Interior Design Trends from January 2024

In January, Elizabeth Ockford went to Frankfurt to visit Heimtex , Hannover to the carpet fair, Domotex, and lastly to Paris for the Deco Off.
In this blog she outlines some of the more exciting things- trends, colours, interior passions that she spotted at the European shows.

“ Heimtex is always a rather daunting fair to visit as it’s enormous. Housed in over 10 large warehouse size spaces, you can find there exhibits of fabrics, wallpapers and also some carpets. The exhibitors range from luxury interior houses from Europe to those from the Far East and China, whilst also small design studios show their original painted artworks for Sale.

After a few quiet years as a result of the Covid outbreak, this year the fair was regaining impetus. Many stands exhibited quite maximalist displays with heady layers of colour and pattern.

Trevira Cs Stand

Browns and warm tones

Many of the showrooms were full of warm tones – creams, tangerine oranges and browns. These are a move on from the gray pastel tones that have been prevalent in recent years. Perhaps they invoke the cozy comfort and security that we all want, especially in turbulent times like these.

Omexco Showroom

Nobilis Showroom

Peach Fuzz Influence

Announced as the Colour of the Year for ’24, there was certainly a strong influence of Peach Fuzz. It’s a welcome thing for me, as Im wholeheartedly embracing the arrival of warmer tones in the Decorator’s colour palette. This opulent display greeted you as you entered the Manuel Canovas showroom. The ethnic pattern on the drapes is also a trend of note – and the charm and humor in the an asymmetrical side table brings a smile to your face.

 

Manuel Canovas Showroom

Opulent Luxury Inspired by the 70’s

Flamant Showroom

More peachy tones on show here in the Flamant showroom. But it also shows the strong influence of retro and 70’s design on the furniture shapes all over the Deco Off Fair. The soft curves and warm woods used in this style of furniture complement well the warmer tones of colours being used.

Pierre Frey Showroom

This area of Pierre Frey also shows the use of ethnic influences in design – Ikats and African inspired geometrics.

Oriental Inspiration and interesting base papers

More peachy tones on show here in the Flamant showroom. But it also shows the strong influence of retro and 70’s design on the furniture shapes all over the Deco Off Fair. The soft curves and warm woods used in this style of furniture complement well the warmer tones of colours being used.

Pierre Frey Showroom Window

Omexco Showroom

Armani Casa Showroom

Oriental Inspiration and interesting base papers

But… a visit to Paris always has to include some self indulgence! An Éclair Chocolat for a morning coffee break – and then a Croque Monsieur ( a delicious toastie of ham, cheese and bechamel ) at one of my favorite Paris shops – Merci.

Exploring The Royal Atlantis’ luxurious wall coverings with NGC Nafees and Tapetex

NGC Nafees, a Dubai-based distributor of walls, floors, and fabrics, and Tapetex, a Dutch high-end wallpaper manufacturer, in media partnership with Identity magazine, hosted a unique event for leading regional designers, specializing in the hospitality and residential sectors.

Titled “Behind the scenes: A luxury experience at The Royal Atlantis,” this exclusive gathering offered a rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes of one of the world’s most luxurious resorts.

Opened in February 2023, The G.A Group were responsible for all aspects of Atlantis The Royal ‘s interior design. The G.A Group first travelled to Dubai in 2014, after being invited to take part in a design competition for the hotel’s new concept.

For Atlantis Tapetex developed custom coloured linen and supplied 60,000 linear meters of linen wallcovering for the guestrooms and hallways. During the visit, the designers also had the chance to see first-hand some of the custom-colored linen wallcoverings by Tapetex.

A select group of designers and thought leaders shared their vision for luxury design in 2024, highlighting some of the emerging trends in high-end interiors.

Stay tuned for their valuable insights.

Luxury Interior Trends for 2024

As we head into 2024, there are many new trends that can be seen in Interiors for the year ahead.

 It is not surprising that in our homes we are now seeking a little more comfort and softness in our interiors. Here are some of the highlights of the exciting new designs that you can expect to see through 2024.

