NGC: A fresh identity to mark 40 years in UAE design

The rebrand debuts at the Downtown Design fair from 6-9 November 2024

After 40 years in the UAE’s interior design scene, NGC is stepping into a new era. Renowned for wall coverings, fabrics and flooring, NGC has now rebranded with the tagline “We help redefine spaces,” embracing growth, innovation, and a vision that looks beyond walls alone. This refreshed identity captures not only NGC’s legacy but also its future ambitions in design and fit-out solutions. 

 

Honouring heritage

For those of us who’ve been following NGC, this rebrand feels like a natural evolution. It’s a family-owned business that has journeyed through four generations and seen two decades at its current UAE location. Their new logo and aesthetic don’t just celebrate the past but signal a bold move forward, redefining NGC from a wall-covering company into a comprehensive FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) solutions provider. With this shift, NGC is positioning itself as more than a supplier, they’re partners in the art of transforming interiors.

Redefining spaces for modern interiors

Alafiyah Kagalwala, the creative director at NGC, reflected on the meaning behind the new look: “Our new identity isn’t just about design. It reflects the journey we’ve taken from walls to floors, fabrics and finish solutions that meet the needs of modern interiors.” For NGC, it’s about embracing change while staying true to its roots. Alafiyah highlights how their surname, meaning ‘people of paper,’ has always underscored their craft. With 40 years behind them, the rebrand signals a moment for NGC to turn the page and prepare the business for the next generation. 

 

Alafiyah added, “Milestones represent turning points and turning points represent growth. This rebrand honours our past while setting the stage for the future.”

From boundaries to breakthroughs: The design process

 Carla Conte, design director at Brand Creative, spearheaded the rebranding, turning NGC’s vision into a visual identity that balances both history and modernity. According to Carla, “The original logo featured a box, symbolising boundaries. Removing that box signified a breakthrough and a confidence to evolve.

” With new, bold colours like berry tones, steel blue and neutral beige, NGC’s look is now a modern classic that honours NGC’s legacy while embracing the future.” 

 

The team has carefully crafted this new look to communicate unity, growth and evolution even down to the bespoke intertwined letters of the logo, capturing the close-knit, family-led ethos that has driven NGC since its founding. 

A family journey beyond walls

As Alafiyah pointed out, the emotional weight of this rebrand is profound. “It’s not just a corporate change, it’s about our family,” she says. “NGC has grown beyond wall coverings. Today, we offer flooring, fabrics, commercial finishes and solutions that meet modern design needs. We’ve moved beyond the box, and we’re excited to see what’s ahead.” 

 

For NGC, this shift goes beyond rebranding. It’s a promise to bring new ideas and innovation to the UAE’s design landscape, meeting the evolving needs of modern interiors and standing tall as an influential player in the region’s FF&E market.

The grand unveiling at Dubai Design Week 

NGC’s new identity will make its official debut during Dubai Design Week at the Downtown Design fair from 6–9 November 2024. This year’s stand, aptly titled ‘The Pond,’ draws from the serene elegance of Japanese Gansai watercolours and is inspired by an underwater theme designed by Brand Creative. It’s sure to be a showstopper, offering an immersive experience that mirrors NGC’s commitment to redefining spaces and the enduring influence of family, heritage and bold reinvention. 

With this rebrand, NGC is no longer bound by walls or boxes. It’s about creating spaces that inspire and evolve. We’re excited to see where they go from here.

INDEX Saudi Arabia 2024: A Memorable Few Days for NGC!

What an unforgettable few days it’s been at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2024! From the moment the doors opened, the energy was electric, and we were thrilled to be part of such an exciting event, showcasing some of the finest innovations in interior design.

This year’s exhibition was truly something special. Filled with jaw-dropping designs and cutting-edge products, we engaged in inspiring conversations that left us buzzing with fresh ideas.

 Whether it was the latest in wallcoverings, furniture, or creative design solutions, INDEX Saudi brought together some of the brightest minds and boldest visions in the industry.

A huge shoutout goes to Firas from 4Space for designing our stand! You absolutely nailed it, transforming our space into something more than just a booth—it was an experience. The creativity and attention to detail really made our showcase stand out, and we’re incredibly grateful for the amazing collaboration. 


