minotti, Poliform and Roche Bobois. The tasteful lighting fixtures come from Reflex, Lodes, Artemide, Flos and more. All the surfaces feature American walnut, cashmere, boucle, leather and natural stones. In line with the client’s requirements, a fully integrated smart home system controls lighting scenarios, curtains, music, TVs and appliances via app, switches, voice or remotes, while ceiling speakers remain invisible.
As a finishing touch, art completes the apartment: a diptych by Yuliya Solomennaya in the living room, a bespoke gypsum wave panel in the female suite, and a custom metal sculpture reminiscent of liquid mercury in the male suite. They continue the flowing theme, linking the spaces emotionally and creating a home that is airy, light and soothing for the soul.
Below – Katerina Suleymanova, Founder of Katrin & Muse Design
The Importance of Community-Driven Design
We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement
Right page – Botanical references are made through flower art panels on the walls reflecting local flora
From naming and brand development to interior design, build oversight and pre-opening strategy, Seed & Bloom has drawn on expertise from across TGP International. Joanna Varettas shares the interior design intent behind the recently launched venue.
What was the vision behind Seed & Bloom?
From the outset, our vision for Seed & Bloom went beyond designing a café – it was about shaping a place that could genuinely serve as part of the community. We wanted guests to feel instantly comfortable [in a place] where they could discover something new, connect or simply take a quiet moment for themselves.
It was important to design a space that could flex with the community, whether that was through dayparting or an adaptable space for events. The ‘Seed to Bloom’ concept became our guiding thread, influencing the concept both in spirit and in its visual expression; celebrating transformation and connection. What are some of the venue’s key design features?
One of its standout features is its dedicated community room, an adaptable space that can either serve as extra dining seating or be closed off for workshops and events.
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
This page – (above) Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International, photography by Steven Joyce; (left) Inspired by the desert hyacinth, warm yellows and earthy tones are woven through the café
The room’s design ensures it blends seamlessly into the café when not in use, yet it can function as a semi-private space when needed, without disrupting the rest of the guests. We maintained sightlines to this space through textured tinted glazing, to encourage curiosity and ensure the overall space stays dynamic and activated even when events are being hosted.
Another feature is the visible bakery and kitchen. From your seat with a coffee in hand, you can watch the bakers kneading dough and shaping pastries just behind the counter. Rather than hiding this in the back, we brought it front and centre as a true celebration of people and skill, inviting curiosity about the baking process and creating a tangible connection between guests and the food they enjoy. What role does locality play in Seed & Bloom’s design?
In developing the interior approach, we leaned into contrast, tactile finishes and a palette inspired by local botanicals, to reflect the concept of transformation. This approach allowed the design to echo the artistry both of the maker and the baker – showing how something simple can be shaped into something special through care.
This theme of transformation and growth informed every aspect of the design, from our
material choices and application techniques to the creation of the flexible event space and the café’s adaptability from day to night.
Our aim was also for Seed & Bloom to mirror its community by championing local products and producers. From the outset, we integrated goods from homegrown businesses into the guest experience. The retail shelves, for instance, are stocked with items from local partners such as Mazaraa Farm Shop and The Unwrapped Co: produce, baked goods and crafted pieces made right here in the UAE. It was essential that the space would not only look rooted in Abu Dhabi but also actively support and spotlight the people who call it home.
We also made intentional, eco-conscious choices that aligned with the café’s core values of care, craft and community. We prioritised materials that were healthier, more sustainable and rich in texture. This included wall and ceiling panels and feature pendants made from mycelium – a biodegradable material grown from mushroom mycelia – which naturally absorb sound and help reduce waste. Clay plasters and natural floral panels were also used. Which materials, textures or colours were chosen to reflect the brand’s ethos?
A subtle yet meaningful element lies in the colour palette. Many of the warm yellows and earthy
tones woven through the café were inspired by the desert hyacinth, a native desert flower. The desert hyacinth is remarkable in that it draws its nutrients from surrounding plants, relying on a host to bloom. That idea of interdependence resonated deeply with us –much like the flower, Seed & Bloom flourishes through the support and connection of its community. While most visitors may never know this story, we hope they feel the warmth and optimism it represents.
Another aspect we love is how we explored transformation through materiality, using the same elements in varied finishes and textures. For instance, wall plaster applied in a gradient – smooth at the base, becoming more textured toward the ceiling – creates a sense of movement and change. These shifts, though subtle, visually convey the idea of transformation.
We also incorporated botanical references in natural floral panels and hand-pressed artwork featuring local flora. Together, these layers – from a colour story rooted in a desert bloom, to textures that speak of craft, to motifs that honour local plant life – give the space its character. Even if not consciously noticed, we believe they foster a sense of comfort, meaning and connection in everyone who walks in.
A Lesson in Restraint
This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale
WORDS – ANEESHA RAIPHOTOGRAPHY – NATELEE COCKS
Previous spread – Throughout the apartment, natural oak was used as an architectural thread
Right page – Transitions between spaces were inspired by the client’s love for Asian culture and design sensibility
In one of Palm Jumeirah’s original shoreline buildings, a 130-square metre holiday home for a Saudi client was reimagined into a sanctuary of refined minimalism. The apartment, once a dated and compartmentalised space, was entirely restructured with a focus on light, flow and material harmony.
In contrast to its portfolio of expansive villas and mansion scale residences, Studio Urjowan Interiors brought its signature restraint and refinement to a much smaller footprint.
“The goal was to create a space that feels serene, layered, and effortless,” says interior architect Urjowan Alsharif. “Every element, whether it’s a concealed door or a glass partition, was chosen to support a quieter, more intentional way of living.”
A key architectural gesture lies in the use of Rimadesio’s Air System, a sleek, architectural glass partition detailed in bronze metal framing with bronze frosted glass. These elements define spatial boundaries while maintaining warmth, privacy and tonal depth. A pivoting Air door now separates the public and private zones, while two sliding pocket versions – one between the kitchen and dining area, another leading into the master bathroom – offer a flexible, seamless transition between spaces.