CASADECO – KYOTO

MASUREEL – ORBITAL

MASUREEL – SUMMER

CASADECO – KYOTO

THIBAUT – MODERN RESOURCES

 OMEXCO – BIRDS OF PARADISE

Bold Colours

It has been predicted that the appeal of grey and white kitchens and endless Beige boucle upholstery will start to taper off in 2024 in favour of vibrant , saturated and increasingly edgy colour combinations. The use of citrus greens and warm tangerines together with the peach fuzz colour of the year, combined with much warmer neutrals will give a little bit of zest to our interior decoration.

CASADECO – KYOTO

Brown Renaissance

In 2024 then, the neutrals that we are working with will become softer and warmer. In replacement of the cool Grays that we have become so familiar with,  “chocolate neutrals” will become the new basic palette.

That doesn’t mean that everything will have to become brown! But wood finishes will become less ash and limed white , in favour of the use of  darker colours such as walnut and teak.

 Neutrals will have warm tones to them – so anything in the colour gamut through from white to strong beige will still be very usable but it will have a much warmer tone.

ARMANI CASA  

VAYA FABRICS

EIJFFINGER – PIP STUDIO

EIJFFINGER – UNIFY

Inviting Living Rooms

All this means that we can say goodbye to  cold white living rooms and embrace the living space in which  you can actually relax and feel cosy. The minimalist trend is still with us, but it has evolved into a look that is less rigid with a warm and inviting feel . We will see warm textural spaces with natural materials are moody earthier colour palettes.

Alongside the warm neutrals just mentioned, we will also see a move towards more creams, rusts, muted greens, browns and of course peachy tones. The popular boucle textures of course will still be with us in smaller amounts, as they are such a cosy touch to add to an interior.

CUSTOM CARPET

Colorful Carpet

For a long time wall-to-wall carpet was only acceptable in beige wool or sisal, and something patterned felt like a hellish throwback to the 1970s.  Increasingly though, designers are using both muted and bold patterns in carpets and often you can see floors swathed in earthy or jewel-like colours.

 A bold or playful floor doesn’t need to equate to Maximalism – you can have fun with your rug and then calm down the rest of the interior to work around it – in this way the statement rug or carpet becomes the key piece around which the rest of the design follows.

ARMANI CASA – REFINED STRUCTURES 3

Surprising Murals

Bold and imaginative murals continue to become more and more a feature of our interiors. Through 2024 they may be used in more imaginative spaces such as foyers and stairwells. Designers are becoming very clever at considering the actual shape of the space that the mural is going into.

Just as a well designed and coloured patterned carpet can be the key focal point of your interior, so can a beautiful mural

First Glimpses: Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design 2023

‘Big and Better’, read headlines before Dubai Design Week 2023 started. An exhaustive list of installations, coupled with scintillating talks curated at The Forum at Downtown Design forecasted that the claims were anything but baseless. Yet, design aficionados were curious to see how it all culminates.

Dubai Design Week began November 7th 2023, while Downtown Design kickstarted on November 8th with a VIP preview. Come 9th November, Dubai Design District (the heart of it all) was filled with international and local visitors flocking to see what the show had to offer this year.

Within the bylanes of Dubai Design District, the emphasis on local heritage is palpable. The much-talked about Abwab Commission by architect Abdalla Almulla stands sturdy and tall, smack in the middle of the venue. A few miniature pop-up shops are settled on its edges, and visitors can be seen frequenting the mighty, shaded installation to pose for a picture. With spotlighting indigenous materials and techniques comes a shared focus on sustainability amongst the installations.

Features like a long table tennis set-up and invigorating installations (small and big) at almost every other turn has transformed Dubai Design Week into an inherently social and bustling time. Within the building blocks of Dubai Design District, offices are hosting a variety of events. From private lunches to open-invite talks and workshops, there is something for everyone. 

And the weather, more or less, seems to factor it all. The morning until early afternoon might begin on the mild side of toasty, but eventually a soft breeze guides visitors’ paths as they tread from one building to another. The walk to the Downtown Design tent is hence, a pleasant one.

One step inside the tent, and the difference from its previous years is unmissable. One can’t put a finger on it. It could be visibly better designed booths, or perhaps participation by revered international brands this time around that calibrates for it. Either way, most booths this year have taken to a conceptual route, enticing passersby with mysterious and bold set-ups. In all this, the central theme seems to be ‘quality’, whether it be of the products or design.

