Designme feb 2018 issue sff1

www.design-middleeast.com

I N T E R I O R S A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E F R O M T H E G U L F, L E V A N T A N D B E Y O N D

February

2018

INSIDE: Roundtable discussion on changing market dynamics

Floating

Luxury

Chic and contemporary Marasi Water Homes

Invest in the lifestyle destination of tomorrow!

3

min

from University City

5

min

from Sharjah International Airport

15 min

from Dubai International Airport & Sharjah Corniche

Apartments available to all nationalities

1 bedroom apartments starting from AED 533,000* Special prices and payment plans!

Located just minutes from Dubai, Aljada is Sharjah’s largest and most exciting new residential address.

Developed by ARADA, under the chairmanship of HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.

Adjacent to landscaped parks & the largest entertainment centre in the Northern Emirates.

800-ARADA (27232)

www.aljada.com

*T&C apply

Direct access to Al Dhaid Road, easy access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Contents F E BRUA RY 2018

16 26 IN THIS ISSUE‌

16

Cover Story

22

OP-ED

24

Interview

26

Project

Marasi Floating Homes are what dreams are made up of

Design and interiors impact subconscious and mood, says Raj Khaneja, managing director of Rectangle interiors

Claudia Mitcham, interior designer and co-founder, MWM Studio talks about design inspirations and future projects

Striking interiors of The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah in Ajman are warm and inviting

52

Wish List

Contents F E BRUA RY 2018

46 40 50

40

Roundtable

Informative and exciting session of roundtable discussion on changing dynamics of the market

REGULARS 5

Editor’s Note

46

DĂŠcor review

50

Preview

32 Tips & Tricks

59

Suppliers Focus

58 Events

2|

Fun and fabulous designs of Moombai & Co transports you to good old days of Mumbai

WORKSPACE will be all about innovative products and latest designs

Leon Willis, sales development manager at British Ceramic Tile talks about new launches and development strategy for 2018

February 2018

10 Newsmakers

60 Pick of The Month www.design-middleeast.com

March 18 – 23, 2018 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology

Attractive and successful: Design embraces technology Ensure tomorrow’s success with the latest illumination designs. Discover a wealth of inspiration in the world’s largest lighting showroom.

Design and technology blend on a floor area of around 150,000 m2 – get ready! Inspiring tomorrow. www.light-building.com mary.ann.romano@uae.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +971 4 389 45 00

The

Design

Forum March 14, 2018

Venue: TBC

The Design Forum 2018 is an exciting platform to trigger design conversations, interact with industry leaders and network amongst peers. The forum will feature interactive panel discussions and presentations. Tapping into the region’s current trends, the forum will include industry experts with their opinions on the topics which matter today: Biophilia in design The changing design phase of education institutions

3D printing & technology in design The growing fit-out industry

To be a part of this exciting event, contact us on the details listed below

CONTACT SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES: JOAQUIM D’COSTA GROUP SALES DIRECTOR MOBILE: +971 50 440 2706 DIRECT: +971 4 420 0506 JO@BNCPUBLISHING.NET

@designmideast

/designmiddleeast

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: STEPHANIE HUGHES SALES MANAGER MOBILE: +971 55 725 9293 DIRECT: +971 4 420 0506 STEPHANIE@BNCPUBLISHING.NET

www.design-middleeast.com

ROMA ARORA DEPUTY EDITOR MOBILE: +971 50 250 4625 DIRECT: +971 4 420 0506 ROMA@BNCPUBLISHING.NET

@designmiddleeast

/designmiddleeast

CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group sales director Joaquim D’Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706

Business development director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818

Deputy editor Roma Arora roma@ bncpublishing.net

Sales Manager Stephanie Hughes stephanie@bncpublishing.net

Welcome Design is a journey of discovery and that’s what the February 2018 issue is all about. This edition taps the pulse of the market and we have featured two newest design additions in this emirate.

For the cover story, we have a design feature on Marasi Floating Homes. The interiors are lavish yet sophisticated and tempt you to own/rent one at the soonest. Dreams are sweet!

This month, we also had a very interesting roundtable discussion on the changing design market and how suppliers and retailers are planning their business strategy for 2018. Dubai Frame opened its doors to the general public and what we see inside is amazing. The place clearly shows Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to metropolis it is today.

2018 is going to bea year of firsts for us, and we are all set for that. Design Middle East will host its first Design Forum 2018 next month and we are glad and excited about the kind of response we’re getting from the design fraternity. March 2018 will also see the return of the INDEX Exhibition, and such events give us a great opportunity to meet architecture, design and fit out professionals and foster relationships.

So, till we meet again next month, I have to share my latest design fix and I am hooked to these colourful coffee mugs, which are featured in ‘Pick of The Month’ section. My coffee never looked this beautiful!

Art director Ifteqar Ahmed Syed

FOLLOW US ON

Marketing executive

www.design-middleeast.com

Mark Anthony Monzon mark@bncpublishing.net Photographer

/designmideast

/designmiddleeast

/designmiddleeast

@designmiddleeast

Hayder Al-Zuhairi

SUBSCRIBE subscriptions@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates T +971 4 420 0506 | F +971 4 420 0196 For all commercial enquiries related to Design Middle East contact sales@bncpublishing.net T +971 50 504 0182 All rights reserved © 2017.

Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

Design Middle East and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Design Middle East.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

Images used in Design Middle East are credited when necessary.

Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. Prices are quoted in US dollars.

Printed by UPP

February 2018

|5

NEWSMAKERS Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Philip Gillard

DMCC appoints Rockwell Group for Uptown Dubai project DMCC, master developer of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and the Uptown Dubai, announced that Rockwell Group, a New Yorkbased architecture and design firm, has been appointed as the interior architect for one of Uptown Dubai’s two super tall towers that will anchor the 92.9ha development.

The super tall tower, whose name is to be revealed later this year, will comprise luxury hotel rooms and suites, high-end restaurants, health spas, extensive conference facilities, grade A offices, and 237 uniquely designed branded residences.

Shortlisted amongst six global bidders, Rockwell Group’s Uptown Dubai project includes the design of the super tall tower’s first premium five star hotel and branded residences, set for sale in early 2018.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC, commented: “We are excited to work with Rockwell Group to create a breath-taking experience with global appeal, and what will become one of Uptown Dubai’s two iconic super tall towers. Their global experience in bringing futuristic concepts and innovative designs to life will lift Uptown Dubai’s energetic vibe and design to new heights. It’s an exciting time for design in Dubai.”

Commenting on the partnership, David Rockwell, founder and president, Rockwell

10 |

February 2018

David Rockwell

Group said: “We are excited and honoured to be a part of the creation of the new Uptown Dubai district. We look forward to working closely with DMCC to create a modern, luxurious and innovative hotel and residences that celebrate the vision of Uptown Dubai.”

DMCC began the construction of its Uptown Dubai District in September 2017. The premium mixed-use destination with seven towers atop seven levels of podium, will include more than 92.9ha of grade A commercial and residential space, over 200 retail and F&B outlets, approximately 3,000 residences, a unique central entertainment plaza, and a number of luxury hotels all offering supreme amenities for residents, workers and guests.

Uptown Dubai will be anchored by two iconic super tall towers designed by internationally renowned architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill from Chicago.

KEO appoints Philip Gillard as vice president of design KEO International Consultants, a design, engineering and project management firm has announced the appointment of Philip Gillard as vice president (VP) of its design division. Gillard is an astute design professional and RIBA Chartered Architect with over 20 years of international design and project delivery experience. He takes on a key influential role by also joining KEO’s executive leadership board.

