Things to Covet

1. The Guardian Palms Sand by Iwan Maktabi

Spotted at Downtown Design Riyadh this year, The Guardian Palms form part of Iwan Maktabi’s Gifts of Legacy series. Hints of Najdi architecture are visible through the motifs, as are subtle reliefs and abstract geometry, as well as its sandy and white colours. Designed by Saudi designer Sumaya Shelbi and created as an homage to Al-Diriyah and Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, the hand-knotted piece is framed by two palm trees, symbols of resilience and unity since 1727. 

2. Wall Mounted Lamp with Rod by Carla Baz

Developed by Baz in 2016, Oyster is a series of sculptural lighting pieces. It’s available in a variety of colours and three different sizes. Our favourite? The brushed brass. 

3. Lulu Armchair by Masoomeh Hilal Design x The Design House

From the Modern Muse collection, this piece is versatile, and its simple forms are elevated by luxurious materials and rich textures. We love the neutral palettes which offer both a sense of comfort, calm and cohesion.

4. Faras Y table by AYA The art of living

Constructed with a twist on ‘faras’, or the horse, this piece’s story is incorporated into the design of the table: the horse has just jumped from the top level to the one beneath it, creating a sense of movement. The table is constructed from Italian veneer, walnut wood and camel bone. 

5. Funquetry Vintage Buffet by Nada Debs 

Drawing from the traditional handcrafted technique of parquetry, this piece is part of the wider Funquetry collection by Debs. Strips of different coloured wood are inlaid to produce what’s known as a ‘mother’. In the case of some pieces these are then sliced and shifted to create a break in the geometric pattern. In others, they are applied on to pleated wood. