Little Black Book of Interiors: Nicole Farrelly
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
@ColeAndCinder
What began as a weekend hobby soon became a real passion. Cole & Cinder was born unexpectedly in 2020, during lockdown, at my mother-in-law’s ceramic studio – Oka Ceramics in Al Quoz, Dubai. Feeling stir-crazy from working at home, she offered me a day pass to join her in the studio. Years earlier, I’d taken a wheel-throwing course but hadn’t enjoyed it enough to continue. This time, she introduced me to hand-building using the ancient coiling technique. I didn’t follow every step to the letter – the result was a messy vase and an egg cup that looked like a child had made it. A month later, someone spotted the unfinished vase at Oka and bought it for 100 AED. That small moment was the spark. Over the next year, I began working with porcelain, growing in confidence and refining my technique with each piece. Six months in, I realised I could turn this craft into something more – and Cole & Cinder was born.
Cole and Cinder in three words? Tactile, raw and calm. I think my creative process changes so often depending on what I'm working on. There are many artists and architects that inspire me and I'm sure have in ways influenced my work subconsciously. I always find myself being inspired by florists, seeing how they create such incredible structures and temporary art installations out of nature really excites me. I'm currently obsessed with Chloe Szukiłojć and get such a dopamine hit when I see she's posted a new arrangement on Instagram. I also love the artist Papou Koliopoulos.
I think the egg cup that I made the day I first coiled will always be my absolute favourite piece. My Another favourite would be a large sculpture I made for an Architectural Digest event in Abu Dhabi that has now been reimagined into a table base for a family friend. I also love my Silk Cups – The Silk Latte & The Silk Gahwa, they are just so perfect to me, sensory and size wise.
My favourite interior design stores in the UAE are Klecctic, The Bower, Custom No.9 and Crate & Barrel. Also a special mention has to go to the new Dubai homeware outlet Tangerrinecasa, it has such a cool curation of vintage/pre-loved homeware. Globally, I love Old Faithful Shop in Canada. It would be a dream to stock with them.
@ColeAndCinder
One sustainable homeware brand I really rate is HAY Design. Sustainability is a core value at Cole & Cinder as well – from day one, we’ve firmly refused to use plastic in our packaging. That’s led to more than a few heated discussions with suppliers and shipping companies, but it’s something we’ve never compromised on. Ceramics, by nature, is also a fairly sustainable craft – we recycle all our clay, and any pieces lost during firing are repurposed and sold in our ever-popular sample sales.
The most expensive piece I have ever purchased is probably my kiln, as most ceramicists know it's definitely a love-hate relationship but I am very grateful and proud that I was able to make that decision to have my own.
@ColeAndCinder
@ColeAndCinder
The last interior piece I purchased for my home was a sculptured clay candelabra from Sloo Studio. She is a Croatian/Syrian designer based here in Dubai and I love her creations.
My favourite neighbourhood in Dubai will always be Jumeirah – I love every single street. Umm Suqeim can also get a special mention, it has kept most of its 70s & 90s charm and its beaches are still reasonably quiet.
Alica Bakery in Jumeirah 1 is a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is incredible, it's family-run and the head chef always delivers. I'm also a fan of The Hundred Wellness Centre for great coffee and breakfast. For a combination of healthy food and beautiful scenery, Hapi in Al Khazzan Park is a must.
@ColeAndCinder
When it comes to independent interiors brands, I really admire Gohar World. I’ve loved everything Laila Gohar has touched over the years – her playful, offbeat aesthetic is completely unique, and her tableware pieces are nothing short of brilliant. I’m also a big fan of LRNCE – its bold use of colour is a breath of fresh air and always sparks inspiration.
A hotel that stands out to me is The Kip in Sri Lanka. It perfectly demonstrates how a space can have the same attention to detail as a high-end luxury brand while maintaining a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. The Kip doubles as an art residency, transforming a classic Sri Lankan villa into a living, breathing journal of past artists. Thoughtfully curated sculptures and woodwork give the space a minimalist yet soulful feel.
I tend to get a lot of comments from friends and family about my attraction to beige and white, but honestly, the neutral tones came from a place of necessity as I work a lot with white clay. I love comfortable, natural fibers, so I tend to wear brands like Yoli & Otis, Deiji Studio, and Boheme Goods. I also love the new Australian brand, Il Bahri. Its high-quality basics are my new go-to.
If I had to choose just one place to buy homeware? Impossible. But if we’re talking regions, Scandinavia wins hands down. The eye for detail is unmatched, and the volume of vintage still in circulation is seriously impressive. Closer to home, Oka Ceramics in Dubai also offers beautifully unique tableware that feels truly timeless.
I’m currently on the hunt for a stool. We have a beautiful hand-carved wooden one at home that my fiancé’s grandfather made for us, with the most stunning saddle-style seat – so I’m looking for something in a similar vein. I’m also really into amber glassware, especially Anna Von Lipa’s pieces, and I can’t get enough of Sabre Paris cutlery. When it comes to bed linen, I always turn to Deiji Studios and Muji. Next on my shopping list? A rug from Chuk Palu. My fiancé and I have picked up a few of their lampshades over the years from their Bur Dubai store, but we stumbled across their shop in Barcelona last summer and completely fell for their Afghani high-pile rugs all over again.
Visit COLEANDCINDER.COM
@ColeAndCinder
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected].
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.me%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe-me%2Ffiles%2Fwebsite-images%2F2023%2F07%2Fsl-middle-east_0.jpg?itok=mM7sU9m0)