Throughout the apartment, natural oak was used as an architectural thread, wrapping walls, forming custom joinery and concealing hidden doors that quietly disappear into their context. These subtle transitions were inspired by the client’s love for Asian culture and design sensibility, where simplicity is layered with craft and every detail is purposeful. Oak elements were designed to sit flush within the architecture, reinforcing a language of calm continuity.
The design narrative began with Fromental wallpaper, installed as a panoramic mural in the dining area. Its hand-painted tones of inky green, rust and charcoal shaped the material palette and reappear subtly in the master bedroom, where a second mural continues the story.
The Lighthouse
Carrie Das has completed a beachfront home that bridges Asia-inspired minimalism and touches of British heritage
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Left – Warm wood from Lobo & Listone and travertine flooring play a pivotal role, grounding the house in natural texture and creating a continuity that runs throughout Right page – At the centre of the home, a sculptural three-level staircase became not only a striking design gesture but also the anchor connecting each floor in quiet rhythm.
Crafted from the ground up, this Palm Jumeirah home has been five years in the making – and interior designer Carrie Das was very involved in its development and design. From a blank plot, the home has been developed into a deeply personal sanctuary, shaped by an unwavering commitment to detail and design integrity.
“From day one, I worked hand in hand with the architect to ensure that every spatial decision balanced beauty with everyday life,” Das shares. “Slab heights were planned to allow seamless ceiling finishes; window placements were aligned with interior sightlines and the horizon beyond. At the centre of the home, a sculptural three-level staircase became not only a striking design gesture but also the anchor connecting each floor in quiet rhythm.”
The palette chosen was intentional yet effortless. Warm wood from Lobo & Listone and travertine flooring play a pivotal role, grounding the house in natural texture and creating a continuity that runs throughout. Its quiet presence enhances the calm atmosphere, allowing the furnishings and architectural gestures to unfold gradually, room by room.
Every detail was considered, from concept to sourcing to procurement, site coordination and final styling. The result is a home full of restrained surprises, where every corner feels both deliberate and personal.
“This project also marked a turning point. While it began during my years as partner at DIG Interiors, midway through I launched my new firm, Studio SuCo. I remained fully involved, guiding the project through to completion and ensuring that the vision, and the trust placed in me by the client, carried though seamlessly,” she shares. “The collaboration stands as a reminder of why we design: to create spaces that don’t just look extraordinary; but feel deeply lived in and truly at home.”
Photography: Kayla Simone
AKKA Interiors restructured the apartment’s layout, adding purposeful zones for reading, entertaining and family life
Skyline Serenity
A family home in Almaty, Kazakhstan blends modern architecture, bespoke craftsmanship and global design icons
WORDS – ANEESHA RAIPHOTOGRAPHY – MART GOOSSENS
Rising above Al-Farabi Avenue in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Esentai Apartments are an architectural landmark, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Defined by sleek glass façades and structural precision, the towers embody the High-Tech style – characterised by its extensive use of glass and steel, creating a visually striking façade that emphasises transparency and structural elements.
Inside one of the high-floor residences, AKKA Interiors has transformed a 300-square metre apartment into a sanctuary for a family of four. What began as a modest request to update air-cooling and refresh finishes quickly evolved into a complete reinvention. The result is a home that harmonises functional family living with sophisticated design, while embracing panoramic views of the mountains on one side and the city skyline on the other.
AKKA Interiors restructured the apartment’s layout, adding purposeful zones for reading, entertaining and family life. The open-plan living area flows seamlessly into a modern Aster Cucine kitchen with Küppersbusch appliances and a Gessi Venti20 tap, while a dedicated reading nook frames the city view. A spacious laundry room adds practicality without compromising aesthetics.
The expansive living room is the heart of the home. Anchored by the Molteni&C Octave sofa and ClassiCon Bell coffee tables, it
seamlessly transitions from family gatherings to larger social occasions. A Cattelan Italia dining table accommodates Kazakhstan’s culture of hospitality, while the Lasvit Herbarium light installation creates a dazzling focal point – carefully planned with laser precision to achieve its breath-taking effect.
The apartment’s glass walls inspired a palette that responds to natural light throughout the day. Floors in Titanium Bluff wood were custom-manufactured to eliminate red or green undertones. Walls were tested in over 15 samples before the perfect white with warmth and depth was found. To balance the coolness of glass, AKKA Interiors infused warmth through wood, stone and a signature yellow accent – serendipitously the client’s favourite colour. The yellow details, such as Aray Glass panels in the master bedroom, bring a joyful radiance that enlivens the neutral foundation.
Natural stone plays a starring role. After a four-month search across Europe and overcoming geopolitical supply chain challenges, AKKA Interiors sourced rare Italian stone for the master bathroom, which was installed with meticulous care. Eight different types of stone are integrated throughout, alongside bespoke carpentry by Valesco and Arnau Group, adding texture and authenticity.
Luxury fixtures by Gessi, a PAA bathtub and vintage Murano wall lamps elevate the bathrooms into serene retreats. In the
powder room, Arte wallpaper, onyx stone and a Heathfield & Co Koa pendant create an intimate jewel-box effect.
The family’s love of art is reflected in bold works by celebrated Kazakh painter Marat Bekeyev, whose vibrant abstract canvases animate both the living room and master suite. His paintings, deeply rooted in Kazakh culture and nature, complement the home’s clean lines and natural materials with colour and dynamism.
Lighting was treated as sculpture throughout: &Tradition Flowerpot pendants in the girls’ room, Italamp table lamps in the master bedroom and a Cattelani & Smith pendant all contribute to the apartment’s luminous atmosphere.