This new appointment reflects KEO’s commitment to equip the firm with the worldclass talent needed to face the competition and the challenging market conditions. This step aligns with KEO’s efforts to reshape the business and represents an integral part of its forward-looking strategy to be responsive to the clients needs.

Gillard commented on his appointment; “The Middle East market is constantly evolving and KEO’s integrated and multidisciplinary approach enables us to respond to our client’s maturing expectations. I am truly excited to be leading KEO’s talented team of building design professionals. I am passionate about this opportunity to work closely with our clients to deliver incredibly successful projects across the region.”

www.design-middleeast.com

The Langham brand will help Dubai build Chinese market and the Far East links

Omniyat plans to complete The Langham Downtown Dubai in 2020 The arrival of the first The Langham hotel in the Middle East will help Dubai establish greater links to the Far East – particularly the growing Chinese market. Since it was announced, Omniyat, the developers of The Langham Downtown Dubai, has registered a significant amount of interest from China and other countries in the Far East.

Although The Langham brand is synonymous with the iconic London hotel that has been a favourite of royalty and A-list celebrities for over 100 years, the holding company Langham Hospitality Group is based in Hong Kong and has multiple developments in the Far East.

Mohammed Hmeid, general manager of sales and marketing at Omniyat, said: “We knew that bringing The Langham brand to Dubai would be first and foremost a game changer in terms of

absolute quality and heritage. What is fascinating is the impact the brand has in China and the Far East – the esteem in which it is held is incredible.”

“It will give not only The Langham Downtown Dubai a greater presence internationally but also the whole of Dubai and the regional hospitality and lifestyle market.”

The Langham Downtown Dubai and The Langham Place Residences will be situated in the heart of the Marasi development on the banks of Dubai Canal, with stunning views of the new marina on one side and the Burj Khalifa on the other. It will be a 167-room hotel with 239 fully serviced five star residences, ranging from one, two, and three bedroom suites to duplex penthouses. It is expected to finish late in the third quarter of 2020.

February 2018

| 11

NEWSMAKERS Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah

Aloft Hotels are modern, techforward and design-focused

MAG launches new MAG International Alliances Division MAG Lifestyle Development (MAG LD), the development arm of MAG Group, has announced the launch of its new MAG International Alliances division, which partners with multi-national and global companies to provide their staff with exclusive discounts on MAG LD properties. MAG LD is the first property developer in the region to launch such a division, which aims to generate new clientele for the company and strengthen its relationship with leading organisations in the UAE, the GCC and beyond.

Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, CEO of MAG Lifestyle Development commented: “At MAG we are always searching for new ways to boost our presence in the global real estate market while also exceeding our customer’s expectations. Our new MAG International Alliances division furthers both objectives; it will create new opportunities for our company and help clients and employees from other international companies to unlock a new lifestyle as owners of MAG properties.”

MAG International Alliances has already created partnerships with top GCC organisations across the aviation, banking, healthcare, and education sectors, and is also forming agreements with governmental entities. MAG LD aims to roll out the new division across Asia, Europe, and the USA within the next 12 months to stake its position on the global real estate map and give an everwider audience of buyers the opportunity to own properties at MAG.

12 |

February 2018

Marriott opens first Aloft Hotel in Dubai Marriott International announced the opening of the design-led Aloft Palm Jumeirah, the first Aloft to open in the buzzing city of Dubai in the UAE. Located on the Eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the hotel delivers a distinct lifestyle experience to the iconic landmark with its techforward approach, vibrant social experiences and modern style that is different by design.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our first Aloft in Dubai, situated on one of the world’s most sought-after destinations – the Palm Jumeirah,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “We see a strong demand for Aloft properties in the region as the brand continues to re-define the traditional hotel experience with its

vision and innovation. In the UAE alone, the brand will double its portfolio in the next three years with five new openings.”

Designed for the hyper-connected, “always on” global travellers, Aloft Palm Jumeirah offers 206 loft-inspired leisurely guestrooms with airy 2.7m ceilings and mesmerising views over the Arabian Gulf. All rooms feature the brand’s signature offerings, such as an ultra-comfortable plush bed, walk-in shower, custom amenities by Bliss Spa, fast and free Wi-Fi, and 49-inch LCD TVs linked to a Plug & Play connectivity panel.

Rooms are also equipped with SPG Keyless, the industry’s first truly mobile check-in system where guests can utilise their mobile phones as room keys.

www.design-middleeast.com

Emaar launches Miami beach-style residences in Dubai Emaar Development has unveiled a private gated island destination in the Arabian Gulf, offering residents the opportunity to experience Miami beach-style living in Dubai.

With pristine views of the Arabian Sea and providing exclusive access for residents to a 1.5km private beach, the new 92.9ha Emaar Beachfront destination brings a never-before lifestyle choice to Dubai.

Apart from the location by the Arabian Gulf, Emaar Beachfront will stand out for its exceptional quality and design excellence that is characteristic of Emaar’s developments. A master-planned private island, Emaar Beachfront will feature a wide a range of leisure and lifestyle attractions including F&B outlets, beachside play areas, retail pop-ups set along a promenade, and more.

Emaar is now offering the first opportunity to be part of this vibrant island destination with the launch of Beach Vista, a limited selection of elegant residences. A twin-tower development of 33-storeys and 26-storeys, Beach Vista is thoughtfully designed to maximise its seafront location. Residents will have free access to the beach as well as take in spectacular views of the the Arabian Sea, The Palm Jumeirah, the Marina, Burj

Emaar Beachfront has direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah

Al Arab and the Dubai skyline from their homes.

The homes have glass facades and bask in natural sunlight, and feature large balconies overlooking the sea. Customers can choose from a selection of one to four-bedroom apartments that celebrate beachside living with all urban amenities.

Elegantly designed, Beach Vista residences have luxury finishes and fittings. In addition to residential facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and parking areas at the podium, there will also be several high-end retail outlets at the ground level.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director of

Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar Beachfront is a one of its kind private island development that offers the opportunity to experience a new lifestyle by the Arabian Gulf. Its unique selling proposition is its location and the free access it offers for residents to a private beach. As the first residential community in Emaar Beachfront, Beach Vista is for those who value the finer aspects of life and promises a relaxed lifestyle in a serene setting. It will appeal not just to UAE-based and regional investors but also, international buyers who value the distinctive lifestyle choice it offers.”

Atkins appoints Lee Morris as head of architecture for MENA Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has appointed Lee Morris as head of architecture for the Middle East and Africa region.

Atkins has master planned the KAAR (King Abdul Aziz Road) development in KSA over the last eight years and is now designing one of the key gateway buildings and two hotels for the project. Lee is integral to developing Atkins’ portfolio of work in the Kingdom, as well expanding on the strong foundation already established throughout the rest of the Middle East.

Prior to joining Atkins, Lee’s previous roles have included four years respectively as a senior

development director at H&H Investment and Development LLC, design director at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Projects and senior positions at Atkins.

Morris said: “I’m delighted to be back at Atkins, especially at a time where the firm is experiencing a demand for innovation in design across projects.

The company has a rich heritage in the region, bringing all its international experience to turn clients’ visions into reality. I’m looking forward to working with clients, colleagues and partners to deliver high-quality architectural design coupled with a high level of technical excellence that our clients expect from Atkins.”