A picture might speak a thousand words, and a video might provide enough insights, but witnessing Dubai Design Week 2023 would only be doing the regional design event of the year justice. Besides, would you want to be a part of a conversation later on, where nearly every discussion ends with ‘you had to be there?’

The Must-Visit 10 Downtown Design Stands

Downtown Design is returning for its 10th edition, this time with a greater emphasis on booth design. As one of the main attractions at Dubai Design Week 2023, the exhibition is expected to have plenty of eye-grabbing attractions, here are the 10 that you should not skip…

Ideal Standard

Booth-in-Booth Magic
Booth A-8

At Downtown Design 2023, sanitary brand Ideal Standard will bring their newest collections to the spotlight. Namely, Solos Fittings and Ceramics Collection, Alu+ Showering System, Gusto Kitchen Mixers, and the i.Life B Collection in grey color will usurp centre stage in a stand with a booth-in-booth concept. Roberto Palomba, Chief Design Officer at Ideal Standard, will also grace the event and even partake in a discussion on ‘Quiet Luxury’ held in the Forum. So, don’t forget to mark your attendance at the Forum on 10 November.

Casa Milano

The Final Showcase of the Talking Walls Competition
Booth A-8

For those waiting with bated breath, the time is finally here. Casa Milano’s Talking Walls Design Challenge will produce its final showcase at Downtown Design. Held in partnership with Love That Design and Intelier, the competition invited six teams from UAE’s interior design studios (namely Bishop Design, CK Architecture, Designsmith, ELE Interior Design, Kristina Zanic Consultants, LW Design) to choose one of six words – Cosy, Vibrant, Harmonious, Grounded, Timeless, or Bold – and create a bathroom design concept inspired by their chosen word for hotel, residential, or commercial interiors.

ICEX

The Spanish Design Narrative
Booth A-9

Returning year after year to Downtown Design with brands like Porcelanosa, ACTIU and more, ICEX has always assumed the responsibility of bringing “Interiors from Spain” under a single umbrella. This year, iSiMAR (outdoor furniture), Naxani  (bathroom), and Legado Artesano Castilla-La Mancha, (a display of artisanal crafts by industrial designer Natalia Ortega) shall also grace the stall. 

Predominantly a corporate furniture brand, ACTIU will introduce their latest soft seating lines and fabrics along with their first Type A certified task chair, AS WORK at Downtown Design 2023. “These additions represent a significant expansion and diversification of our portfolio, tailored to meet the needs of the hospitality, third spaces, and contract sectors”, testified Diego Sanchez Serrano, Dubai Showroom Manager, ACTIU. The brand’s acoustic booth, QYOS will also share limelight. “Our phone booth has garnered remarkable success in the Middle East in just two months since its launch”, mentions Diego, excited about the reactions of passersby visiting the ICEX booth.

At the same time, Porcelanosa will showcase their latest collections that spotlight sustainability and fuse it with timeless designs. “Downtown Design is a leading annual event that brings together designers, architects, artists and industry professionals,” avers Nuño Arcusa, General Manager of Porcelanosa Middle East. Porcelanosa’s diverse product range will exemplify quality and the allure of natural patterns and colours at the event.

Quooker

The Mark of Efficient Kitchens
Booth A-11

The Quooker tap is a phenomenon, not a product. It’s inventive, innovative and incidentally stylish. This year at Downtown Design 2023, Quooker will showcase 31 of its taps and flaunt two of its newest finishes. Three fully working taps will be used for Live Quooker Demonstrations, and visitors will be eligible for special promotions on direct purchases from the stand.

Cosentino

Balneum by Kristina Zanic Consultants
Booth A-14

Crafted by the renowned interior design firm Kristina Zanic Consultants, this exhibit showcased at Downtown Design deconstructs a time-honoured design, simplifying it down to its essential elements. The muse for the marvel is the ancient Mediterranean bathhouse, Balneum, derived from the Latin word for bath. Using the carbon-neutral Dekton® Pietra Kode is expected to imbue understated luxury at the booth. In addition, a cohesive, calming colour palette with soothing landscape features will paint a picture of tranquillity and trance.