The project involved working with 28 different contractors, each responsible for specific parts of the job, which meant over 130 people were directly or indirectly involved. By integrating unique design elements, AKKA Interiors have been able to create a home that balances both functionality and aesthetic beauty, where local artistry, natural materials and thoughtful spatial planning come together seamlessly.
Above – (from left) A Cattelan Italia dining table; Glass features throughout the living space Right page – The Lasvit Herbarium light installation creates a dazzling focal point
What to Expect at Downtown Design
The Middle East’s leading platform for high-quality contemporary design will showcase a curated mix of international and regional brands, alongside independent designers and studios
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Preciosa Lighting
Downtown Design, the anchor event of Dubai Design Week, returns to the d3 Waterfront Terrace from 5–9 November 2025. Besides both national and international brands, regional design is making its mark at the fair with participants from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
A global-meets-local showcase
“Visitors can expect a truly global showcase this year.,” shares Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design. “First-time participants like Roche Bobois and Desalto will join the fair, while returning names such as Kartell and Poltrona Frau present new collaborations that show how design continues to reinvent itself. These leading design greats highlight how Downtown Design has become a stage where international brands see real value in presenting themselves within the region. For our audience, it means access to design conversations, craftsmanship and collaborations that might otherwise be out of reach.” Returning leading international design brands include Ethimo, Lasvit, Natuzzi, Venini, Atelier Vierkant, Caspaiou and Serafini. At the centre of the fair, Huda Lighting will stage a lighting exhibition that will unveil the
latest pieces of brands and names such as Lee Broom and Tom Dixon.
Dhow Architectural Solutions will present a multi-brand showcase and collaborative hub, ‘Dhow Design Collective’, featuring iconic design from Vitra, Artemide, Louis Poulsen and USM in a space where local designers and global brands come together to co-create.
The fair also welcomes first-time global brands including Porada and Laufen, as well as prominent names on the international highend design scene such as Stéphanie Coutas, Foglio d’Oro and Draga & Aurel (presented by The Collectional).
“For Downtown Design 2025, we have pushed further into experiential presentations. Instead of traditional stands, visitors will find environments that immerse them in design. Stellar Works and Calico Wallpaper are creating a conceptual shared space; Nordic Homeworx is collaborating with Dubai’s Styled Habitat on a multisensorial Nordic cabin concept; and Cosentino is collaborating with Etereo Design studio on a speakeasy-inspired piano bar-like hospitality space. These projects transform the fair into a place of stories and atmospheres, inviting visitors to step inside and experience design in new ways,” shares Degn-Christensen.
Stellar Works makes its Dubai debut in collaboration with Calico Wallpaper, in a space concept conceived by Omar Al Gurg. UAEfounded Fronteriors is showcasing a portfolio of design solutions, including a collection in collaboration with Avenue Design Studio. Other debut highlights include Flou, Giobagnara, Porcelanosa, Sobha Furniture, Serralunga and Lal & Ghosh.
BRANDS ON OUR RADAR
Lasvit
Renowned for its mastery of Bohemian glassmaking, Lasvit continues to push the boundaries of artistry and design through immersive lighting and glass installations. At Downtown Design, the brand will showcase pieces that exemplify its unique ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with bold, contemporary expression. Beyond the fair, Lasvit has also recently unveiled the ‘Bird of Paradise’ installation at the Casamia reception. Crafted exclusively for Casamia by Lasvit, this bespoke work reimagines the Bird of Paradise, Casamia’s emblem of creativity, beauty and expression, resulting in an illuminated sculpture that fuses art, craft and light.
Lasvit, photography by Anique Ahmed
Mette Degn-Christensen
Interiors from Spain
Interiors from Spain will once again showcase collective brands in one exhibit, with a booth designed by Swiss Bureau Interior Design (SBID). Crafted around ‘espejos’ (mirrors), the intention of the booth is to showcase Spain’s innovative spirit. Influences include Gaudi’s work, flamenco and surrealist art. Brands showcased will include Punt Mobles – a leading name in high-end design, where contemporary craftsmanship and a deep-rooted design philosophy shape every piece – and OGO – an innovative furniture brand, rooted in island
life, that creates original, minimalist products designed to spark joy and elevate indoor and outdoor experiences.
Laufen
With Swiss precision and a philosophy of blending functionality with architectural elegance, Laufen brings a carefully curated selection of its most distinguished collections to this year’s edition. Among the highlights are Volta, which offers a striking exploration of geometry and elegance; Alape, a refined expression of purity in both form and function; and The New Clas-
sic, the celebrated range by Marcel Wanders that reinterprets timeless silhouettes for a contemporary era. These collections, alongside other featured innovations, reflect Laufen’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and design leadership.
IF HUB
Set around a beating heart, IF HUB will showcase some of its most intriguing Italian brands. Among these are Myface – an enticing outdoor brand that brings the comfort of indoors, outside. “Design is more than aesthetics; it’s about emotion, purpose and the people it connects. IF HUB is where all of that comes together,” shares the founder of IF HUB, Fady Friberg.
OBEGI Home
OBEGI Home is back with a multi-brand showcase that sheds light on contemporary luxury living, as well as a solo exhibit of the Porada brand, marking its debut at the fair this year. This year, the iconic Reflex bathtub will be one of the highlights of OBEGI Home’s Downtown Design showcase in a dedicated bathroom space – part of a carefully orchestrated exhibition of indoor and outdoor living spaces that reflects the most in-demand trends and a selection of design pieces from its vast portfolio of brands.
The Reflex bathtub by antoniolupi exemplifies the brand’s mastery of sculptural elegance and modern bathroom design. Crafted in Cristalmood, antoniolupi’s patented signature material, Reflex offers a silky-smooth finish, exceptional durability and a luminous, almost ethereal quality that elevates the bathing experience. Its fluid, organic curves transform the bath into a centrepiece both of relaxation and visual impact.
