The team and I started the year by taking some time to evaluate what we want to share on the blog. We discussed posts that are consistently well read on the blog (interestingly, some of the oldest are still the most popular) and looked into the kind of content that we enjoy reading as interior fanatics. It was an exercise that was long overdue and the discussion took us into deep into assessment mode.

A valuable exercise all-in-all and one of the resolutions was to revive our Scene and Heard series – a platform for all those little snippets of interesting information we encounter on a daily basis as we scour the interwebs and the malls while designing, sourcing and seeking inspiration for our projects. It’s a forum to share things that have caught our attention and that we feel are worth a mention. It may be a whisper we’ve heard about an exciting collaboration about to unfold, or a new retailer on the scene. It’s a place for anything and everything that we think you should know. I sometimes share these snippets on social media but we thought a more formatted overview would be helpful for readers who are searching for information or wanting to refer back to something we may have mentioned in the past.

So, settle back and feast your eyes on these interesting bits and bobs currently on our radar. We’d love to hear your feedback.

2. New artist collection at Citizen Atelier

We recently discovered the work of, Kit Agar, via Citizen Atelier and are crushing on her abstract illustrations. The soft and muted palette of these prints are just up our alley and we can’t wait to use them in a room design. It’s also worth mentioning that this collection is merely the tip of the iceberg that is Citizen Atelier’s bevy of art beauties.  Their range of genres is really impressive.

2. Noush Projects

I discovered the work of the talented Durban-based Dutch artist, Manoushka Kraal, via a friend’s Instagram account when she received a custom-made doll from her. I was so intrigued with the Sia-looking dolls she makes and found myself exploring her Insta feed for ages. Her work is really something to see!

3. Creative Lab wallpapers now available at Urban Nest

We’ve had our eye on the beautiful work of the Dutch designers at Creative Lab Amsterdam for some time as one of them is an old friend of Charly’s. They’ve branched into wallpaper design and we are thrilled to know that their amazing wallpapers are available locally from one of our favourite retailers, Urban Nest. A must see!

4. New HK Living collection

And while we are on the topic of what’s available from Urban Nest – we are waiting with baited breath for the arrival of the new HK Living collection. Amongst other exquisite pieces, particularly within the lighting range, I’m struggling to maintain composure over this retro cane cabinet. It’s giving me all. the. feels.

5. New H&M Home store alert

Whilst I’m constantly in awe of the landmark style H&M Home stores, complete with a full range of furniture, lighting, homeware and accessories, currently opening their doors across Europe (and wondering if/when we will see one of these open in Dubai), I was still excited to the see the impressive new store recently opened in the new H&M location at Ibn Battuta Mall. Just in case you didn’t know, its a good sized one.

6. Rostok Toys

There are few things we love more as a team than discovering beautiful new finds from across the globe. During a kids room design project, we were looking for simple wooden toys for shelf styling and really wanted something a little different that we hadn’t already seen all over Pinterest and Instagram. We hit gold with the discovery of the lovely Marina and her Etsy store –  Rostok Toys. This adorable brand of rustic wooden educational toys from Moscow, Russia is to die for! And the best part? No batteries required, they run 100% on imagination.