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    20 refined coffee table books for a strong interiors game

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    9 mins ago

    Designed for the avid traveller, minimalist and art enthusiast, coffee table books have become a décor staple in every home.
    As a visually stunning aesthetic designed to be placed on coffee tables, bedside tables, dining tables and even TV consoles, coffee table books have gained immense popularity over the years with its thick glossy pages created to educate readers of all ages.
    Whether you’re looking to spruce your home or gift a memoir to your loved one, these eye-catching books can seamlessly fit into any shelf.

    Stack them in layers
    Arrange 2-4 books in a neat stack, largest book at the bottom, gradually smaller on top. Additionally, you can also have one tall stack of books next to a shorter stack to add visual interest.
    Use as a base for decor
    Place decorative items on top, such as a small vase, a candle, or a sculpture. This adds height and layers to your coffee table. Keep the decor proportional to the stack—nothing too big that will cover the books entirely.
    Fan them out
    Instead of stacking, you can fan out a few books. This allows the covers to be visible and gives a more relaxed, casual look.
    Mix with objects
    Combine the books with other objects like trays, bowls, or plants. This gives a curated look without overwhelming the space.
    If you’re looking to elevate the style of your own space or round it out with the perfect finishing touch, a curation of tomes that meets your interests and tastes is absolutely the way to go.
    With eye-pleasing artwork and carefully curated pages, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the best coffee table books to invest in.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @_emilyshome More

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    20 luxe coffee table books for a strong interiors game

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    57 mins ago

    Designed for the avid traveller, minimalist and art enthusiast, coffee table books have become a décor staple in every home.
    As a visually stunning aesthetic designed to be placed on coffee tables, bedside tables, dining tables and even TV consoles, coffee table books have gained immense popularity over the years with its thick glossy pages created to educate readers of all ages.
    Whether you’re looking to spruce your home or gift a memoir to your loved one, these eye-catching books can seamlessly fit into any shelf.
    If you’re looking to elevate the style of your own space or round it out with the perfect finishing touch, a curation of tomes that meets your interests and tastes is absolutely the way to go.
    With eye-pleasing artwork and carefully curated pages, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the best coffee table books to invest in.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @_emilyshome More

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    20 sophisticated gifts for any interior lover

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    13 mins ago

    Home ornaments, such as vases and clocks, are sure to go down an interior treat, as are weighty, glossy tomes for the coffee table.
    To narrow it down, here are some editor-approved suggestions to either gift a host for any gathering, a birthday token, or even an element of appreciation for someone precious in your life.
    As we know, your home is your refuge, where you can feel safe and relaxed when life gets overwhelming. Soothing decor ideas help foster an interior space that sense of peace and significantly impact how you feel after a long day at work.
    Candles and Diffusers
    Scented candles or reed diffusers can add a pleasant aroma and ambiance to any room.
    Throw Blankets
    Cozy and stylish throw blankets are perfect for adding warmth and texture to a interior space.
    Decorative Pillows
    Fun and colorful pillows can easily change the look of a couch or bed. Whether you’re looking to add volume and design to your bed or give your living room sofa and accent chairs an extra touch of curated comfort, pillows are the best way to do so.
    Wall Art
    Prints, paintings, or even framed photos can add personality and style to empty walls.
    House Plants
    Indoor plants can bring life and a touch of nature indoors. So, whether you’re into zen wabi-sabi interiors, or splashy design with wall-to-wall color, there are so many ways to integrate indoor plants to uplift (or calm down) a space.
    Vases and Decorative Bowls
    These can be used for fresh flowers, potpourri, or as standalone decorative pieces.
    Books and Magazines
    Coffee table books or a subscription to a favorite magazine can be both decorative and enjoyable.
    Rugs
    A stylish rug can tie a room together and add comfort underfoot. An artistic statement piece can add a joyful and dynamic touch to any space.
    Kitchen Accessories
    High-quality kitchen gadgets, stylish cutting boards, or a set of beautiful dish towels. Overall, these suggestions can make any living space more inviting and personalised.
    So, next time you need to pick up a few delicately crafted pieces for someone you love, swipe through our gallery to see our handpicked suggestions.