Lee Morris

February 2018

| 13

LIVE IN THE LARGEST TOWNHOUSES IN DUBAI

800 999 999 I sobha.com

@sobhadubai

COVER STORY

Dreams water! built on the UAE’s first water homes at Marasi Business Bay by Dubai Properties are what dreams are made of—stunning, exceptional, and innovative

16 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

D

ubai properties have brought the UAE’s first water homes—Marasi Floating Homes to the emirate and it feels like magic to see them in reality: frankly, they’re architectural wonders. Part of the AED1bn Marasi Business bay project, a Dubai Canal trademark which includes a 12km-long waterfront promenade and each home enjoys an exclusive boat access and unrivalled views within 550m of Downtown Dubai.

Sasan Niknam

February 2018

| 17

COVER STORY

Available in two, three, and four bedroom units, the impeccable design based on clean architectural lines reminds one of Scandinavian living and style. These homes offer private swimming pools, wooden decks and large floor-toceiling glass frontages, and plenty of natural light and breeze. The uninterrupted views of Business Bay and a front-row seat to life on the Dubai Water Canal make the experience more enchanting.

There are currently nine water homes resting on the Dubai Water Canal in Marasi Business Bay and one more home, floating yacht club, and floating restaurant are expected to arrive in Q1 2018.

The concept of water homes is appealing especially in the land of desert, but there’s a lot of hard work that went into bringing them to life. Sasan Niknam, design manager from U+A Architects for Marasi Water Homes shares his experience of working on this project, “It’s a more complex and broad project than it appears. It’s been a rough year; we took exactly 12 months from initial design to completion. We started in April 2016 with the concept of a two-bedroom villa and delivered that in August 2017. Dubai Properties teamed up with Admares, who are known in marine residential developments to manufacture and transport the homes over a distance of 6000km from Finland to Dubai. So, lots of teams were involved towards this project, hence there was a lot of coordination that was required.

Seawater here is very harsh, that was another challenging aspect in terms of conceptualising and designing. Dubai Properties announced the

18 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

The idea was to bring residential living close to the water. completion of the project by September 2017. At the end, we have achieved a milestone and battled all the issues.”

The concept of floating homes is popular in Europe, but for Dubai, it’s a new concept, which will give the city its newest attraction. Niknam remarks, “I always find residential water front living or water homes very interesting. Dubai has so many opportunities, which we thought have not been thought of, so the idea was to bring residential living close to the water. We wanted to bring people onto the water without any fencing without any barriers and make them experience something fresh, new, and fantastic.”

The Nordic theme can be seen all across the area, from the waterfront living to the interiors of the floating homes. Niknam further elaborates, “When we started the two bedroom villa, we wanted to create an open floor plan concept that almost has an aloft atmosphere as one walks in, so openness, views of the water, making one space flow into another, no separations, no walls, and that relates to

February 2018

| 19

COVER STORY

the Nordic themes. We wanted to make use of every possible space in the best possible manner. The design is very neat, clean and functional.�

Each of the homeowners can enjoy complimentary boat berths next to the water home and can fit a yacht maximum 16.7m in length. The common areas exclusive to owners of the homes are the pontoon (dock), two main gateways, the reception area and the parking lot.

For each home owner, two car parks per home will be provided as well as a concierge service and visitors will have complimentary valet service.

Technology is another major highlight of

20 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

It’s a big attraction and will definitely bring in people to stroll around the promenade, and look at these homes.

this project. The water homes are equipped with innovative and environmentally friendly real estate products, utilising groundbreaking, and multi-disciplinary off-site construction technology.

The homes are anchored through the Seaflex anchoring system that expands and retracts with each tide and wave keeping the floating application stable and in position. “Technology products we have used in this project are from Europe. Because it’s off shore, on the water, it uses the best technology, which is used in the marine developments,” says Niknam.

Niknam believes that Dubai has gone

through some unbelievable design changes over the last five decades and Marasi Water Homes will be big attraction.

“The changes what Dubai has gone through in the past 50 years is incredible. Every year, the designs get more intense and this adds a component to all these exciting projects and developments Dubai has gone through.

Everything was on shore and now we’re breaking that mould and going into the water in the heart of the city, with best facilities. It’s a big attraction and will definitely bring in people to stroll around the promenade, and look at these homes.” Niknam

emphasis that every piece of design and structure serves some purpose and not just being used as a part of the decoration.

“Everything has been thought about and then used cleverly and smartly to serve a purpose. Nothing is there just for decoration.

From the exposed beams to floor slab, which are kept at a minimum to align with the structural beams, everything is designed with a vision and purpose in mind. Nothing is for decoration.

Marasi Water Homes is just a beginning, once it creates the buzz in the city, this will allow for more such opportunities.”

February 2018

| 21

OP-ED

The

Design Psychology of

Raj Khaneja

The art of decorating is beyond just looking beautiful, says Raj Khaneja, managing director, Rectangle Interiors

22 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

V

ery often people flip through magazines, browse through home stores, or hire professional design firms to come up with a suitable ‘look’ for their built space, be it the home, study, nursery, or office. But interior design doesn’t exist in isolation.

The aesthetics of interior design is driven by the sole purpose of creating a harmonious look and it is this look that is greatly influenced by numerous factors ranging from geographical surroundings, popular materials available, personal choice, the current design trends, and even nature.

Interior design isn’t about choosing pretty drapes and pairing the right cushions, instead it is a deep science, with an often-neglected psychological impact. The interior of any space has a considerable impact on your subconscious. The choices that you make when deciding how your home will look have a documented effect on your emotions and perceptions. The colour of the walls in your bedroom could be contributing to your anxiety, while your choice in the sitting room couch could lead visitors to feel comfortable and make them feel at home.

The colour component It is a well-known fact that colour is a main component of design and plays a pivotal role in how we experience the world around us and has a definitive effect on moods and emotions. As you begin to conceptualise your home’s interior design, make sure that you are using colours in ways that fit with the tone you want to create in the space.

For instance, red symbolises power and passion.

It can be used to warm up spaces and make them feel more intimate; orange offers a jolt of energy and innovation, but too much can leave people feeling overwhelmed. Yellow is associated with happiness, creation, and creativity. Blue perpetuates feelings of calm and freshness, while brown’s natural roots give it a relaxing touch. White helps impart a sense of cleanliness and purity. It is great for defining a space but works well along with other colours since too much (white) can make a space sterile.

Often grounding and stabilising, neutral hues such as cream and grey can also swing into boring territory if they’re not accented with other cheerful colours. A simple and soothing beige living room can be given a rich feel with the help of upholstery in varying shades of purple or electric blue.

Objects of desire People often make the mistake of choosing objects to fill space, from furniture to paintings and other decorative, arty bric-a-brac. But it is important to

The interior of any space has a considerable impact on your subconscious. understand that every object is chosen to fill a space also serves to form a function, even if it is purely aesthetic. More so, these items also act as an expression of your personality. People visiting your homes tend to instinctively evaluate the interiors on these various value criteria: how functional is the home; the value of the items in terms of whether it is worth the price; are the objects of emotional and sentimental or heritage value, and of course the aesthetics of it all.

Perception of space In the world of interior design, space is an actuality as well as the perception, and while it is easy to gauge, judge, and perceive physical space, creating the illusion of one is far trickier. Interior designers use a concept called perception of space for decades to make homes appear more spacious and to make sure that rooms are as user-friendly as possible. This involves choosing furniture that is scaled to size and slimmer, placing a large mirror on the back wall, and creating depth with wall hangings. Also the biggest ‘space creator’ is a clutter-free room, with high ceilings and the absence of walls that restrict the eye movement.

