ID50 2025 – Kate Instone

What are the latest exciting projects that you are working on that will come to life in the near future?

The latest and most exciting project I’m working on is deeply personal—my own home in Dubai. I see this space as my laboratory, my creative playground. It’s an evolving experiment, and I’m not sure it will ever truly feel “finished.”

The journey began with months spent carefully contemplating the layout and the flow of the house. This process was a deeply introspective one, forcing me to connect with how I want to live. I thought about my morning rituals,my evening routines, how I start and end my day, and how I would move through the space. It wasn’t just about understanding the house better; it was about understanding myself better. This reflective process reminded me how vital self-awareness is in design—taking the time to consider spaces, flow, and how they align with daily life.

For the design, I longed for a home that felt both comforting and inviting. To achieve this, I carefully curated a mix of antiques and vintage treasures, paired with clean lines and bespoke furniture tailored to my exact needs. Every piece tells a story, contributing to the layers of personality within the space.

And, of course, lighting was paramount. I collaborated closely with Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting to create a scheme that enhances every corner of the home. While it’s not fully commissioned yet, I’m already imagining the transformative power of each illuminated detail.

This project has been a deeply personal exploration of design, function, and emotion—a reminder that our homes are not just spaces to live in, but reflections of who we are.

Please mention some of your latest projects/ achievements as a firm (Top 3)

Top Project: Designing Blush’s New Design Studio in Al Barari

One of my proudest achievements has been the creation of Blush’s new design studio in Al Barari. This project was particularly fascinating because we had to work within the constraints of a smaller unit than originally anticipated, which challenged us to be both inventive and efficient in our approach.

Drawing on our experience in superyacht design, we focused on maximising storage and functionality while maintaining an impeccable aesthetic. Every detail was meticulously planned to ensure the space could accommodate all the storage and equipment we needed without compromising on style or usability.

A highlight of the design is our collaboration with De Gournay for exquisite embroidered silk wallpaper, which adds a luxurious and textured dimension to the studio. Complementing this is our bespoke joinery, crafted in sycamore veneer with antique brass accents—a perfect blend of elegance and practicality.

This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform even the most restricted spaces into something extraordinary, combining beauty with function to create an inspiring environment for creativity.

Top Project: A 50,000 sq ft Multigenerational Masterpiece in Al Barari

We are incredibly proud of this exceptional home in Al Barari. Multigenerational homes are among our favourite projects to design, as they come with unique challenges but offer unparalleled satisfaction. Collaborating with a family to design a space that caters to everyone’s needs and flows seamlessly is an opportunity to create something truly special.

This project was a global journey in sourcing the finest finishes, furniture, and lighting. We worked with some of the most talented craftsmen of our time to create bespoke pieces that we believe are tomorrow’s antiques—heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. Every element was carefully curated to ensure it would stand the test of time, becoming part of the family’s legacy.

Adding to the home’s magnificence is one of the country’s most impressive private art collections, which servesas both inspiration and centrepiece for the design. The result is a home that blends luxury, function, and timeless beauty.

Being part of this process has been a humbling experience, and we are honoured to have contributed to a project that holds so much meaning and enduring value for the family.

Top Project: Stanbury Towers

We are thrilled to be collaborating with Caroline Stanbury on her exciting new portfolio of apartments, affectionately dubbed Stanbury Towers. Working with Caroline is an absolute joy—her boundless energy and enthusiasm are truly infectious!

What makes this project so unique is Caroline’s fearless approach to design. She embraces bold colours, playful patterns, and a sense of fun that allows us to push creative boundaries. Each apartment is designed with a dynamic energy, reflecting her vibrant vision and fashion-forward style.

The results are bold, quirky spaces that are as stylish as they are memorable. Caroline’s passion for design means she’s acquiring these apartments as quickly as we can bring them to life! It’s been exhilarating to channel this sense of dynamism into every project, creating spaces that are as exciting as the process itself.

Stanbury Towers is not just a project—it’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and fearless design.

How would you describe your ‘house style’ and design philosophy?

At the core of our philosophy is the belief that design matters. Thoughtful design has the power to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, enhancing how they live and experience their spaces.

The starting point for every project is our client. We dedicate time to truly understand their lifestyle, goals, and motivations. Why are they designing the house? Who is it for—family, friends, or perhaps as a statement of their achievements? By delving into these questions, we build a foundation that allows us to create a design narrative that is unique to them.

We intentionally avoid having a defined “house style.” Our aim is not to impose our tastes but to discover and amplify the style of our clients. There’s no cookie-cutter approach in our process—we design spaces that feel authentic and personal, where our clients can truly feel at home.

Ultimately, it’s their house, not ours. Our role is to guide, translate, and bring their vision to life in a way that reflects who they are, creating an environment that is as functional as it is meaningful.

As this is the power issue, what empowers you and your team?

We’re incredibly fortunate to have a powerful, dynamic team—that alone is a huge source of inspiration. The collaboration, creativity, and energy within our team drive everything we do. Each person brings their own unique perspective, and together we push boundaries, challenge ideas, and elevate every project we take on.

As designers, inspiration is everywhere. From art and architecture to nature, fashion, and travel, we find beauty and ideas in unexpected places. Sometimes, there’s so much inspiration that it can even be distracting! Staying focused while sifting through endless creative possibilities is part of the challenge—but also part of the magic.

Ultimately, what inspires us most is the opportunity to create spaces that improve lives. Knowing our work can shape how people feel, live, and connect with their environment is a powerful motivator that keeps us energised and passionate about what we do.