Atlas Concorde

Material Fete
Booth A-15

Atlas Concorde is a prominent global brand in the production of ceramic surfaces for various applications, including floors, walls, furnishings, worktops, and outdoor spaces. They have a strong focus on design and architecture, offering a wide range of styles to cater to diverse demands in private and public spaces, commercial properties, hospitality venues, and both indoor and outdoor areas.

At the Downtown Design, passersby can explore joint projects with a range of accomplished professionals. This includes Mario Ferrarini, a renowned designer with expertise in bathroom furnishings, Matteo Brioni, an architect and entrepreneur with a deep understanding of natural materials and finish trends, and Piero Lissoni, an architect and designer celebrated for his distinctive minimalistic style and elegant creations.

Jaipur Rugs

Handcrafted and In Harmony
Booths A-19 & A-20

Jaipur Rugs is set to offer an eye-pleasing experience at Downtown Design 2023. A stunning collection of hand-knotted, tufted rugs, and dhurries, will honour the traditional skills and artistry of Jaipur’s artisans. Their exhibit will also seamlessly blend the rich heritage of Jaipur with modern design elements, offering a fusion of tradition and contemporary aesthetics.

“The Jaipur Rugs exhibit at Downtown Design 2023 is set to be a visual feast for  design enthusiasts and art lovers”, expresses Yogesh Chaudhary, Director, Jaipur Rugs. “We invite everyone to visit our stand to explore the incredible range of handcrafted rugs that embody the spirit of Jaipur. We are excited to share our passion for design, culture, and craftsmanship with the world.”

Interstuhl

What If We Fly
Booth B-3

Coming together with one of their UAE partners, Mobili Emirates Furniture, Interstuhl is set to exhibit their ‘on-the-go’ solution for flexible workspaces. Team building and office dynamics today demand furniture that is transformative and adaptable. What If We Fly from Interstuhl is just that and more. With products such as stools that can be joined to form makeshift step seating, to white boards that can be fragmented and fused, depending on the requirement, the range is intuitive and ingenious.

NGC Nafees

An Immersive Underwater Experience by NGC Nafees and Brand Creative
Booth B-5

Bringing forth an sensorially-tuned installation that resembles an ethereal underwater world, NGC Nafees and Brand Creative come together this year at Downtown Design to represent the former in renewed light. This venture, building upon their ongoing impactful rebranding efforts, harmoniously solidifies their collective strengths.

Under the visionary guidance of Brand Creative, the initial living room concept has transmogrified into the vibrant hues and luxurious textiles of an aquatic dreamscape. Inspiration bubbled from conversations about the fluidity and drapery of fabric, reminiscent of the gentle flow of water. “It must be an underwater multi-sensory experience,” pondered James Prathap, General Manager at NGC Nafees. Through the integration of sound and light projections, the space springs to life with vivid bursts of colour intermingling with soft, soothing tones, evoking a sense of perpetual motion and dynamism.

In addition, the brand will also host a Flip & Win contest at their booth where the participants stand a chance to pocket luxury room makeovers. Other prizes include free (wallpaper/upholstery) installations, discount vouchers and designer hand fans for each guest visiting the booth.

Kohler

Water’s Versatility by Nada Debbs
Booth B-16

KOHLER has conceived the design of their booth in collaboration with Nada Debs, who in turn has coalesced her Japanese upbringing and Arab heritage. In both regions, screens carry profound cultural significance. They represent modesty, without shunning external influences.  The presence of natural wood in the design offsets a veritable message from KOHLER, signifying 150 years of their existence and presenting new product ranges that resonate with contemporary lifestyles. The wooden louvre screen is intentionally crafted to evoke a sense of spirituality as visitors navigate the booth, fostering feelings of serenity and poise. Scents and sounds will play a role in formulating a truly immersive encounter at KOHLER’s booth.

Jalapeno/MillerKnoll

A New Identity
Booth C-16

Three exquisite MillerKnoll Lightboxes will be unveiled at the Jalapeno stand. Each of them will serve as an eloquent narrator, informing visitors of MillerKnoll’s rich heritage, artistry and unwavering commitment to sustainability. These will also showcase MillerKnoll products, each one deserving of its own luminous spotlight.

The Bowery Company

Clean lines and Scandinavian Simplicity
Booth C-33

Christiane Nasr, the founder of The Bowery Company, identified a notable absence of stores or brands in the U.A.E. that could capture the urban vibrancy of New York City or the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian furniture. This multi-brand retail venture brings design trends that emphasize expressive interior elements while also cultivating a sense of comfort and nostalgia in the Middle East. At Downtown Design 2023, the Bowery will flaunt their repertoire of Danish furniture brands such as 101 Copenhagen, Audo Copenhagen and Ferm Living. Norrii and Fest Amsterdam will also imbibe the spirit of austere aesthetics at the stand.

Huda Lighting

A Fluffy Fantasy realised by 4SPACE
Booth D-2

Huda Lighting has carved its name in the UAE as one of the most revered suppliers in the region. But behind their success is the company’s ethos to go above and beyond. Huda Lighting assists designers to correctly understand requirements. Concepts can be guidelines to a project, and the team at Huda Lighting works collaboratively with their partners from start to the end. Boasting brands like Lodes, Masiero, Bomma, Italamp, Panzeri, Penta and Slamp in their exhaustive panoply is testament to their well-rounded approach to illumination. At Downtown Design, guests will be privy to the brand’s fervour and mesmerising stand.

Pantone Colour of The Year 2024- Peach Fuzz

The desire to reflect the natural world outdoors in our Interiors, will carry on into 2024.

As has become tradition, the Pantone color of the year has been finally revealed – Peach Fuzz.

“Decorating with earthy, muted and naturally inspired colours will continue to have a strong influence on Designer’s choices “ says Elizabeth Ockford ,Product Development Consultant at NGC Nafees.

 “As we made our choice for [2024] we were reminded that a vital part of living a full life is having the good health, stamina, and strength to enjoy it. That in a world which often emphasizes productivity and external achievements, it’s critical that we also recognize the importance of fostering our inner cells and find moments of respite, creativity, and human connection,” Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute explained over a Zoom meeting in late November. 

 

The evolution of Scandi Inspired design has moved from cool and minimalist to cosy and comforting and informs this array of warm neutrals and colours in 2024.

“Greys are finally being swapped for earthy beiges, contemporary off whites and taupes that sit so well with Peach Fuzz. It is a welcome return to more optimistic hues of colour “.

As such, it is no surprise that soft textures are appearing more and more in our interiors – such as velvets, suedes , boucles, and chenille.

This apricot-like orange colour evokes the popular 70’s inspired design trend, and is just asking to be paired with teak wood. Again, a warmer tone than the white washed woods of the last 10 years.

In its stronger tones, it is a warm and social colour, with the ability to stimulate and energise us, as well as being warm and comforting. It can be used as a dash of warmth, an inspiring dart of fresh colour within a calm interior, and contrast well with bold plants in the home.

We are looking for warmth, reassurance and cosseting in our Interiors- as a reaction to the turbulent world around us at the moment.

‘To me, it feels like a call for more human connection, compassion and empathy.

Throughout 2024 expect to see more warm colours and peach tones appearing all around us – in fashion and film as well as Interiors.”

Setting the Stage for Success: Dubai MEA Conference 2023 at Lapita Resort Hosted by Hospitality Network

 

Dubai MEA Conference 2023, hosted at the luxurious Lapita Resort by HospitalityNetwork, unfolded as a tale of triumph for our team. Beyond the spectacular venue, the event marked significant milestones, including a momentous meeting with a

 

special client and a creative collaboration with Stellar Concepts Design. The seamless integration of our cutting-edge digital wallcovering into key elements like the entrance arch, Photobooth background, and a distinctive logo backwall became the focal point of this unforgettable experience, captured in detail on our event.

Meeting Our Special Client:

The conference not only served as a platform for industry insights but also facilitated a profound connection with our special client. The discussions held during the event deepened our understanding, solidifying our partnership and laying the groundwork for future ventures that extend beyond the conference setting.

 

Collaboration with Stellar Concepts Design:

Our collaboration with Stellar Concepts Design added a layer of sophistication and creativity to the event’s ambiance. The strategic use of our digital wallcovering in conjunction with their visionary design expertise created an immersive experience that left a lasting impact on attendees.

 

Entrance Arch: A Grand Prelude

 

The entrance arch, draped in our bespoke digital wallcovering, became the gateway to a world of innovation and elegance. Attendees were greeted with a visual spectacle that not only showcased our commitment to excellence but also set the stage for the remarkable experiences that awaited them inside.