Another way to create the illusion of space is to bring the outdoors in, by either creating French windows or having a glass-fronted balcony that again does not restrict the outdoor view. Thick curtains or blackout shades tend to make the room look smaller, go for lighter window treatments such as sheers and lace.

February 2018

| 23

INTERVIEW

“Functionality and design appeal goes hand-in-hand.”

Claudia Mitcham, interior designer and co-founder, MWM Studio talks about design aesthetics, emerging trends, and exciting projects

How would you describe your style?

Fundamentally, my house style leans towards a clean contemporary style laced with unique design accents and features. However, I’m always evolving and learning as a designer and open to new ideas.

Where do you go to get new ideas and inspiration?

Travel is generally the biggest inspiration, however, you can find it practically anywhere, a pattern or reflection in water can inspire a rug design, birds feather can inspire a colour scheme, an art deco gate can inspire a screen design!

How do you keep industry changes?

up

with

Industry events such as Maison & Objet Show in Paris and Milan Salone del Mobile are always

24 |

February 2018

inspirational for interiors and keep you up with modern trends. Whilst at home in Dubai it’s always great to look around at the latest fashion boutiques and restaurants as well as keeping up to date with the latest interiors magazines.

interior in keeping with the architecture. As it is positioned in such beautiful surroundings, it was important to us to keep the finishes very natural and not too polished so not to distract from the views.

Is the Hillside Development at Jumeirah Golf Estates your first project in Dubai? What kind of brief were you given?

Is there any favourite room in Hillside Villa that you've designed?

Hillside by CHI-SOL Investments was my first show villa in Dubai as MWM Studio with my co-founder Olivia Watts. Under previous employment both of us worked on many prestigious Dubai based commercial and residential projects, so we were well aware of the local market. With Hillside, Olivia and I were lucky enough to have a client who trusted us and wanted a very clean contemporary

My personal favourite is the living/dining area with the raised “Glass Box” study. This area really combines the interior with the exterior, with floor to ceiling windows over the pool and golf course. The sheer volume of the space is so impressive, however, I feel we have managed to create a truly livable space that is comfortable and calm enough to relax in everyday but is also glamorous enough to entertain the most discerning guests. For me functionality and design appeal goes hand-in-hand.

www.design-middleeast.com

What are your go-to basics?

I love to mix things up using mid-range brands with high-end manufacturers and custom designed bespoke pieces that we develop especially for our clients. For finishes, I generally start with a sleek and simple stone or tile as a base then accent with slightly grander finishes and textures to create a more sophisticated and contemporary look that is more one of a kind. The use of mirrors to create illusions with space and light is also something we like to include in our designs.

What do you have to say about the growing design industry in Dubai?

The design industry has moved so far since Olivia and I began our careers in the Middle East in 2006. The style is constantly evolving especially with the international mix of creatives here and clients who are travelling more frequently. As Dubai has become one of the leading cities in the world, clients are realising it is worth investing in creative design to keep up with the international trends in design.

The interiors will not be so styled in 2018.

Which design trends are you most excited about in 2018?

The reappearance of mid-century modern designs will be strong this year. Also, the interiors will not be so styled in 2018; they will be more curated, with people’s personal treasures and artefacts forming part of the design.

Any other projects coming up or you’re currently working in the region?

Olivia and I are currently running seven projects (commercial and residential) each at different stages. Among them, we have a prestigious and super contemporary residential project adjacent to the new Bulgari Hotel on Jumeirah Bay Island, which we are working with a leading architect in the region.

Claudia Mitcham

February 2018

| 25

PROJECT

The modern

Minimalist!

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah in Ajman is a luxurious property with minimalist interior designs along the white sand beaches, azure lagoons and lush green mangroves

26 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

D

esigned by renowned Italian designer Piero Lissoni of Lissoni Associati Milan, the Oberoi Beach resort, Al Zorah is all about class and contemporary style. The entire interior fitout project was awarded to Bond Interiors —an interior contracting company with over 31 years of skilled experience within the high-end fit out industry. Being contemporary in design with traditional accents, Bond Interiors worked to produce solutions that ranged from door frames

to external decking by utilising full in-house manufacturing facilities. Most of the doors on this resort are quite unique with the height of the doors reaching up to 4m.

All the frames of these doors are concealed type metal frames. The details of the doors were developed through various brain storming sessions held between architect, engineer, and Bond Interiors. The hotel also features handmade ceramic tiles. These tiles are a major design element of the project. The tiles were

procured from Domenico Mori Italy. These tiles have been used in vanity walls, shower walls, bed headboards, external showers, and the fish display counter in one of the restaurants.

The tiles have various patterns, which had to be installed exactly as per the design provided by the architect. The vanity wall itself is made of 17 different patterns.

For ease of navigation around this sprawling resort, way-finding signage was designed in natural stone and metal.

February 2018

| 27

PROJECT

Being situated at the highest point in the resort, the Kohinoor Suite offers uninterrupted ocean views from its private terrace and sundeck. Floor to ceiling windows fill every room, including the bathrooms, with natural light

28 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Aquario, the seafood restaurant by the beach is a labyrinth of natural wooden decks. Guests can sit indoors or outside and savour fresh, responsibly sourced seafood

The acoustic wooden high ceiling in hotel lobby with stunning pendant lights look amazing and give a dramatic feel to this area

February 2018

| 29

PROJECT

The tea lounge area is perfect for lazing around and relaxing. The striking features include the wooden showcases, partitions, and dramatic ceiling

The bathroom of Kohinoor suite is breathtaking. The beautiful tile wall and freestanding bathtub is the design highlight here

30 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

SUPPLIERS FOCUS

The booming

light!

Omar Sawaf, chief operating officer from Nouran Concept Lighting talks about the latest trends, new launches, and expansion plans for 2018 What are the emerging lighting trends in the industry?

The increasing integration of the lighting scope within the architectural fabric of projects is a trend we can see only increasing. More and more developers are seeing the value-add of great lighting design, which accordingly results in much more sophisticated packages of lighting systems supplied. Nouran Concept Lighting is at the forefront of working across the lighting value chain: with architects, engineers, lighting consultants, lighting manufacturers and the contractors, to ensure that these solutions are supplied to site on-time, in compliance with design intent and as cost-effective as possible. Finally, be it the Internet of Things (IoT) or Power over Ethernet (POE), the world of lighting is set to play a major role the ongoing evolution of technology all around us.

Who are your end users in the region?

End users typically vary by segment. We cater to quite a diverse customer base. Be it the supply of decorative lighting to a high-end villa at Emirates Hills, through to the delivery of a complex façade

lighting solution to a luxury hotel, we end up collaborating with a variety of end-users. On a daily basis, Nouran may collaborate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders; be it a shopping mall operator such as Emaar, private developers such as Al Futtaim, or a factory facility manager responsible for upgrading a legacy conventional lighting system into the world of LED.

What are the new launches for 2018?

We’re excited to be working with a variety of manufacturers across an even greater variety of technologies, design aesthetics, performance capabilities. Amongst many other interesting solutions, we’re particularly excited to launch some stunning decorative elements from Original BTC and a modular lighting solution via OnOk’s Click System. Of course given our longstanding heritage in the realm of decorative lighting.