    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @at_the_friends More

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    In the office with Nat Morcos, co-founder of SKOONI Arts Foundation & Residence

    Lifeby Camille Macawili2 hours ago VIEW GALLERY/ 6 IMAGESIn the office with Nat Morcos, creative, entrepreneur, and co-founder of multidisciplinary luxury brand Goshá and SKOONI Arts Foundation & Residence.How long have you been in this space?SKOONI was renovated within five months and opened its door in October 2023.Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?We completely redesigned an old villa.How do you think the interior reflects you?I love minimalism with focus on proportions, material and symmetry… I dress the same way.Describe your taste in three words.Elegant, luxurious with a touch of unexpected artistic exploration.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramMay’s – The Creativity Issue with Tiffany & Co. – Download NowPhotography by Ahmed Abdelwahab More

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    Stunned by Burj Al Arab’s striking interiors? See the design journey behind this landmark

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    55 mins ago

    Go inside Burj Al Arab’s interior as London-based interior designer Khuan Chew shares her journey of designing one of the most striking designs of the Gulf.
    How did you get into the interiors space?
    Growing up in a household where art and music were integral to one’s daily life, I was immersed in a culturally rich environment from a young age. Initially pursuing a degree in Music during my formative years in the UK, I later transitioned to Interior Design, stemmed from a love of the Opera, an Artform combining Music, Drama and Theatre set design. This passion for Theatre and Opera has profoundly influenced the dramatic and spectacular elements in my work. Whether creating bold and daring interiors or minimalist and understated spaces, each project reflects my passion for vibrancy and intrigue. I find equal enjoyment in crafting luxurious, layered environments as I do in designing sleek, contemporary scenes or timeless, neo-classical rooms.

    Inside Burj Al Arab is known for its iconic photo moments – tell us how the interiors are an ode to this?
    No expense was spared by obtaining rare materials. In the Burj Al Arab, every interior space is meticulously composed to evoke a sense of grandeur and spectacle. Each space tells a story. Referring to the geographical position of Dubai, situated in the vicinity of the original Silk Route, it is at the epicenter of the Earth’s map, making it a great hub. Therefore, people from the four corners of the Earth have been coming to Dubai, and especially in the last 25 years due to the Burj Al Arab, which has put Dubai on the map. While it is quintessentially designed as a Modern Arabic Palace, there are decorative elements and purposeful selections of furniture, as well as entire areas inspired by different parts of the world. The intent was to delight guests who may recognise and identify with these items when they visit the Burj Al Arab and experience Inside Burj Al Arab Tours. Likewise, if you were to visit Buckingham Palace or any affluent global tycoon residence of yesteryear, it is not unusual to see similarly eclectic collections of their possessions – displayed from their or their ancestors’ travels through the ages. As I used to say to visitors of Inside Burj Al Arab, there is a room here for each and everyone of you.
    What were the challenges you faced during your design journey and how did you overcome this?
    You need to know that in August 1997 (the year I was appointed), the world was still reliant on fax machines. There were hardly any computers, and it was pretty much still the pre-digital age. Therefore, I relied “abundantly” on my little black book of secret sources (which I still have today) for the most exclusive materials and products on our planet! To this day, the knowledge I have gathered extends beyond the usual suppliers and agencies to the hotel industry, setting KCA apart from other interior design consultancies, as a considerable proportion of our clientele requires super luxury interiors.Having been appointed rather late in the day on the Burj Al Arab, it was truly a race against time. My team in London worked day and night. Christmas and Eid were cancelled, and we also physically traveled to different parts of the world to choose marble (e.g., Brazil, China, India, Italy, etc.), fine weaves of silk, carpet specialists, and chandelier craftsmen. In total, we had over 50 different countries involved in contributing to the interior fit-out of the Burj Al Arab. The design and construction of the interior of the Burj Al Arab took literally 2 years and 3 months. This is quite an achievement and certainly a fast-track record in my book.