Photobooth Background: Capturing Memories in Style

  • The Photobooth background, featuring our digital wallcovering, offered a visually stunning backdrop for attendees to capture and share their conference experiences. This interactive element added a touch of elegance to the event’s social aspect

“NGC Nafees Makes Waves at Downtown Design: A Dive into the Underwater World”

NGC Nafees recently made a splash with its four-day participation at the Downtown Design event, with a captivating underwater world themed stand designed by BRAND CREATIVE. The event generated much excitement and interest, with a range of engaging activities, including a Flip and Win contest that left attendees thrilled. 

Let’s dive into the details of this unforgettable experience!

The Underwater Wonderland:

Brand Creative’s vision came to life as NGC Nafees transformed its exhibition space into a mesmerizing underwater wonderland. The design was inspired by NGC’s wallcoverings collections. Its stunning visuals were an instant hit with everyone and drew visitors to the fair onto the stand to explore the display.

Flip and Win Contest:

One of the event’s highlights was the interactive Flip and Win contest, adding an element of fun and anticipation. Attendees eagerly participated, and the lucky winners were rewarded with exciting prizes. Among the highlights were three participants who struck gold, winning a luxurious room makeover that undoubtedly left them delighted.

Highlighting the Collections:

NGC Nafees strategically showcased its wallcoverings collections with a curated selection of renowned brands. The Dolce and Gabbana wallcoverings stole the show, creating a striking wave effect that became a focal point of the stand. The seamless integration of Missoni Home for the arc design added a burst of color reminiscent of life beneath the sea, while Armani Casa brought a touch of elegance with fish-skin-inspired wallcoverings featuring a moire effect.

Flooring that Makes Waves:

The stand’s flooring was equally breathtaking. Two hand tufted carpets were specifically designed for the space. The large circular designs featured both colours and textures that conveyed water and corals. Looking beautiful, they showed off the skills and design capabilities of the NGC carpet division.

This imaginative use of flooring not only complemented the overall theme but also served as a stunning backdrop for the displayed products.

Luxurious Seating with Spradling Coated Fabrics:

To complete the immersive experience, NGC Nafees incorporated Spradling coated fabrics into the design, creating luxurious and comfortable seating arrangements. The fabrics not only enhanced the visual appeal but also showcased the brand’s commitment to quality and sophistication

Special Client Interactions:

The success of NGC Nafees at Downtown Design was further elevated by the presence of special clients who visited the stand. The strategic use of various wallcoverings, carpets and striking displays  all allowed the brand to showcase its versatility and ability to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

NGC Nafees’ participation at Downtown Design was nothing short of a triumph, seamlessly blending creativity, innovation, and product excellence. 

The underwater world theme, inspired by the brand’s own collections and accentuated by the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Missoni Home, and Armani Casa, showcased the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design. As NGC Nafees continues to make waves in the industry, this event serves as a testament to its dedication to creating immersive and unforgettable experiences for its audience.apibus leo.

FF&E Talks with NGC Nafees: Crafting customer experience through storytelling and branded interiors

Whether it’s a hotel, retail or F&B space, creating a cohesive experience for customers and guests requires a brand story, interior design, customer service, and technology to all work together. In response, NGC Nafees hosted a panel discussion on “Creating the perfect customer and guest experience through storytelling and branded interiors”.

The panelists were Carla Conte from Brand Creative, Firas Alsahin from 4SPACE Design, Paul Bishop from Bishop Design, Riham Farajy from David T’kint Design, Sarah Jane Grant from LXA, and Nadine Kassab from Woods Bagot.

The discussion, moderated by Marina Mrdjen from Intelier, aimed to explore how designers are utilizing FF&E process backed by the latest digital technologies to tell people the story behind the brand.

This was the sixth and final part of the FF&E Talk series, aimed to bring together leading interior
designers for discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and trends in FF&E design across hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors

The panelists shared insights from their experiences in designing spaces that stand out and foster unique customer experiences. They emphasized the importance of creativity, storytelling, customisation, and sustainability in FF&E design, and the impact of these factors on a project’s success.