What are your expansion plans?

We will continue to focus our efforts on supporting key pillars of Dubai’s growth. More specifically, this includes engaging with a variety

Omar Sawaf

of project stakeholders involved in the various Expo 2020 locations. We expect 2018 to be a big year for Dubai’s lighting community given the ongoing projects that will need to be executed in time for the expo. Additionally, we have always been extremely active in Saudi Arabia and have quite a significant pipeline active in the Kingdom, that we hope will come to fruition over the course of this year.

Contact: T: 04-3234660 E: omar.sawaf@nouran.ae W: www.nouran.ae

February 2018

| 31

TIPS & TRICKS

Caring for your

artwork

A

n artwork can transform a room and set the mood for an entire interior design theme. As a focal point, it can inspire a traditional approach to room decoration or become the starting point for a contemporary style. The hanging of an artwork tends to be a precise and considered process. But once installed, some simple principles can prolong the life of an artwork by decades. Gregg Sedgwick, artist and founder of Gallery One shares some quick tips on the right way to take care of your precious artwork.

Moisture is the most damaging

Keep an artwork away from sunlight

Air in our rooms is full of unwanted elements.

Aerosols, cleaning fluids, cooking fumes and smoke waft around looking for a surface onto which they can attach themselves. Oil and acrylic paintings provide an attractive resting place given their textured and intricate surface. Glass is an effective way of protecting the surface of a painting or a print. It prevents foreign bodies from landing on the surface and it also filters some of the influences of harmful light. The downside is

Direct sunlight can very quickly destroy any artwork. The most popular contemporary media is the giclée print. The inks used in this process are incredibly robust and will hold their colour intensity for 100 years if properly maintained.

However, put a giclée in direct sunlight and the colours will fade dramatically. Always position an artwork away from direct sunlight and preferably in an area of lower light.

32 |

February 2018

Humidity is the single most damaging factor affecting artworks of all types. Paper prints, including photographs and silk-screen works, are particularly vulnerable. In climates in which humidity levels fluctuate dramatically (such as the Gulf region), the paper carrying the print will absorb moisture. The result is ripples in the paper and permanent damage to the piece. Always position an artwork in a closed room.

Glass can help

Gregg Sedgwick

irritating reflections and the loss of ‘connection’ with the texture of the artwork.

The peril of pests Insects love the cosy environment provided by a framed artwork here, there is also a constant source of nourishment too. Woodworms, silverfish and termites can cause irreparable damage to artworks of all types. Check the back of an artwork and dust off any signs of infestation or nesting.

Store it safely Finally, if you are transporting an artwork or just putting it away for a while - art pieces should be packed in acid-free wrappings and stored in humidity-controlled spaces.

www.design-middleeast.com

PROJECT

The

PERFECT

frame Take a sneak peek into the Dubai Frame, the newest attraction in the city, which opened to the public on January 1, 2018

34 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

D

ubai Frame is one of the unique projects that Dubai Municipality has been keen to implement, which is an aesthetic icon and an architectural landmark that culturally connects the past with the present, and an important attraction for tourists and residents alike. It is expected to attract two million visitors a year.

Dubai Frame or “Berwaz Dubai,� built at a cost of AED250mn, consists of two transparent glass towers 150m tall, that are connected by a 93m bridge at the top. The space between the towers gives a clear view of the city from a high altitude. On one side, it frames the towering skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road, symbolising the modern city of Dubai, while the other side of the Berwaz includes landmark areas of Deira, Umm Hurair, and Karama, which represent the old Dubai.

The ground floor is designed to include a museum that tells the story of the development of the city and a presentation of everything related to Dubai. The concept takes the visitor on a journey through time, where visitors enter into an immersive experience representing the past history of the city. Projections, mist effects, smells, and motion creates the immersive mood setting of the space.

Dubai Frame is designed by award-winning Mexican architect Fernando Donis

February 2018

| 35

PROJECT

There is a museum on the ground floor that showcases Dubai’s transformation from fishing village to metropolis

36 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

The Past Dubai Gallery embodies the idea of the project and tells the story of the evolution of the city and its past, and shows the old city using the latest means of presentation with 3D images that contribute to the creation of a favourable environment that suits the comprehensive boom witnessed by the city.

After that, the visitors are directed to the second experience on the sky deck level that

represents the present of Dubai. The visitors can experience uninterrupted views of Dubai from all sides, Old Dubai to the north, and New Dubai to the south. This is supported by interactive applications such as augmented reality activated screens, whereby the visitor can identify different buildings and landmarks, by exploring interesting facts or observing buildings and landmarks in 3D. Modern technologies are used to represent

different aspects of the present Dubai, such as architecture, economy, and infrastructure.

The next experience is on the other side of the mezzanine level, where the visitor can see the Future Dubai Gallery. The concept of this gallery is to depict Dubai 50 years from now into the future by creating a virtual metropolis through interactive projections and virtual reality technology.

February 2018

| 37

26 - 29

DESIGN FOR EXPRESSION

MARCH 2018 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

WHAT’S ON AT THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION

DESIGN TALKS Every year the Design Talks at INDEX is one of the highlights of the show. The GCC’s top design talent share their first-hand experiences and offer live and unfiltered insights on current trends, challenges and exciting projects in the industry.

Joakim de Rham

Kevin McLachlan

Maliha Nishat

Janus Rostock

Co-Founder & Design Principal at Swiss Bureau Interior Design

Head of Interior Design for Godwin Austen Johnson

Director of Interior Design for Marriott International

Design Director & Head of Architecture, Urban Design & Master Planning for Atkins

VENTURA DUBAI This will be the Middle East’s first ever hosting of a Ventura Project; the acclaimed international design events that celebrate the best in European innovation and originality. Featuring 37 exciting up-and-coming and established designers and four live installations – curated by Organisation in Design and Margriet Vollenberg – Ventura Dubai will be at the very heart of INDEX’s theme of Design for Expression.

WHERE ART COMES TO LIFE The Artist Avenue is an art gallery on the show floor. This year 40+ international and local artists both famous and unsung will be showcasing their latest work.

Using a combination of traditional oil techniques, modern acrylic applications or watercolor watch these artists create canvases portraying everything from beautiful landscapes to the avant-garde pieces that tell a powerful story.

TOP: Pravin Suthar MIDDLE LEFT TO RIGHT: Amit Bhar, Sanjay Chakraborty BOTTOM: Paramesh Paul

CO-LOCATED WITH

SPONSORS

REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY www.indexexhibition.com

38 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

ROUNDTABLE

fast-evolving market!

Challenges in the

Design Middle East hosted an exciting roundtable discussion at the Double Tree by Hilton, Business Bay, on the market dynamics and emphasis on experience. The agenda was to understand whether the market is booming or not from the supplier and retail side, current market situations, fierce competition, and tricks to survive. Here’s a round up of the discussion with our esteemed panelists and their fair views on the changing business model

40 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Our esteemed panel

Richard Snowbell, retail head, Royal Furniture

Patrick van IJzendoorn,

managing director, Zen Interiors

Luca Innocentini, sales director, Finasi

Rami Talj,

key accounts manager, Iconic Home for Baker Furniture

Nalineedhar Kasibhatla,

general manager, The Home

February 2018

| 41

ROUNDTABLE The current market situation Richard: The furniture market is not really as booming in the region as it appears in the surveys and figures. We do diverse things like we export to a lot of African countries, and then we have eight stores in all the emirates and opened a new concept Patrick: In the last six months, there has been a noticeable increase in the sales. Last year, what helped us was the VAT, a lot of people wanted to make the final payment and others wanted to finish their projects. However, the four years had been very erratic, there have been so many ups and downs in the market.