    “I find equal enjoyment in crafting luxurious, layered environments as I do in designing sleek, contemporary scenes or timeless, neo-classical rooms.”
    The hotel also features an abundance of design references from the Arab culture – tell us more.
    The four elements of water, fire, earth and air are seen throughout the property. Looking at Dubai today, you wouldn’t think of it as being in the desert. Thirty years ago, Dubai looked very different – you wouldn’t recognise it if you looked at archive photos. For the interiors, I effortlessly based the theme on the four elements of water, fire, earth, and air – they depict raw nature and the essence of life on earth. Emirati culture and life have endured the harshest of climates and environments through their understanding of nature to survive. The four elements were naturally inspirational when we worked through spaces to reflect the perception of, for example, fire – an array of bright and deep reds, oranges, and yellows or water hues of blues and turquoises, earthly greens, and the pale translucent mists of air. The Burj Al Arab is a Modern Arabic Palace. Arab culture is undeniably rich – the magical arab calligraphy and infinite geometric patterns alone are monumental references, and one is spoilt for choice as to what we could include from all over the Middle East. The twin internal swimming pools in the Burj Al Arab are modelled around a Turkish Bath experience. Patterns in carpets throughout the palace are contemporary evolutions of traditional motifs. And just like the Chinese Dining Room in Buckingham Palace, the Royal Suites at Inside Burj Al Arab have antique furniture, cabinetry, and Coromandel Screens from the Chinoiserie period of the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside Burj Al Arab was truly a fine example of an “abundance” of inspiration when we designed it.

    What piece of advice would you give to your younger-self?
    You can’t please everyone. So, it is important that you please yourself.
    This is ‘The Abundance Issue’ – how do you focus on an abundance mindset?
    In life there is an abundance of material, thought, influence, art and culture, intelligence (not artificial) to draw from. Debussy once said that you should always try to escape your success, the repeat is the enemy of your art. More

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    11 accent chairs to instantly spruce up any space

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 11 IMAGES
    Thinking of adding some character to your room? Armchairs are the best way to do so.
    Known for both comfort and aesthetics, this piece of furniture has the power to transform your space without any added hassle.
    If you’re looking for your next purchase, you can browse through our guide of accent chairs to instantly update your interiors.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @rosiehw More

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    Breton ventures into gobal markets: Unveiling its flagship store in Dubai

    Life by Team Emirates Woman 23 mins ago IN PARTNERSHIP: Breton, the illustrious Brazilian luxury furniture design company boasting over 55 years of rich history, is poised to make its mark on the international stage with the inauguration of its first flagship store in Dubai. With an existing footprint of 19 stores across Brazil, this strategic move signifies Breton’s ambitious foray into new territories, starting with the cosmopolitan hub of Dubai. Situated in the prestigious residential district along Al Wasl Road, Breton’s Dubai flagship spans an impressive 2,300 square meters. The choice of Dubai as the launchpad for its global expansion was deliberate, owing to the city’s cosmopolitan allure, burgeoning luxury market, and exponential retail growth, which has soared to $10 billion over the past decade. André Rivkind, CEO of Breton, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “We are attentive to significant business opportunities, and that’s why we chose Dubai to host this new challenge. It is very important for the brand to spread its ideals and values internationally, as well as to carry the name of Brazil and national design linked to the quality and sophistication of our products.” Backing Breton’s endeavor is local investor Rohit Prem Khemany, whose blend of Brazilian and Indian heritage, coupled with astute business acumen, positions him as a catalyst for the brand’s expansion plans across the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The Dubai flagship epitomizes elegance and innovation, housed within a meticulously renovated villa featuring multiple levels, a rooftop garden, and open outdoor spaces conducive to hosting events for architects and designers. Notably, the Glass Gallery, conceived by renowned Brazilian architect Fernanda Marques, serves as a striking showcase for Breton’s latest furniture collection, accentuating the brand’s commitment to design excellence. Daniel Pegoraro, Director of Product, Style, and Image for Breton, underscored the brand’s distinctive allure, stating, “Breton’s differentiating factor lies in its original design crafted by prominent and acclaimed names in Brazilian design, and all products can be fully customized.” Moreover, Breton’s commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, with the Dubai unit adhering to eco-friendly practices akin to its stores in Brazil. From waste recycling to planting trees in the Atlantic Forest through a partnership with the NGO SOS Mata Atlântica, Breton’s eco-conscious initiatives underscore its dedication to environmental stewardship. With a legacy built on sophistication, distinctive design, and a steadfast commitment to environmental and social responsibility, Breton has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the high-end furniture market. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram. Images: Supplied More

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    Infuse the festive sprit into your home with these luxe Christmas decorations

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    18 mins ago

    It’s never too late to go holiday shopping.
    Be it fairy lights, baubles, wreaths or garlands, you can find Christmas decor of all sorts online and have them delivered with lightning-fast speed to make the season particularly fun and festive.
    If you’re looking to revamp your space without setting up the Christmas tree, these adorable touches to any home, will instantly make you feel cosy with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand.
    So, keep swiping for the best festive décor to begin the Christmas celebrations at home or in your office.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @goflower More