Laufen
Myface for IF HUB
Reflex tub by Antoniolupi
Punt will be showcasing at the Interiors from Spain booth
A showcase in regional talent
Highlights include Pakistani designer Yousaf Shahbaz (Strata), whose three collections bridge heritage and contemporary design.
Designed in Saudi, a strategic initiative led by the Architecture and Design Commission that aims to develop the industrial design sector in Saudi Arabia, returns for the third consecutive year. BEIT Collective will showcase their wide range of tableware and decorative objects, conceived by way of collaboration between Lebanese artisans and international designers. Hands Carpets is launching a collaboration with female design duo Doodle and the Gang (Egyptian sisters who debuted at Downtown Editions three years ago), featuring eclectic, contemporised oriental rugs, following the brand’s first international design collaboration last year with Nika Zupanc. Jagdish Sutar will present a new furniture collection that reimagines traditional Indian techniques, alongside a striking new lighting series shaped in pure metal, each piece reflecting a deep respect for heritage, precision and contemporary form.
“One of the defining features of this year’s edition is how the spotlight on UAE talent is expanding beyond Dubai to the other emirates,” states Degn-Christensen. “Tashkeel is continuing to grow its Tanween programme, unveiled each November at Downtown Design, and we have Sharjah-based 1971 Design Space presenting material innovation from Lina Ghalib and Nuhayr Zein, while MAKE’s Athath Fellowship from Abu Dhabi is joining for the first time this year. Alongside largescale regional exhibitors like Designed in Saudi, the fair is creating a fuller picture of design across the Middle East and beyond, with a regional scope that now also looks toward Southeast Asia and North Africa.”
The UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, evolves this year to emphasise expanding mentorship and international visibility for Emirati creatives. This will include a programme of expert guidance, enhanced visibility and tailored support for participants. Nada Debs will spearhead the exhibition this year as lead mentor, with a focus on providing insights and direct mentorship during, in the lead-up to and afterwards, while an array of other global experts in their respective fields will offer first-hand feedback and solution-based advice to the participants.
What’s awaiting at The Forum
The week’s flagship talks programme will welcome global and regional thought leaders for keynote presentations, panel discussions and masterclasses. Tom Dixon, one of the most influential voices in contemporary design, makes his Dubai debut with a keynote on material innovation and the evolution of global design narratives. He will appear alongside other globally-acclaimed voices, including leading
British designer Lee Broom and French architect and interior designer Isabelle Stanislas. This year’s The Forum space, conceived by Lebanese architect and designer Roula Salamoun, reflects her tactile, intuitive approach to combining material experimentation with the exploration of organic forms, often inspired by landscapes and natural morphologies.
Editions gets bigger and better Editions, the art and design fair, also returns with a vibrant line-up of international and regional design studios and galleries presenting limited-edition prints, photography, ceramics, works on paper, artist multiples and contemporary design.
Highlights include: the global launch of Bureau of Innovation, presenting works by leading designers such as Tom Fereday, Kym Ellery and Jorge Kilzi; Galerie Geek Art’s first regional presentation of Japanese art; and Dubai-based Ila Colombo’s AI-driven practice. Wadi Finan Art Gallery will bridge heritage with contemporary practice, presenting works
on paper by a selection of regional artists.Returning exhibitors include: Rarares Gallery, spotlighting Dubai’s emerging artists; Leila Heller Gallery with prints by Keith Haring; Rooster Gallery with a new collection by Sandra Strēle; as well as Zawyeh Gallery, bringing perspectives from the Levant and Palestine.
Immersive pop-up concepts
Downtown Design 2025 is also moving further into experiential territory. Maison Buccellati unveils a high-jewellery and silverware pop-up created with renowned design studio david/nicolas, while Venini presents ‘Amber Mirage’, a poetic glass installation. Dubaibased interior design studio Styled Habitat’s Nordic Cabin concept for Nordic Homeworx reinterprets Swedish forests through a UAE lens, and Cosentino collaborates with Etereo Design on a speakeasy-inspired hospitality lounge. Veuve Clicquot’s Solaire Lounge, designed in collaboration with Studio Marcel Poulain, offers an elegant social space for networking and relaxation.
Strata
An Ethereal Stay
A bespoke, cultural and spiritual adventure awaits in the remote, magical Kingdom of Mustang with the allinclusive Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley
Collection hotel
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
High above the town of Jomsom, at the gateway to Mustang, lies Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection hotel. With just 29 suites, the lodge is perched within the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest valleys on Earth, flanked by the snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Closed to outsiders for centuries, Mustang remains one of the most unique and preserved regions in the world – a landscape so otherworldly that Bill Bensley describes it as “like another planet.”
For Bensley, known globally for his theatrical, sustainability-driven designs, Mustang offered a rare opportunity. “Our own Shinta Mani Mustang is made from local stone, so it appears to grow naturally out of the landscape,” he shares. “We’ve kept every creature comfort, but celebrated the animism that is so present here, unique to this place. It is like another world.”
The project was commissioned by the Sherpa family, who have lodges across the Everest and Annapurna routes, which Bensley’s friend and associate Jason M. Friedman helped consolidate into the Mountain Lodges of Nepal group. In fact, Namgyal Sherpa’s mother, was the first Nepali woman to climb Everest. The family envisioned a lodge that would respect Mustang’s culture while welcoming discerning travellers for three-to-seven-day explorations.
Bensley and his design partner, architect Pakheenai Saenharn (Aood), sought to embed the lodge in its surroundings. Locally sourced
stone, slate and timber form the architecture, while interiors reflect the earthy palette of local clay quarries. Dove grey, terracotta red and ochre beige feature, symbolising prosperity, knowledge and longevity. Furniture and fittings were created through Bensley’s signature upcycling: discarded doors, yak furs, Tibetan conch shells and antique finds transformed into bespoke pieces with story and soul.
“An example is the minibar in each suite,” Bensley explains. “There is locally and sustainably sourced yak fur draped over it, while the handles to open the mini bar are in fact a traditional Tibetan conch shell which is engraved.