Luca: We have a different business model. We collaborate with major developers like Emaar, Select Group, and Meeras because we are very strong in providing the right product at the right time. We also specialise in fit-out and can do full turnkey projects from start to the end. Our main clients are huge villas on the palm and F&B clients; this way we can cover the clients with different price ranges. So, the market is fine for us. The whole idea is to provide the client full service in terms of professionally, choose the right product, and give the best service. We specialise in kitchen and wardrobes.

Rami: The retail furniture market is not ever growing and it has its own ups and downs, and this is a normal thing for us. Our products are expensive, and we expect good periods and notso-good periods in a year.

Nalineedhar: It’s a very challenging time to be in the market. From the consumer side, we

My main competitors are the Italian brands, and German brands as well for the kitchen section. We are more focussed on the projects, and for kitchen and wardrobes one needs measurement and installation, so here online competition doesn’t matter.

– Luca Innocentini

expect an inflation of at least 3-4% in this market with a VAT of around five percent, so basically your expenses go up by eight percent, so the question is how does a consumer bear those expenses? Another challenge is that how to establish a pricing model where the company makes the profit and also pass on the benefits to the costumers? We are a homegrown concept, there are other international furniture brands coming inside the country so it adds experience and greater knowledge to the customer, so the customer expects a similar kind of a product at

Baker sells like a fashion, lifestyle, and living brand and not just like any other furniture brand. People know that they’re investing in a high-end quality product, which will be forever with them.

– Rami Talj

42 |

February 2018

a different price. So we have to match that also, So the needs are evolving, the economics is changing. It’s a challenging time for us.

The fierce competition Richard: One has to be aggressive because the demands of the customers are changing. They see things online –western styles, with different finishes. We need to offer the customer what they want, we have to evolve. Our biggest competitors are stores like Home Centres, Pan Emirates, and Homes R Us. Patrick: Maintaining flexibility, and listening to the customers is very important for our business.

We can be very flexible if the client is looking for a two-three week turn around and doesn’t walk to spend too much money, then we use our own products. We can be fast and economical as well.

We can customise products for our clients, we can do half a project with our stock items and the other half with the customised goods. This way we are very flexible and it works well for us. For brands like Marina Home and The One, customisation would be a challenge; it would be very difficult for them. You might end up buying a dining table for AED2,000 online, but if you’re spending AED20,000, you would like to go to a store and check it out personally.

Luca: My main competitors are the Italian brands, and German brands as well for the kitchen section.

We are more focussed on the projects, and for kitchen and wardrobes one needs measurement and installation, so here online competition

www.design-middleeast.com

In the last six months there has been a noticeable increase in the sales. Last year, what helped us was the VAT, a lot of people wanted to make the final payment and others wanted to finish their projects.

– Patrick van IJzendoorn

doesn’t matter. They want to see the product and touch them physically, which is not possible in the online medium. Our clients want to get in touch with the designers for meetings and other clarifications; this is the kind of relationship they want to build.

Rami: We are a high-end American luxury brand, and our competitors are the brands from the luxury section. The only thing that can become an obstacle for me is that when customers show me something on an online website, which I do not have. Though I have a huge stock of products,

which are fast moving, so this is how I work. But sometimes clients do go to other luxury brands in case they show something, which is not available in my showroom.

Nalineedhar: We have competition from homegrown retailers, and the international retailers, who have taken the franchise route.

We are looking at different ways to add to the customer’s experience. One of the retailers has opened a cafeteria in the store, it adds experience, and we want customers to spend more time the store. Once the experience gets changed, then they would want to come to your store and pick your product over something else. Price is one factor but experience matters a lot.

The correct pricing Richard: Most of our customers are priceoriented. Majority of the people would go around the competitors and if you don’t have the right

kind of sales person telling why are you paying the extra price for a particular piece of furniture, they will definitely go for the cheaper version. We have to be price conscious, we have to constantly check our competitors what are they charging.

Patrick: Pricing is not as important for us. Like if a person buys a villa on the palm and doesn’t live here and wants to come just three to four times in a year, they are not using this property as a full-time house means they have disposable income. The fact that they want someone to finish their house completely and they want to come with just a suitcase, it clearly means they are not going to run around the stores. So, as long as you charge them with reasonable fees for your furniture and designs are acceptable, they don’t ask much.

Luca: If we speak about single items for retail, the price is very important, the clients are aware of the prices already because of the internet

We have competition from homegrown retailers, and the international retailers, who have taken the franchise route. We are looking at different ways to add to the customer’s experience.

– Nalineedhar Kasibhatla

February 2018

| 43

ROUNDTABLE products. It depends from where are we sourcing a very product be it China, Eastern Europe or Turkey, at a very good price an then pass that value to the customers laced with the all microeconomic things that we’re seeing. This will give us a better idea about which pricing model works the best for us.

Educating the clients

(L to R): Nalineedhar Kasibhatla, Richard Snowbell, Patrick van IJzendoorn, Rami Talj, Luca Innocentini

and travelling. Also for interior designers and architects, we have to maintain the right price, the pricing policy is very important. In case of contracts, we must be strong and competitive.

We must provide them with satisfactory services, then pricing is not a big issue for them.

Rami: Sometimes people just walk in and they know the product and don’t talk about the money at all, and there have been times when customers are very price-conscious.

Our products are expensive but we offer

unmatchable quality and craftsmanship as well. Baker sells like a fashion, lifestyle, and living brand and not just like any other furniture brand. People know that they’re investing in a high-end quality product, which will be forever with them.

Nalineedhar: It’s a highly involved purchase.

The consumers are spoilt with choices; we have competition from online websites as well, in terms of discounts and styles as well. We have to check our inventories and the sourcing of the

Richard: We need to educate customers about what should they expect from the furniture. We should make them aware and help them in making the right purchase. Once you know your customer, this helps in building relationship, otherwise they’ll go to some other store.

Patrick: Maintaining flexibility and listening to the customers is very important for our business. We also need to educate them about the sustainable products and healthy living.

Luca: It’s very important to teach the clients about the advantages of your products, and explain their qualities, this way one can justify the price as well.

Rami: When customers know about your brand and what they’re buying, things are easier. So, the awareness of the customer is very important.

We have to pass on the knowledge to them in order to do sales and build relationships. Our products come from North Carolina, we aim at zero wastage and recycle as much as possible, we have to inform the client about all such valueadded features as well.

Nalineedhar: Customer relationship is very important in this field. Once you speak to them more frequently, they become comfortable and things ease out. Customers need to be aware of the products, their features, and how the value they will derive out of it.

We need to educate customers about what should they expect from the furniture. We should make them aware and help them in making the right purchase.

– Richard Snowbell

44 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

1st

Real Estate Show in the GCC

19,129

177

Attendees

Exhibitors

141

Participating Countries

REGISTER NOW

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

IN COOPERATION WITH

OFFICIAL KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNER

#IPS2018 info@internationalpropertyshow.ae

+971 4 392 3232

www.internationalpropertyshow.ae

DÉCOR REVIEW

shades of Moombai Relive the old Mumbai days and Irani-Parsi food at the very eclectic Moombai & Co Words: Mehak Srivastava

T

ransformation Tuesdays are indeed a reality at the eclectic Irani-Parsi café and bar ‘Moombai & Co.’. Contrary to the chic surroundings of The H Dubai it is situated in, the ambience of the space nestled bang at the front of the hotel has been ‘transformed’ to match the legacy of traditional Irani-Parsi cafes, which flourished in Mumbai during the 50s.