Paul Bishop: Creating depth and character in design with FF&E

According to Bishop, founder of Bishop Design, FF&E is one of the only design disciplines that goes on a journey with you. He explains, “This FF&E journey is constant as we move through the project.”

By bringing in layers of FF&E, designers can create a maximalist aesthetic that uplifts and adds depth and character to an otherwise flat and mundane space. This is especially important within newly built environments that are common both in the UAE and in Miami, where Bishop recently opened his second studio.

Bishop’s latest project, En Fuego, a restaurant design in Atlantis The Palm Dubai, exemplifies this idea, where FF&E was integral to the project. According to Bishop, the use of FF&E was the instigator for everything to follow in the En Fuego project. Without it, there would have been nothing relative in space. He explains, “I think that created the story, that created the narrative that was like the precipice of that journey.

Carla Conte: The importance of customisation in retail design

Conte highlighted the importance of utilising suppliers who possess the capability for customisation, stating that “For us, it’s key to be able to create something truly unique for our brands and retailers. We have a branding and graphic design team that creates bespoke patterns and graphic elements, and we aim to integrate them seamlessly into the design. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to understand the supplier’s capabilities regarding customisation, printing on different surfaces, local sourcing, and production methods. This adds to our selection process for choosing suppliers.”

Conte shared her experience working on the IZIL Spa project in Dubai Mall, which involved executing the traditional Moroccan wall surfacing technique known as tadelakt. Working with a local contractor and a specialist company from Morocco presented challenges due to language barriers, but it also provided opportunities for cultural exchange and growth. Carla remarked, “Everybody won at the end of the day with that one. Bringing in those people, even with the cost of hotel and flight, ended up being a lot cheaper and actually resulted in huge cost savings for our clients.”

Despite the challenges, the end result was a monolithic and aesthetically pleasing space that authentically captured the client’s vision.

Conte also emphasised the significance of selecting the right FF&E for high-traffic projects that can withstand the test of time, maintenance, and cleaning. “At the end of the day, our design is judged based on the materials we specify for the project. It’s crucial to work with professional suppliers that can customise finishes and products that are durable, practical and add value to the project.”

Despite the rise of e-commerce, Brand Creative’s founder believes that the brick-and-mortar experience is still important for many customers. According to her the journey starts at home, where customers browse a brand’s website, and continues in-store, where the experience is brought to life.

“So when a customer enters the store, the expectation is that they’ve been drawn off their couch and are ready to experience the physical space,” she explained.

Firas Alsahin: Designing spaces that stand out by creating unique experiences for customers

Alsahin, the design director of 4SPACE Design, emphasised the importance of maintaining creativity in design while procuring FF&E. He said: “When designing a space, it’s important to avoid turning it into a mere shopping list of fancy brands and well-known brand names. The ultimate result may look nice, but the creativity behind it will be missing.

In the Aya Universe project, Firas had to think beyond traditional FF&E design and materials to create a space that looked like it came from a universe beyond our known universe.

He said, “We had to use unique, organic materials instead of relying on suppliers. We incorporated projection and video mapping, interactive screens, fibre optics, and lighting installations that interacted with customers’ movements to complete the experience.”

Alsahin also highlighted the importance of creating an emotional connection with customers through design storytelling, tactile finishes, FF&E, and digital content. He said: “The experience we create should inspire customers and create a positive gut feeling. That’s what we strive for in our designs.”

Riham Farajy: The importance of storytelling in design

Farajy, senior project director at David T’kint Design, emphasised the importance of delving deep into a project’s requirements and surroundings to derive a genuine story for the design to evolve around.

“Once you start a project, extensive research and a thorough understanding of the brand and surroundings are crucial in creating a design that effectively conveys the intended message to the guest,” she said.

Ultimately, Farajy believes that storytelling and design go hand in hand, and designers should approach projects with this in mind. She also emphasised the importance of a successful FF&E selection, adding that design details such as embroidery, furniture selection, and material choices all contribute to creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the guest.

Sarah Jane Grant: Durability and sourcing are key

For Grant, director at LXA, design and FF&E are closely linked, and a brand’s DNA is manifested in both the walls, ceilings and functionality of the space, as well as in the FF&E.

Refurbishment is a massive part of what LXA does, and when it comes to the hotels and restaurants that they have repositioned or refurbished, FF&E is always the first thing they look at.