On the wall above, one will find three big organic pieces of slate with sanskrit poems engraved on them. Traditionally, in this northern region, when winter falls and it is bitterly cold, people take refuge inside. It is a quiet time, and so people set to carving these poems and prayers into slate as a form of penance. Then in the summer one sees these prayer stones stacked one above the other outside, atop stone walls, showing years of wintertime penance. It is this unique way of seeing the world which we want to carry throughout the experience.”
Though the lodge’s structure remained intact, Bensley reconfigured the interiors to
Right – The interiors reflect the earthy palette of local clay quarries. Dove grey, terracotta red and ochre beige feature, symbolising prosperity, knowledge and longevity
maximise the mountain views, making them visible from every space. A long central courtyard leads to the lobby – a convivial hub with fire pits on the terrace for stargazing. Flanking the courtyard, the Nilgiri Restaurant and Aara Bar encourage guests to share stories beneath a mural-sized map of the Himalayas, annotated with trekking routes, flora and fauna. One wing houses the 29 suites across two levels, while the other accommodates a multipurpose hall, spa and gym complete with stone jacuzzi, steam and sauna that all frame sweeping views.
Photography: Elise Hassey
The design ethos is as practical as it is poetic. With Mustang’s remoteness limiting supply chains, local sourcing became essential. The sustainability was a bonus. “The key issue was access,” Bensley says. “The solution was to source locally, making the project all the more inclusive of Mustang’s culture.”
Like all Shinta Mani projects, Mustang is tied to a social mission. Here, it is cultural preservation. “The young leave the valley for Kathmandu and beyond, so their culture is slowly dying,” Bensley reflects. “We would love
to be able to generate high-value, low-impact tourism and to lure the talented locals back to the valley. The right (read tiny) form of tourism can help to bring the customs of the ancient society back into practice. We have already seen a number of very unusual festivals happen since we have been there. While most of Nepal could use the helping hand of a Shinta Mani and what that can bring, I was especially thrilled to be able to pitch our flag in Mustang.”
For Bensley, the project was also deeply personal. He first learned of Mustang 35 years
ago through his friend Robert Powell, an Australian artist and architect who spent decades in Nepal, painstakingly documenting the region’s vernacular architecture in exquisite watercolours. Powell’s works now line the walls of Shinta Mani Mustang, a tribute to both the artist’s legacy and the fragile beauty of this land.
“While I have been to Nepal perhaps 50+ times for various projects in and around Kathmandu, I never did make it to Mustang before being offered the project in Jomsom. You can imagine how pleased I was!” Bensley says.
Where Faith, Knowledge and Community Converge
Conceived by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Qatar is the first purpose-built contemporary women’s mosque in the Muslim world
WORDS – ANEESHA RAIPHOTOGRAPHY – IWAN BAAN
Created to foster a more inclusive Muslim society where women can contribute to shaping contemporary Islamic thought and discourse, Al-Mujadilah is situated in Education City, a 12-square kilometre campus in Doha that comprises educational and research institutes.
Al-Mujadilah, which means “she who engages in dialogue,” provides a dedicated space for women to connect, learn and practice their faith together – guided by the Islamic principles of ikhlas (sincerity), khidma (service) and ilm (knowledge). Serving as a religious, social and educational centre, Al-Mujadilah includes a specialised research library of Islamic texts.
Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah and Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University, commented, “The very heart of Al-Mujadilah is that we are a centre for women. We have quickly become a destination for Muslim women from all backgrounds and walks of life [who
can] access a wide range of programmes and activities designed to help navigate the many complex aspects of modern life. Emblematic of this is our annual summit, Jadal, a three-day research gathering that brings together scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss and examine the history of Muslim women in public life, current challenges and future prospects.”
Drawing on the mosque’s historical role in supporting the religious, educational and civic needs of the community, Al-Mujadilah has been envisioned by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to be responsive to various needs of women that change throughout the day, week and year, as realised in a design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R).
Partner Elizabeth Diller spoke to the architecture of the project, stating, “Al-Mujadilah challenged us to design our first house of worship: how to interpret a traditional architectural typology through a contemporary lens?
The mosque's role of seamlessly bringing together worship and study under one roof led to the building’s distinguishing architectural feature. Its undulating roof arches to shape a grand space for prayer at one end, and morphs downward into a slung surface that shelters an intimate space for education at the other. The roof harvests diffuse, sublime daylight from a field of light wells while minimising heat gain from Doha's strong sun. The design was also inspired by Islamic art and architecture in which abstraction serves to represent the transcendent nature of the divine. As a woman, the project was a special opportunity for me to design a space exclusively for women that is flexible and responsive to real-time, everyday needs.”
The 4,600-square metre (50,000-square foot) building features a prayer hall, classrooms, open-air courtyard and multi-purpose spaces. Its signature roof admits and controls light in the main hall. It flattens and extends beyond the building’s footprint to provide shade
for exterior spaces and peripheral programmes. A field of more than 5,000 light wells embedded in the roof slab modulates the abundant natural light to provide a soft, diffuse luminosity in the main hall.
The main hall is rotated 17 degrees off axis to point the Qibla wall toward Mecca for prayer. In the Islamic tradition of mosques constructed in harmony with nature, Al-Mujadilah is centred around two olive trees that pierce through the roof and reach toward the sky.
The centrepiece is the prayer hall, an 873-square metre (9,400-square foot) space bathed in diffuse light from over 5,000 roof wells, with an undulating Qibla wall that frames both the mihrab and minbar. Surrounding it are classrooms, a curated research library housing over 8,000 volumes, multi-purpose areas with modular flexibility, and open-air courtyards designed to encourage both reflection and exchange. Anchored by gardens inspired by the oasis and centred around two olive trees piercing through the roof, the complex embodies harmony with nature while offering tranquility within Doha’s urban fabric.
At the mihrab curvature, a skylight bathes the niche in natural light during the day, clearly identifying it as the primary architectural and religious focal point of the space. DS+R’s design for the custom 35- by 20-metre (115- by 66-foot) carpet scaled a traditional prayer rug from the typical size for a single worshipper to cover the collective space of up to 750 worshippers in the prayer hall. Made of hand-tufted New Zealand wool, the pattern was recontextualised with a process of pixilation and shifting in intervals of each prayer row. The carpet’s central mihrab figure further rein-
forces the Qibla. From the summit, the call to prayer is broadcast to the surrounding community. Afterward, the speakers descend back down to the garde, in a similar fashion as a muezzin does. The tower is suspended in the air by cable stays that are anchored to a retaining wall. The tensegrity structure features a screen with a custom perforated pattern that recalls a mashrabiya, an element found in traditional Islamic architecture.
Continuing in the theme of integrating the space with nature, Al-Mujadilah’s ablution space is open and airy, with views to a private garden. The space distinguishes itself with dark grey volcanic stone of varying finishes – a smooth, honed finish where water is delivered and a more textured, flamed finish on the floor for slip-resistance.
The building was designed to achieve LEED Gold and GSAS 4-star rating. Several features of the design contribute to these sustainability targets, including the roof shading, the use of over 90% native plant species, recycled water for irrigation, low flush toilets, and low energy-use light fixtures and equipment.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro led Al- Mujadilah’s architectural design and construction team, which included the following consultants: Ziad Jamaleddine (Mosque Architecture Advisor), Halcrow (Lead Consultant), Atelier Miething (Landscape), Werner Sobek (Structural and Facade Engineer, Concept & Schematic Design), Charcoalblue (Technology Specialist, AV, Acoustics), Buro Happold (Lighting), IN-FO.CO (Signage), Qatar Green Leaders (Sustainability/LEED), ASTAD (Project Management) and Metalex (Minaret, Minbar and light cone fabricator).
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Al-Mujadilah includes a specialised research library of Islamic texts
This spread – (above) The architects have interpreted traditional architectural typology through a contemporary lens; (right) At the mihrab curvature, a skylight bathes the niche in natural light during the day, clearly identifying it as the primary architectural and religious focal point of the space
A New Chapter of Wellness
Studio Marco Piva has designed the Eden Spa at Excelsior Palace in Rapallo, where architecture, landscape and luxury converge
WORDS
– ANEESHA RAI
The Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast in Rapallo, Italy has unveiled the first phase of its highly anticipated Eden Spa – Fitness & Wellness, designed by Studio Marco Piva. This milestone marks the beginning of a broader development plan to elevate the hotel’s offerings and bring them in line with the most sophisticated international trends in wellness.
Spread across multiple levels, the spa has been conceived around two complementary principles: the preservation and enhancement of existing architectural elements and the expansion of new wellness spaces. The result is an immersive environment that reinterprets the colours, textures and atmospheres of Liguria’s landscape, seamlessly blending sea, sky and hills into a contemporary architectural language.
Materiality is central to the design. Finishes in Verde St. Denis marble, with veining reminiscent of the Ligurian shoreline, accentuate architectural features and custom furnishings. Travertine-effect coatings recall the region’s sandy beaches, while glass, mirrors, and metals introduce reflections and depth, amplifying the sense of immersion in marine vibrations. Together, these elements establish a zen-like ambiance, harmonising with the natural surroundings.
Inside, the architecture echoes the fluidity of the sea. Grand portals framed in green marble embrace the pool, while reflective glass surfaces extend its depth. A dramatic mirrored dome crowns the double-height volume, evoking lightness and awe. Every element – from arches to furnishings – has been fully customised, balancing aesthetic precision with functional intent.
Light plays an equally critical role. Natural daylight permeates the space, reducing the need for artificial illumination. Subtle perimeter LEDs frame structures, spotlights highlight design details, and an RGB pool lighting system transforms the ambiance with shifting moods.
At the heart of Eden Spa is a 68-square metre pool, conceived as a sanctuary of regeneration.
Complete with hydromassage seating and cascading neck-massage waterfalls, the space invites introspection and multisensory restoration. Adjacent areas cater to diverse needs: intimate zones with soft lighting, panoramic couples’ lounges overlooking the sea, and a soaring double-height volume offering uninterrupted ocean views.
Beyond the pool, the spa offers an array of saunas, steam baths and sensory showers, designed to suit varying temperature and humidity preferences. Future developments promise even more innovative experiences, including: a marine salt-inspired relaxation area, reached through a natural rock gallery and enclosed by salt walls radiating gentle heat; and a hypersaline floating zone, where guests will drift weightlessly in a warm, sound-free environment that heightens sensory disconnection and deep relaxation. With further construction already underway for the saline relaxation area, private spa and additional services, Eden Spa is poised to become a benchmark for luxury wellness on the Italian Riviera – a destination where architecture and nature coalesce to deliver holistic wellbeing.
Photography: Maurizio
Morra
The new Alémais Sydney headquarters reflects the brand’s flair for colourful prints and embellishments Otherworldly
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Located above street level in the triangular footprint of a Surry Hills warehouse, creative confidence and spirited discovery underpin the playful yet polished aesthetic of the Alémais Sydney headquarters, designed by YSG Studio. Here, myriad realms co-exist as design references to lunar planets, mythological kingdoms, aquatic worlds and folklore, loosely inspired by the company’s renowned print design collaborations with artists, craftspeople and illustrators since its founding in 2021.
The space’s central nucleus comprises a conjoined design and pattern-making zone, with a lounge-like design hang nestled within the very tip of the wing-shaped floorplan where new collection ideas take flight. Residing on either side of the entrance, a semi-open kitchen and dining area plus guest reception banquette/ additional social space grant a domesticated
welcome. Greeting all upon arrival, a new wall blade buffers the hive of activity behind.
Coated with shimmering mosaics, the mural – conceived by YSG Studio – features half-human/half-animal forms floating amongst fantastical fauna. Dedicated storage and archival space (at arm’s reach from the pattern-makers), plus a boardroom, are neatly tucked along one edge behind custom timber-framed screens with Tuareg mat inserts featuring assorted geometric motifs. Two dedicated offices sit at opposing ends of the space for founder and Creative Director/Designer Lesleigh Jermanus (closer to the design team) and her retail veteran partner Chris Buchanan (beside the entrance).
In this space which was once an open corner office plan pierced by ample windows, YSG Studio treated the brick walls and timberbeamed ceiling like a primary canvas, coating them in warm cream shades, leaving some
brick surfaces in their exposed original state for textural punctuation. Exceptions include the two private offices. For Buchanan, a warm honeycomb tone was used; for Jermanus, soft pistachio (which is also echoed in the kitchen, amongst surfaces slathered in boysenberryrippled marble). Enhancing the teams’ collegial nature while enabling privacy when required, both glass-panelled office walls were lined with neutral window treatments. For Buchanan, linen café blinds with chequered almond shades upon an oatmeal base hang at standing head height, allowing them to also flow across the glass entrance wall, providing additional privacy when seated. Gentle checked butter yellow linen curtains were used across Jermanus’s glass wall, enabling visibility of the team if required when drawn open. Designed for interaction, the space is never static, and adapts to daily needs. Several large custom timber frames support cork pin boards laid with inspiration images, new collection fabrics and sketches that can roam across the floorboards on casters. Cozoni Knox drawer units on wheels are tucked under desks should they need to momentarily migrate.
YSG Studio approached tonal drenching like designing new collection palettes, mingling sorbet shades with warm earthen tones. Drawing upon Jermanus’s Lebanese heritage and fine arts background, the studio wove tangible tales of faraway lands and ancient cultures, layering punchy patterns and balancing matte and sheen finishes. Bolder colours pin the two ends of the space. The entrance reception’s banquette was reupholstered with a vibrant tribal fabric, reminiscent of a Congolese cloth, that marries tangerine chenille with rugged linen. A large Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran punk-like deity holds court upon a bubble gum pink-stained timber plinth that brackets one end. Past the design team over in the far corner, ‘Design Hang’ – a trippy underwater scene – floats the spirit of adventure. Upon the custom ocean bed-shaded rug, seaweed tip motifs animate the velvet banquette that anchors the hub. Mint and plum tones define the main ‘design hub’ axis, where desk rows are punctuated by custom storage units crowned by raised partitions designed to house fabric swatches, embellishment samples and illustrative books for inspiration. Soft, feminine shades and rounded shapes define Jermanus’s boudoir-like office, accentuated by lilac hues. Joinery units and the founder’s desk are custom-made, incorporating Marmoleum Vivace surfaces with subtle swirling marble-like patterns upon them. The same material was selected for Buchanan’s
desk and joinery, incorporating warmer timber shades with a similar pattern – only his designs take on angular, geometric iterations. Strong ethical choices govern the stewardship of the brand and its principled manufacturing processes, so sourcing materials that aligned with this approach (including the Marmoleum) was a key directive during early concept discussions. Several key vintage pieces were reupholstered, from armchairs to the teapot-like timber drinks cabinet facing the dining table.
Embodying the joy of the brand, references to mystic and divine elements are sprinkled throughout. Golden starburst knobs glitter upon the plum cabinets beside the desk rows, while a blazing sun illuminates the top corner of the mosaic mural. Egyptian Seba stars are also sprinkled about via custom bronze pulls, adding golden glows to the kitchen joinery, while others are scattered underfoot on the rug of ‘Design Hang’. Recurring ‘All-Seeing Eye’ motifs are more prominent, with silver iterations inlaid with pearlescent shell inlays fluttering upon joinery fronts in Jermanus’s office. Another, this time hand-painted upon a splashback, casts its gaze over the kitchen. Most fantastical is the custom ‘eye’ dining table. Set upon a glossy polyurethane ruffled pedestal base, its embossed Ash Birch elliptical surface in pastel tones was hand-painted to highlight natural woodgrain patterns. A raised lazy Susan forms its central pupil. Nearby, a custom hand-painted timber snake slithers up the concealed refrigerator door. A sculptural entity in itself, its body also serves as two handles. Another wriggles across a canvas in Buchanan’s office.
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The design draws from lunar planets, mythological kingdoms, aquatic worlds and folklore
Left page – Sorbet shades are mingled with warm earthen tones
Photography:
Between Sky and Steel
We step into a sculptural apartment in Istanbul, Turkey
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Spanning 346 square metres, this residence designed by interior designer Noyan Berkman occupies a prime corner unit in Çiftçi Towers, a landmark complex by British firm John McAslan + Partners and global engineering studio Arup. With full-length glass walls and mirrored ceilings, the apartment feels more like a floating sculpture than a home – a gravity-defying experience that blurs the line between architecture, art and atmosphere.
Commissioned by a bold, culturally attuned client and designed to feel cinematic by day, atmospheric by night, and always in dialogue with the city beyond, the apartment is spread across a master bedroom, guest bedroom, private gym and expansive living and entertaining areas. The owner is a frequent traveller with a passion for bold artistic expression and fast-paced urban living; he wanted a space that mirrored his dynamic rhythm and straddled Los Angeles eccentricity and Miami glamour, but was grounded in Istanbul’s evolving luxury culture.
At the heart of the apartment lies its most theatrical feature – a custom mirrored ceiling that stretches across the main living space in a fluid, amorphous formation. More than a
surface, it acts as a dreamlike membrane between interior and exterior: by day, it reflects the movement and geometry of the city in soft distortion; by night, it captures Istanbul’s flickering skyline in an endless, cinematic loop. From certain angles, it resembles melting glass; at others, a water surface caught midmotion – turning the ceiling into a surreal ‘fifth façade’ that animates the entire room. Below, the walls continue in brushed stainless steel –selected not for ornament, but for its industrial clarity and ability to refract light. Its Lambristyle patterning lends the space an architectural sharpness, like couture tailoring for the home. Paired with the full-height glazing, the apartment dissolves into a loop of city and sky.
