[NEW SERIES] Our favourite online stores in Dubai - Part 1: Home Decor
We are currently living in what feels like a parallel universe and adapting to our new normality has been the greatest challenge of the past few weeks. Spending almost 24/7 at home has its obvious challenges, and making your house a cosy space you’re happy to spend ALL YOUR TIME in has never been more important. On top of the all the fear, uncertainty, and human loss, the corona virus restrictions have also had an impact on a smaller level, retail in particular, and I know that some of our favourite small suppliers are struggling. I posted a little Instagram shoutout last week featuring some lovely homegrown independent retailers that have been on our black book for a while, and I received so many messages to say it was super useful and a respite from all the current doom and gloom. Although they’re all saved on my insta stories, I realised afterwards I missed a handful so I thought I’d do a full blog post that you can come back to whenever you need something while being stuck at home. So welcome to our new series: Our favourite online independent stores in Dubai , The Home Decor edition. Later this week, we will feature part 2: our favourite places online to shop for artwork and wall accessories. And part 3 will be all about kids decor.
NB: This blog is all about home decor, affordable design and positivity and will remain just that. It might seem futile to some who are going through hardship physically and mentally; for others it might be a breath of fresh air and bring some much needed inspiration to add a little something to their home to make it happier while stuck indoors. So I won’t dwell on the deeper issues we are all facing but will keep it light-hearted, fun and low-brow, as I have always done.
The most colourful armchairs you’ll see. Seletti Toiletpaper armchairs and seats available from The Bowery Company.
The Bowery Company
If you are after funky furniture and affordable luxury accessories (and are partial to a bit of a marble and copper) then the Bowery Company might very well give you heart palpitations. Or, maybe, that's just me... Think New York cool meets Scandi design, with a touch of boldness and you have The Bowery Company. They also have a lab section, with pieces from emerging designers from Europe and the US. And (can't believe I left this till the end) a selection of custom made neon signs. See you at the checkout?!
Urban Nest is the one stop (virtual) shop for Dutch and Latin American design labels and designers in the Middle East. Their collection is all about unique design, sustainability and affordability. One of the coolest brands in town and run by a bunch of wonderful and creative women. We adore their collection of webbed cane furniture and I have a feeling you might too…
Home & Soul
Home & Soul is a more established brand (they have a beautiful shop in Jumeirah, formerly known as Blanc d’Ivoire, that is worth a browse once the madness settles and we are all allowed back out), and they have a good selection of affordable pieces amongst the more luxurious collection, in particular their lighting, rugs and outdoor furniture (some of which are our never ending wish-list).
Full disclosure, the brains behind Wear the House is one of my dear friends, but trust me, I am so in love with her brand it would have featured on here anyway. Wear the House is a sublime collection of luxurious accessories all wearable in the home, from silky pyjamas, to unique cushions to pouffes. A little bit on the higher end of the affordability spectrum, and more for a special treat. Her cushions in particular are insanely cool, with the most unique prints and colours and all beautifully designed and manufactured.
You will have spotted one one their pouffes (obvs in tropical palm fabric!) in my lounge on instagram. Again, on the higher end price wise but all the pouffes are produced and stitched by hand in their Dubai workshop using the most incredible fabrics. Each piece is a veritable objet d’art and can be customised to any fabric combination you can dream of.
Another wonderful success story on the Dubai interiors scene… I met Newsha one of the founders a few years ago when she was just starting the business and we instantly clicked. We’ve used them on a number of projects to create the most incredible custom made pieces you can possibly imagine usually using marble and brass, our favourite combo. They also have a collection of the most stunning furniture pieces ready made. They don’t have an ecommerce website per se, but you can place any order remotely via email or whatsapp and have it delivered straight to your home in three weeks.
The first ever cafe and concept store I visited when I first came to Dubai back in 2015, it’s one of my absolute favourite places in town. They have the most goregously decorated cafe/restaurant service healthy vegan food, and their collection of French homeware brands is exquisite. They recently launched their beauty collection as well so that you can make your bathroom as stylish as your living room. A limiited amound of products are available online but worth a browse.
Another favourite for unique, funky and stylish home accessories and furniture, their boutique in Al Quoz’s courtyard is a little treasure trove for interioristas. Most of their collection is available online and they offer free delivery within Dubai at the moment.
Launched by two of the most successful interior stylists in town, Fronteriors take IKEA hacking to the next level with the most sumptious collection of cabinet doors, tops, sides and knobs to upgrade your IKEA furniture from BESTA, BILLY to PAX. A little birdie told us they’re about to launch their kitchen collection soon…
Get transported straight to the Medina in Marrakesh with this fresh newly launched brand in Dubai. They have a lovely new website stocking gorgeous moroccan homeware and accessories including rugs and cushions.
Run by a lovely Aussie-Romanian duo, The Loom Collection is another fairly new player on the Dubai interiors scene and one that has become a firm favourite to source for clients in particular for sofas and rugs. Their feather sofa in particular has been on our wish list since it launched and we love their new kids decor collection.
You know I have been a fan of Tribe since I landed in Dubai back in 2016. If you’re on the market for beautiful, stylish, sustainable and fair trade pieces of furniture and accessories for the home, this is the place to go. All their products are beautifully hand crafted by artisans all over the world and showcased in their stunning showroom in Al Quoz. Most of the stock is available to purchase online in the comfort of your home.
Et voila! Hope you have discovered a few gems you didn't know. And if you haven't, then tune in later this week for more independent retailers suggestions… Happy online shopping...
PS: if you have a favourite independent homeware brand with a good ecommerce website that I haven’t mentioned feel free to comment below and add them to the list!