NGC’s Big Showcase: Expanding Our Offering in Interior Design


This year, NGC took a big step forward by showcasing its ongoing expansion in the Interior Design industry. We proudly unveiled products not just for walls but also from our rapidly growing lines in flooring and fabrics. Our goal is to help designers create cohesive, stunning interiors, all sourced from one trusted supplier.

Working closely with Firas—the award-winning designer from 4Space—we brought an inventive vision to life that was inspired by none other than a hedgehog! This creative concept evolved organically from a meeting in NGC’s showroom, where ideas began to take shape like “pins in a cushion.” The result? An innovative stand design, featuring an arch of fans showcasing our wide array of products, and a hedgehog-inspired layout that made the space truly unique.


Adding to the showcase, our team also created T-boards representing the entire NGC collection. These boards allowed us to present our offerings in an organized, visually engaging way, giving visitors a comprehensive view of everything NGC has to offer in walls, floors, and fabrics.

Milan Design Fairs May 2024




The design fairs in Milan are always a welcome date in the diary- lots of inspiring showrooms and stands at the fair, all held in a city that cannot fail to also inspire! As a design team it’s great to go out of the office and see what other designers and manufacturers are creating. The city is abuzz with showrooms and pop up displays – even with brightly upholstered chairs arranged on the pavement to entice you in. One street had the most exquisite chandeliers hung above the pedestrians, and the courtyards to many of the ancient houses were displaying flamboyant creations, cars and eco-friendly design concepts.



There were small huts at intervals, that offered refreshments and directions. This particular one was sponsored by Burberry, in a very on-trend shade of electric blue. The Bolzan furniture showroom also used that blue. But I was more interested in their use of pink hues and warm neutrals. Two of the seasons strong colour trends, they also echoed perfectly the warm brick tones of the very older buildings outside. The warm neutrals and earthy pretty pinks both imbue a sense of well-being and tranquillity – good reasons to include them in your interior décor this year.




Meanwhile, the Armani showroom did not disappoint – with a series of room sets showing a sophisticated, restrained opulence and beauty. Tones of Sage, Eau de Nil, Sky blue, elemental orange and warm dark browns were throughout – as well as ethereal neutrals that intimated the Japanese design inspiration of so many of the products. At NGC we are privileged to now be the official distributor of Armani Casa in Dubai.




Meanwhile, over at the Furniture show, Roberto Cavalli was in full flamboyant mode. As we are familiar with in his wallcoverings, the fully furnished stand was an ode to 1970’s décor and made full use of animal patterns, animal hides, shagpile carpets and retro abstract patterns. It was a masterpiece rendition of his signature style, but also reflected many of the warm natural shades and patterns that were on display all around the show.
Lastly, I have to mention the bright jewel-like injections that caught my eye, magpie that I am. Even though many of the exhibitors favoured soft, even cautious, colourings, occasionally you were surprised by an absolute gem of a shot of colour, pattern and floristry. Such minimal injections of colour bring life to any interior and were a joy to see.
I came away with inspiration from the soft curvy furniture shapes and the warmth of a lot of the colour palettes. Milan, as ever, did not disappoint and I will be looking forward to going back again next year.

Water is a source of Life

The textile Industry is joining with the World in the fight to preserve marine life and biodiversity.

This month we have seen Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, enjoy a deep dive into the emirate’s waters, along with fund manager Ray Dalio.

It was at the inauguration of Dubai Reef; a conservation project being hailed as the biggest in the world.This major marine scheme will set out to cut carbon emissions and increase marine biodiversity by increasing sea life eight-fold, growing more coral, and attracting ecotourism as well as assisting with the sustainability of local fishermen livelihoods.

Environmental concerns have been in the minds of textile and wallcovering manufacturers for many years now- and there are many grants that they can use to transform their previous polluting factories into environmentally friendly ones.

Here at NGC we are proud to also be supporting the environment by working with mills that prioritize being kinder to our environment.

Janelli Volpi wallcoverings

 Waste Water recycling is a high priority at one of our top suppliers of wallcoverings, Janelli Volpi – as it is in all wallpaper manufacturing plants in Europe.