Framed by full-height glass façades, the apartment becomes a vessel for reflection –light, landscape and material blend into a continuous visual rhythm. Brushed steel and mirrored surfaces amplify this sense of immersion, turning walls and ceilings into shifting horizons. Rather than rely on traditional contrasts, the design layers precision with softness. Sculptural furniture offsets the clarity of the architecture, while fluid forms and tonal restraint lend the home its quiet intensity. Every
element in the apartment, from seating and lighting to materials and art, was composed to guide movement, perception and atmosphere.
In the living area, custom-designed sofas serve as relaxed anchors, paired with a chrome coffee table and an illuminated marble bar designed by Noyan Berkman to catch and reflect light. Above, a suspended Amisol light by Luceplan echoes the mirrored ceiling’s fluidity, drawing the eye upward. Contrasts define the material palette: a leather lounge chair by Poliform is offset by a translucent Film armchair and a glass Soda table, softening the steel-lined geometry. The dining space layers collectible silhouettes, including Vitra’s Wiggle chair and Cassina’s Zig Zag, beneath a vivid painting by Christopher Prinz, whose iridescent folds mimic the mirrored finishes nearby.
Accessories by Christofle, Diptyque and L’Objet act as tonal bridges, quietly reinforcing the apartment’s high-frequency material rhythm – one where every object contributes to the space’s sculptural tempo. Artworks by Jake Michael Singer, Christopher Prinz, Henryk Studio, Ali Şentürk and Sinem Demirci punctuate the experience, adding moments of intensity, movement and stillness across the home.
Brimming with Warmth
Atlas Concorde’s porcelain tiles enhance the contemporary design of this villa in Bodrum, Turkey
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Afairy tale residence in Bodrum features a harmonious look and great visual impact thanks to the aesthetic excellence of the Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles chosen to decorate all the villa’s rooms. Large porcelain slabs from Atlas Plan, a brand of Atlas Concorde, are used in the interiors, and the wood-effect tiles outside the home create visual continuity with refined beauty and spectacular scenic impact.
Starting from the villa’s bright atrium, we find large Atlas Plan slabs from the Boost Pro collection in the Clay colour. The delicate but incisive presence of the concrete effect warms the atmosphere of a simple space, conveying a unique welcome. The sophisticated design and soft tones of these large slabs enjoy extended presence, as they are also used to furnish the primary living room with dining area, where they create a sense of hospitality. The home’s second living room, which is more intimate and convivial, elaborates on the authentic allure of the best-known and most sought-after limestones with porcelain slabs from the Lims collection in the Grey colour. The earthy look of stoneeffect tiles combines with a delicate, natural hue to create a warm space that was born to welcome.
In the bathroom, large-format, stone-effect slabs from the Kone collection in the Mix shade add a sense of refined authenticity to the space, thanks to their compact simplicity. Functionality and an exclusive elegance also distinguish the second bathroom, which features stone-effect ceramic tiles from the Lims collection in an Ivory colour that convey the authentic appeal of limestone. Also highly striking is the Lims 3D decor in the Beige Way colour, which features a herringbone pattern on the shower wall inspired by handcrafted engravings. The wood-effect tiles from the Heartwood collection in the Brandy shade absolutely stand out on the charming veranda and in the outdoor spaces. Inspired by the noble essence of Italian oak, they add a touch of prestige, creating an evocative ambiance thanks to the scenic continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Making Space
This book reclaims the narrative of women in interior design
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Making Space: Interior Design by Women is a landmark global survey in the form of a coffee table book written by Jane Hall and published by Phaidon. The book highlights 250 of the most creative women in interior design, spanning from the early 20th century to today. This expansive and richly illustrated volume reframes the narrative around interior design, showcasing it as a powerful, influential practice in its own right.
While interior design has historically been seen as a ‘feminine’ domain that is often placed in the shadow of architecture or furniture design, this timely and essential book reveals how women have continuously expanded the scope of the discipline. From iconic pioneers like Dorothy Draper and Elsie de Wolfe to today’s trendsetters such as Kelly Wearstler and Rose Uniacke, Making Space celebrates women who have shaped cultural aesthetics through their body of work.
The book spans more than 50 countries and features a diversity of styles presented through hundreds of stunning photographs. It includes both household names and overlooked innovators, spotlighting designers who have influenced everything from luxury hotels and public institutions to deeply personal residential spaces. phaidon.com
Left – Erica Colpitts, Colwood House, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2021. Image: Ema Peter Photography
Nakhla by Nada Debs
A long-standing emblem in Palestinian embroidery, Nakhla symbolises resilience, prosperity and a deep connection to the land. The motif is traditionally rendered in fallahi cross-stitch, a rural embroidery technique passed down through generations of women artisans from the Ramallah region. Reinterpreted by Debs, the piece hand-embroidered by the women of Inaash – a Lebanese non-profit dedicated to preserving traditional Palestinian embroidery and providing economic opportunities for Palestinian refugee women in Lebanon. The design carries a refined gradient of colour that lends a contemporary sensibility. A pink marble top introduces a material contrast, creating a quiet dialogue between past and present. The piece embodies continuity, craftsmanship and the enduring identity of the Palestinian people.
by Vincent Van Duysen
Luxury furniture + performance fabrics, rugs, wallcoverings and trims I perennialsandsutherland.com
Dubai Studio I Perennials FZ LLC, A503 Building 1A, Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai I mena@thespstudio.com
Mumbai Studio I Villar Ville PJ Ramchandani Marg. Mumbai, Maharashtra I info@perennialsindia.com