Jonathan Mangham, design director for TGP Design—the team that brought the café to life—remarks: “The 310sqm interior space is located on the ground floor, and the designs were to include a bar plus dining space, allowing for a great atmosphere to be created, as you would find in the traditional Parsi cafes. The design really is more than the sum of its parts, with the visual overload being key to the whole atmosphere. It’s hard to isolate any particular feature that is my favourite, but the brick vaulted ceiling with all the fans and looped pendant lighting has a great impact when you walk through the entrance.”

The restaurant is one giant splash of colour—think resplendent Indian shades of magenta, saffron, peacock blue, and lemon yellow. A number of things catch your eye when you step into the eatery—the walls are adorned with vibrant framed posters and wallpapers depicting the Indian films from the 50s and 60s. Vintage artefacts like dial phones, retro TV sets, and figurines of Indian trucks and glasses of tea in wire racks are tastefully littered across the restaurant space.

46 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

The restaurant takes you on a journey back to the traditional Irani-Parsi cafes, fusing together the magic of olden day Mumbai with the modern vibrancy of Dubai

February 2018

| 47

DÉCOR REVIEW

The design really is more than the sum of its parts, with the visual overload being key to the whole atmosphere. – Jonathan Mangham, design director

48 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Jonathan Mangham

A sweeping set of wooden shelves groans under the weight of a number of classic VHS tapes, audio cassettes, and scores of paperbacks. There are a number of Parsi café staples too-- ceiling fans, exposed brick, mahogany furniture, Italian marble table tops, bent cane chairs, and pendulum wall clocks. Many of these items have been handpicked from the bursting markets of Mumbai.

French windows lead to the outdoor seating space, where one can enjoy a dewy-eyed meal under the shade of umbrellas and strings of lights. Naturally, this area finds favour during the cooler months. The café also boasts a separate bar known as the Permit Bar, where you can find all sorts of eclectic bottle-aged cocktails, cold drip coffees, and chai.

The food is made to match the décor; chef Ashish Kumar heads the kitchen team, bringing extensive experience and authenticity to the table. Indian songs play overhead as you dine, not prejudiced against which decade or region in India they originate from—you might detect the occasional Pancham Da track followed immediately by a peppy MGR song.

The café successfully combines all the elements of a typical Mumbai Irani café and promises to celebrate a bygone era in a newfashioned environment, whilst offering hearty, delicious, and honest food alongside warm and generous hospitality.

Menu worth trying Popular dishes on the menu include Keema Pao, Chicken Berry Biryani, Patra Ni Macchi, Nalli Nihari, Auntie’s Bhuna Gosht, and the legendary Kulfi Platter, served on a bed of crushed ice, accompanied by freshly cut fruits. The café runs a weekly Saturday brunch, where you’ll find everything from all-day breakfast options to unlimited packages. As the café puts it, “it’s like visiting your aunties house back home where everyone is welcome, and no one leaves hungry.”

February 2018

| 49

PREVIEW

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM

WORKSPACE 2018?

WORKSPACE 2018 is aiming to showcase its biggest lineup of adaptable interior products to date

50 |

February 2018

W

ORKSPACE, which is part of the INDEX exhibition, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, March 26-29, 2018. Traditionally catering to office furniture and design, WORKSPACE is moving with the industry as it seeks to offer more and more dĂŠcor and working solutions for all possible commercial, educational, and healthcare environments.

The best in modern design for schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and shops will all be on display courtesy of some of the world’s most influential commercial interior brands, including H2O Concepts/Herman Miller, Guialmi, Boss Design, and Codutti.

www.design-middleeast.com

Having generated an estimated $1bn in legacy business from the 2017 show alone, WORKSPACE is aiming to engage with visitors in new ways this time around, with the work design studio and premium design experience, allowing potential buyers the chance to learn and get hands-on with the latest in trend-leading design.

Show manager Esha Elawadhi says: “Last year our central focus was on highlighting the shift in design culture across offices and learning environments; open ways of working, shared spaces. That movement is still taking place but has proven itself to be fluid across the entire scope of commercial development. Office furniture is now so dynamic and adaptable in its design that it becomes transferable and accessible to the likes of schools and hospitals, where it is just as at home both aesthetically and in terms of functionality.

That’s a big change that opens up huge design opportunities – and that’s what we’re most excited about showcasing.

“Our H2O Concepts/Herman Miller-sponsored work design studio returns and will offer a series of discussion seminars shining the spotlight on a wide range of industry topics, from biophilic design to smarter ways of manipulating space.

Our trend-led premium design experience cherrypicks the most original and best new commercial furniture products, while we are delighted that leading firms such as Boss Design will use the workspace platform to launch their latest lines.”

Amongst those launching new products at the show are Guialmi—Portugal’s leading commercial furniture brand – who will be launching their summer collection. Boss Design has chosen the show to host the Middle Eastern unveiling of their sensational new ATOM range.

The best in German design engineering will be on show at WORKSPACE’s dedicated German Pavilion, one of more than 10 international hubs across the exhibition floor, with USA, UK, Italy, France, and Austria also featured.

Esha Elawadhi

February 2018

| 51

WISH LIST

Let there be light!

Multi-colour glass chandelier with aluminium frame is a must-have for your living area.

Availability: Noria Lighting, Al Wahda, Sharjah

The bubble effect!

RĂŠsonance lamp by Daum in rosewood red is a striking piece of design.

Through its LED light, the lamp unveils a shower of bubbles engraved in the lampshade.

Availability: Across all Tanagras Stores in GCC

Colour is king

Enhancing the living space

The vase is crafted entirely in crystal, bears a striking swirling pattern that evokes the dynamisms of water, using blue crystal to achieve this effect.

Availability: www.artemest.com

These fabulous decor ideas will make your heart skip a beat

52 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Shelf for life Ideal for any room in the house, the range of preface shelving and storage units are designed to maximise use of and enhance your living space. These shelves are available in five finishes.

Availability: Gautier, Sheikh Zayed Road Al Safa 2, AWR Rostamani Business Center

February 2018

| 53

WISH LIST

Life is beautiful!

Artistic wallpaper called Giardino Segreto Scene 1 Delft and the Giardino Segreto Cornflower curtain by Designers Guild in divine colours are mesmerising.

Availability: Maison D’art, Villa 1106 AL Wasl Road - Umm Suqeim 2

Make an impression!

The fernando side table with marble top would make for a classy addition in your bedroom.

Availability: GOTWOB DESIGN HOUSE, Istinye Mah, Balabandere Cad. No 1/17 Sariyer, Istanbul

Glossy and glamorous Paris Bureau is an extraordinary console/writing table, with two drawers, in black and vanilla by designer Matteo Cibic. www.scarletsplendour.com

54 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Adorable and functional This deer shelf is just the right solution and effective means of storing objects around the home. www.ebarza.com

For Bohemian-style holidays Snooze away to a tropical island with this hand knotted Bohemian hammock. Includes black mounting ropes to hang the hammock. www.urbannest.ae

Magic of marble Exquisite designer marble decor pieces are what you should be stocking this season. www. citco.it

January 2018

| 55

WISH LIST

Timeless designs The oriette dressing table, bisi stool, and the stone studded kookie mirror spell luxury and sophistication. www.felicejames.com

Afternoon slumbers The Sausalito bed is a dear reminder of a rustic farmhouse, adding the right amount of homely charm to your bedroom.

