Close

Read ‘Bold Design’ – Note from the editor

Read identity magazine's July/August 2024 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy

What does being bold mean to you?

In this issue, we journey across various disciplines, from interior design to architecture and various design practices that are bold not only in their final outputs, but through their inspirations and processes too. As you flip the pages, you will find different iterations of these ideas – like how Natalia Ortega from Spain is seeking Emirati materials to use in her practice, or how Gio Bressana brings ancient fresco techniques to modern living.

On our cover, we are thrilled to spotlight Rim Guirari and Thomas Castagnet, the founders of Mustard & Linen for this issue as they commemorate the 10th anniversary of their brand. The duo brings a perfect blend of bold and earthy to their projects; creating spaces that are as functional as they are aesthetically striking. We also celebrate the unveiling of their new headquarters on Saadiyat Island. This space not only exemplifies the brand’s design ethos but also sets a new benchmark for creative work environments.

In our interiors section, we delve into Onda, a unique ‘replenishment bar’ by Bone Studio, a luxurious Burj Khalifa penthouse by Etereo Design that plays with a variety of eclectic colours and textures, a coastal luxury penthouse by Abboud Malak of Studio M, and Eliza House by WALA, where black is truly, bold.

Our design focus this month is on walls, floors and surfaces. These elements are often the unsung heroes of design, providing the foundation and context for our living and working environments. We explore the latest brands, trends, materials and techniques that are transforming these essential aspects of interior design.

We are also excited to announce that in early August, we will be opening submissions for the identity Design Awards 2024. The criteria for the design awards will seek to reward design excellence, originality, sustainability and aesthetics in the MENA region. We look forward to receiving your entries! 

From innovative workspaces and architectural marvels to inspiring interiors, let’s celebrate the transformative potential of design in all ways.

Read the July/August 2024 ‘Bold Design’  issue online here.

Support our publication by purchasing a subscription.

The Latest

Nostalgic Value in Cape Town

LW Design completes a sensitive reimagining of the iconic Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa

A Lounge Perched in the Sky

This new, refined lounge showcases spectacular Dubai skyline views with style

Creating Intelligent and Resilient Design

identity hosted a live panel in collaboration with IF Hub on creating intelligent and resilient design at their showroom

The Making of Nammos Dubai

We take a look at how Nammos Dubai translated the spirit of Mykonos at its outpost at the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach

Emirati Modernism by Lodge

Emirati founded and owned interior design studio Lodge completes two distinct majlises

A Story in Wood

Porada’s Ortensia was showcased at Salone del Mobile 2026, demonstrating the company’s expertise with wood

Design Debut – Naqsh Editions

We interview the founders of the collectible design house in an exclusive interview prior to their launch

The Next Phase of Growth

Luca Vigliero, XBD Collective’s new Executive Director shares exciting developments for the studio’s expansion

Highlights of Casa Decor 2026

We take you through the finest showcases at the exhibition in collaboration with the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX)

The Black Gold Museum

Art has the power to illuminate histories and tell human stories across time and geography. At the newly opened Black Gold Museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it does just that

An Integrated Approach

At DLR Group, collaboration across teams is key. We speak to Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality and Mixed-Use Director, and Vaida Buchrotaite, Principal and International Interior Design and Operations Director, on how the group shapes hospitality projects across the region

Motif, Centrum Spaces Abu Dhabi

Motif Interiors completes Centrum Spaces’ Abu Dhabi coworking space

The UAE design-and-build studio delivers a Japanese-inspired coworking destination at Reem Mall, spanning 22,000 sq ft