 All waste water from production departments is sent for purification in an inhouse treatment plant at the Janelli factory.

This plant allows chemical, physical and biological purification of the effluent to produce water that could be reconditioned for domestic use.

This treatment system is the result of a “green” project that has been active since 2008 and is continuously updated.

In designing the new plant, a second environmental initiative was implemented: the process water (cooling) circuits were re-designed to make them reusable and drastically reduce consumption from the water network.

“JV has obtained environmental certificates and awards for its products and production processes. We also pay special attention to the principle of the sustainability chain by only working with suppliers who share our concern for the environment. Like many other virtuous partners, JV has integrated the ethical aspect into supply chain assessment. We want to be virtual, in a virtuous international network!”

Crevin

Our supplier of luxury upholstery fabrics has been weaving since the 1970’s in Terrassa, near Barcelona. At every phase of their production process, from design to weaving, knitting, finishing, cutting, quality control and sample making, offcuts, yarn leftovers and

fabric scraps are created. They have installed a system that recycles these leftovers back into yarn for weaving.


“At Crevin we believe that good design should be in harmony with the environment. That is why recycling is at the heart of our creative process. We convert 100% of our textile waste into yarn that we use together with recycled cotton and pet bottles to construct the back-weaves of our fabrics. Today, all Crevin designs feature up to 50% recycled content.”

ROLS Carpet

Rols carpets are not only beautifully designed and perfectly functioning- they are also created by a company based in rural Spain, that is wholeheartedly committed to protecting the environment. 

 

“We aim to be completely carbon-neutral by 2028 and continue implementing more efficient and clean technologies in our manufacturing process through continuous improvement.

 With clear and sunny days, Crevillent is an optimal area to harness renewable solar energy. Since early 2019, our factory has been operating on photovoltaic energy, using solar panels installed on the roofs of our facilities, which currently generate and supply a significant portion of our machinery’s energy needs. In 2023, we have reinvested in expanding our photovoltaic capacity with the goal of becoming fully self-sufficient in the coming years.”

 

At Rols they are working towards an entirely circular design and production system. That means that not only do they recycle yarns from production and make rugs from them – they also recycle old and no longer used rugs and put that product back into their manufacturing.

Conclusion

We offer a very wide variety of fabrics, wallcoverings and Carpets at NGC, and all of our suppliers work towards improving their environmental credentials. Just like Dubai with its care for the oceans and the biodiversity in them – we believe we all have a part to play in the preservation of our beautiful planet.

Celebrating Earth Day with Sustainable Wallcoverings, Carpets, and Fabrics

 

As Earth Day approaches, we’re thrilled to share our sustainable collection of wallcoverings, carpets, and fabrics. These products showcase our commitment to environmental responsibility and the use of natural materials. Let’s explore our collection and how it aligns with the values of Earth Day.

 

 Omexco Wallcoverings

 

Omexco’s latest collection, Intuition, highlights the inherent richness of natural fibers in their purest form. This range features diverse materials such as cork, mica, and bamboo, all chosen for their sustainability and natural beauty. Omexco’s dedication to using eco-friendly practices and materials ensures that you can enjoy stunning wallcoverings while also respecting the planet. You can discover more about Omexco’s collection on their website

 

 Rols Carpet

For over 100 years, Rols Carpet has been designing and weaving custom-sized rugs and carpets sustainably in Spain. The production process takes place in Crevillent, a small town in Alicante with a rich tradition in textile production. Their approach emphasizes quality craftsmanship while using sustainable methods and materials. The commitment to keeping production centralized in Spain also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials.

Crevin Fabrics

Crevin Fabrics draws inspiration from the power of nature. Since September 2022, the company has been powered by renewable, green energy, mainly from windmills. This shift to renewable energy sources demonstrates their dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of their operations. Crevin Fabrics continues to explore innovative ways to use natural and recycled materials in their textiles.

 

Conclusion

Our collection of sustainable wallcoverings, carpets, and fabrics aligns with the spirit of Earth Day. By choosing these products, you’re not only investing in high-quality, beautiful materials but also contributing to a healthier planet. We invite you to explore our offerings and make conscious choices that reflect your commitment to sustainability.

Let’s work together to create a better future for our world!

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.

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.”