Availability: Across all Pottery Barn stores in the UAE

56 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

EVENTS

THE MONTH AHEAD

Trade fair dates for your diary…

EVENT IN FOCUS Stockholm Design Week 5-11 February 2018 Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is the initiator behind Stockholm Design Week, which functions as a meeting place for the industry outside of the Fair's halls. The first-ever Stockholm Design Week was held in 2002 and today it consists of more than 100 designrelated events held at different locations around the city. The fair is bringing forth latest innovations in interior design and lighting for both homes and public spaces. New products, new materials, new knowledge, new trends and new environmental and technological solutions are displayed both informative and inspirational manner.

Business and deals are done during the day at Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, while the evenings are intended for mingling and parties in the city.

Surface Design Show 6-8 February 2018 London, United Kingdom

Surface Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, showcasing the newest and best surfaces that the design industry has to offer. Connecting innovative and exciting materials with an audience of architects, specifiers and designers, Surface Design Show is the only event in the UK that focuses solely on the interior and exterior surfaces. For more than 10 years Surface Design Show has been the place where industry people immerse themselves in the latest materials for the built environment, gain new insights and network with likeminded designers, architects and suppliers. Running alongside Surface Design Show will be Light School and Stone Gallery, two events specific to those markets.

IDF Oman

6-7 February 2018 Muscat, Oman Now in its 5th year, IDF Oman aims to display the latest in technology, showcase the usage of materials, and present innovative approaches to interior design, décor, and furniture, by bringing together all the leading companies in the industry under one roof. Co-located exhibitions at the event include Tile & Stone Show, as well as the Kitchen & Bathroom Show. TSS Oman is aimed at meeting the demands of the construction industry by providing natural stones, granite, marble, ceramic, manufactured materials, while KBS Oman will present a wide scale of the latest technologies, equipment, materials, accessories, architecture, construction, interior finish, and design projects related to kitchen and bathrooms.

58 |

February 2018

INDEX – International Design Exhibition

26-29 March 2018 Dubai, United Arab Emirates International Design Exhibition (INDEX) is the largest and most extensive interiors and design trends event in this part of the world. Co-located with Workspace and Surface Design events, this is where high-end businesses and affluent shoppers come to procure everything from limited edition pieces through to accessories and décor. Extended over a massive 49,970sqm, last year the exhibition featured 18 country pavilions with 846 exhibitors from 54 destinations. The high volume of visitors that graced the event represented 108 nationalities and totalled more than 25,000 over four days. INDEX is the perfect event for architects, interior designers, retail and wholesale buyers, procurement specialists, general managers, developers, and project managers.

www.design-middleeast.com

SUPPLIERS

Changing world of

ceramic tiles

Leon Willis, sales development manager at British Ceramic Tile talks about trends, target audience, a and explains plans for 2018 What are the trends in ceramics in this region?

Ceramic tiles have evolved and become increasingly trend-led, tapping into key interior design movements. Texture is one trend that is making an impact within the Middle East, with tactile surfaces proving to be a popular choice.

Advancements in manufacturing techniques are transforming how ceramic tiles look and feel, and tiles now feature raised surfaces in a range of different finishes for an unmistakable touch me quality.

Who are your end users?

Over the past few years we’ve been supplying our design-led tile collections to interior designers and architects for a range of commercial projects,

as well as house build developments. We are also seeing an increasing appetite from design-hungry consumers to buy our tile collections through retail partners.

What are this year?

your

new

launches

The standout new launch for this year is our new Impression Glass collection. Bringing something completely new to the Middle Eastern market, the range is guaranteed to make a statement in any interior scheme. Impression is made up of six glass structures including the diamond, cube, wave and hive designs, and is available in twelve stunning colourways and size formats, all designed and made in the UK using the finest quality english glass.

Leon Willis

What is your business strategy for 2018?

Our focus is on maximising exposure of our designer ranges in the Middle East. Our collaborations with iconic UK brands such as Ted Baker and Laura Ashley offer the best of British design to suit a wide range of tastes and styles that offer classic chic through to striking patterns that bring the latest fashion trends to interiors. We are exploring the potential of opening a showroom in Dubai, alongside building a strong local distribution network to ensure customers can see our products first hand.

Contact: E: leon.willis@britishceramictile.com W: www.britishceramictile.com

February 2018

| 59

PICK OF THE MONTH

Live Colourfully!

For all the coffee lovers, your coffee experience is incomplete without pretty mugs. The stunning Turkish coffee cup set from HM consists of six coloured coffee cups, with gold-tone rims and handles. Another highlight of these cups is that they come with matching coloured porcelain saucers that are sure to turn heads at any casual or formal occasion. These vibrant little mugs will surely brighten up your day.

Availability: www.apartment51.com Price: AED 595

60 |

February 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

CERAFLEX® The smart choice for reliable fittings

Hot Water Limiter

Easy Fix

With its simple, clear-cut, yet modern lines, Ceraflex® is designed to complement any bathroom or kitchen, although the big difference is what‘s inside. At the heart of Ceraflex® is our brand new ceramic cartridge, Firmaflow®. Our best cartridge ever, it delivers substantial cost savings because it saves water and lasts almost twice as long as the industry standard, giving you 10 to 15 years of regular daily use.

QATAR: MOHAMMED YOUSUF KAFOOD & SONS Doha +974 4 463 7777 www.kafood.com IRAQ: AL TAIBOON GROUP Baghdad +964 7 901 364026 www.altaiboon.com

KUWAIT: ALSHAYA ENTERPRISES™ Kuwait +965 2 224 2299 www.alshayaenterprises.com LEBANON: ETS. ABDULRAHIM DIAB S.A.L. Beirut-Unesco +961 0 186 8146/7 Beirut-Jdeideh +961 0 125 4294/5/6 www.abdulrahimdiab.com SALAMEH CERAMICA Beirut +961 1 852 285 / +961 1 851 385 www.salamehceramica.com

SAUDI: AL-GHAMDI CO. FOR SANITARY WARES Riyadh +966 11 4646279 Jeddah +966 12 6696263 Dammam +966 13 8340248 www.amghamdi.com BAHRAIN: MARMARA TRADING Co. Bahrain +973 1773 7735 www.marmaratrading.com

OMAN: MAIN DISTRIBUTOR BAHWAN BUILDING MATERIALS LLC Muscat +968 2 465 0000 www.suhailbahwangroup.com DISTRIBUTOR ALSHAYA ENTERPRISES™ Muscat +968 2 461 9681/3 www.alshayaenterprises.com

IDEAL STANDARD GULF FZCO Jebel Ali, Dubai, P.O. Box 261559, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 804 2400, www.idealstandardgulf.com IDEAL STANDARD DESIGN BATHROOM CENTRE Flash Star Sanitary Ware Trading LLC, Jabal Ali Bldg., Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, P.O. Box 38430, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 309 6000

Join us:

UAE: SULTACO Dubai +971 4 338 5929 Abu Dhabi +971 2 633 4425 Al Ain +971 3 763 1609 Sharjah +971 6 575 9878 www.sultaco.com JORDAN: AL MUNA Co. Amman +962 6 554 8851 www.al-munaco.com