“Every piece of FF&E that’s in the space needs to have two uses,” she said. “One is it useful for the traveller when they’re working, and how can we adapt that to become a home-from-home piece of furniture when they’re not working?”

Grant highlights the importance of sustainability in FF&E, noting that it has become a significant part of the hotel experience. As interior designers, it is essential to consider where materials are sourced from and whether they are sustainable. Durability is also a critical factor to consider, as owners want to see a return on their investment.

Grant added that the local market has much to offer and that upcycling is becoming more popular. “When a restaurant is refurbished, the materials are removed from that space,” she explained. “How can that be used for another project? How can that be upcycled? We’re seeing a lot of that too.”

Nadine Kassab: Creating immersive experiences through strong narratives

Kassab, a designer from Woods Bagot, highlighted the importance of creating a strong narrative that guests can pick up on as soon as they walk into a space.

She explained: “You really want them to understand what you’re trying to tell them. You want them to get the hint of the story, to get the hint of the brand identity. And you need to make sure that all of the design elements within the space speak to that story.”

For 25hours Dubai One Central Hotel, she said FF&E was a crucial part of the design, not just a way of “filling the space”. Every piece was carefully chosen to contribute to the hotel’s
overall story, and guests could feel the connection between the furniture and the brand.

Kassab also highlighted the importance of locally sourcing accessories and artworks, working with local artists to ensure that all the pieces come together in a way that makes sense for Dubai and the brand.

“You want them to go and touch the pieces and then have a moment to realise that all of this is locally sourced and that layering of the space has meaning behind it, right? Whether it was just a cushion, whether it’s the curtains, the tassels on the chairs, they all complete the story,” she added.

James Prathap: The role of FF&E cannot be overstated

James Prathap, general manager at NGC Nafees, reflected on the panel discussion. He said the role of FF&E in enhancing the user experience cannot be overstated.

“Throughout the discussion, it was evident that FF&E is not just about soft furnishings, but encompasses a wide range of materials and finishes that work together to create a cohesive and functional space,” Prathap explained.

The panelists also stressed the importance of understanding the functional requirements of a space and designing FF&E accordingly.

The final panel discussion took place at the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, a project that features some of the key products from NGC’s portfolio of wall coverings, fabrics and flooring.

NGC Nafees Joins Love That Design Community

With a focus on making unique surface finishes more accessible, NGC Nafees joins the Love That Design Community.

Established in 2006 primarily as a wallpaper-offering enterprise, NGC Nafees has transitioned into being one of the finest surface finishing suppliers across UAE. With a solid run of more than a decade and a half, they now provide solutions for wall coverings, flooring, and fabrics. But it’s apparent that the portfolio expansion is just the beginning for the company. Their passion for interior design reflects in their vibrant product catalogue.

Providing a magnanimous range of products from 50+ brands across the US and Europe, NGC Nafees is one of the most versatile suppliers in the surface finishing market. Staying true to its tagline of “Elevating spaces, one finish at a time”, their products display a vast array of textures, patterns, and colours.

The team at NGC Nafees thrives by analysing design trends and ideas that fuel the company to be more innovative. The company also has a flair for sustainability and makes a conscious attempt to be mindful of its carbon footprint. It makes sustainable materials and products more accessible by associating with brands that are environmentally-responsible.

“NGC Nafees specialises in wallcoverings, floors, and fabrics. I envision a world where every space tells a unique and captivating story. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and creativity sets us apart in the industry. With each product we create, we strive to transform interiors into functional, sustainable & sophisticated spaces, comparable to art, and to bring beauty and comfort to people’s lives. Our success lies in the harmony we create between aesthetics and functionality, and we will continue to push the boundaries of design to bring remarkable experiences to our customers.”

– James Prathap, General Manager of NGC Nafees.

NGC Nafees has worked on a number of large-scale projects like Emirates Park Zoo Resort across F&B, healthcare, hospitality and government sectors. Just last year NGC was selected as a supplier for wall covering in the iconic Marsa Al Arab hotel, and has since added the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr as a custom carpet supplier and Meydan as a custom carpet and wallcoverings supplier to the list.

NGC Nafees aims to take their surface finishing products to a larger audience, showcase their participation in regional projects and partake in industry discussions.