A Stylish Interior Designer & Architect Shares Her Little Black Book Of Interiors
If I could only buy homeware from one place, it would be Bali. Exactly a year ago, my husband and I took the kids on a family trip there, and I completely fell in love with its harmonious blend of rustic and refined living. The laid-back yet chic atmosphere, the bamboo furniture, the rattan and wicker decor, the raw teakwood – every corner seemed to offer something beautiful. I’d stop constantly to fill the trunk with pieces to bring home. Bali’s eclectic mix of global influences always finds a way into my interiors.
Soho Home is the most interesting interiors shop. Its mix of mid-century and contemporary design always feels both timeless and on-trend. I’ve already shipped a few big pieces to Dubai – a dining chandelier, a long hallway mirror – and I’m eyeing a few more. I love how its craftsmanship and richness of materials create warm, inviting spaces with a hint of exclusivity.
For a design-led department store experience, Liberty London is unbeatable. I love how every visit feels like the start of a new journey – I always leave with something unexpected. Its homeware selection beautifully balances heritage and modern design.
Walking the streets of Beirut, my hometown, you’re guaranteed to stumble upon hidden gems – it’s the best destination for independent designers and makers. There’s such a unique fusion of old and new. I always recommend Spock Design for industrial chic, Nada Debs for Japanese-minimalist-meets-Middle-Eastern patterns, David/Nicolas for its retro-futuristic pieces and Blatt Chaya for authentic Lebanese tiles.
One of the under-the-radar brands I recently discovered is Hadeda by Kate Kindersley. I found its designs at an Anthropologie pop-up in London – I couldn’t resist buying a wicker lion head and some vintage Baoulé sling deck chairs for our garden.
My perfect shopping day would always include my mum and sisters. We love treasure-hunting through stores, chatting non-stop, stopping for coffee and discovering hidden art galleries and florists. Shopping with my husband is another adventure – we skip trends and hunt for unique, characterful pieces together. And, of course, I love picking up treasures while travelling to bring a bit of each place home.
@Hadeda_Co | @The.Little.Haus.CT
For vintage finds, 8 Holland Street in Kensington is my go-to. It’s an eclectic gallery full of incredible art, furniture and lighting – I’ve picked up everything from a French bamboo trolley to a 1960s oak and ceramic side table there. In Beirut, I always make time for the Basta antique district. I’ve found some wonderful, vintage armchairs and an authentic backgammon set there. Online, 1stDibs is my secret weapon for rare statement pieces.
My favourite vintage pieces are two incredible lamps we inherited from my in-laws – the Nesso table lamp by Giancarlo Mattioli and the Lesbo lamp by Angelo Mangiarotti. They bring a beautiful vintage charm to our eclectic interiors.
Urban Nest in Dubai is leading the way in sustainable interiors. The retailer showcases Dutch and Latin American designers who prioritise eco-conscious production, like HK Living – one of my favourites. I also love seeing the evolving sustainability scene in Beirut, especially during Beirut Design Week.
@ZenaHalabi
@ZenaHalabi
The best interiors gift I’ve ever given was a giant, one-of-a-kind donkey painting for my sister’s wedding – it’s so lively and unexpected, it always gets comments. And the best gift I’ve received? Books – you can never have too many. I once stacked 70 Vanity Fair magazines to create a side table, and it’s still one of my proudest styling tricks.
My most recent purchase was a pair of William Sawaya avant-garde chairs from The Assembly in Al Quoz – they’re so sculptural and striking. I also picked up a bold Anatolian carpet for a showroom project I’m working on, and it completely transformed the space.
The most expensive investment I’ve made at home was our open-plan kitchen appliances. We went for Gaggenau – the brand’s design and quality are exceptional, and the pieces have truly elevated the heart of our home.
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@ZenaHalabi
For tableware, I’m drawn to the elegant yet unconventional. I love Serax, Lerry Ceramics and Marylynn Massoud Ceramics, and I also have a few pieces from Dinosaur Designs and The Conran Shop. I’m currently designing my own custom collection too, which is exciting.
I rotate between Libeco’s beautiful Belgian linens, Piglet in Bed for cozy modern options and Rough Linen for a rustic, handmade feel. Throws and cushions from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters add a final burst of colour.
For glassware, I love mixing Bitossi Home’s playful pieces with the elegance of Moser’s hand-cut crystals. For outdoor dining, Silsal’s Middle Eastern artistry always adds something special.
When buying art, I often go through international auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s. There’s something thrilling about finding unique pieces through public bidding, and most of our collection has been built this way.
For soft furnishings, I prefer a curated mix – I love Urban Nest, Clay Concept, Comptoir 102, Home & Soul, Maison Aimee and George of Dubai. I’m always trying to avoid the déjà vu effect you get when a piece becomes too ubiquitous.
For furniture, I turn to Designitch, The Bowery Company, The Loom Collection and CB2. For more bespoke pieces, I work closely with skilled joiners to create custom dining tables and consoles, especially when it’s hard to find exactly what I’m looking for.
When it comes to lighting, I always mix brands. Eichholtz and The Conran Shop are favourites, but I also love statement pieces from Flos, Artemide, Foscarini, Moooi and Tom Dixon.
If my house were burning down, I wouldn’t think twice – I’d save my family. No possession could ever mean as much as they do.
Next on my shopping list? Rugs. We’ve taken our time furnishing our home, and now it’s time to find Kilims and modern Persian designs that complement our prune-toned terrazzo floors. It’s a hunt I’m genuinely excited about – and I’ll definitely keep you posted on what we find.
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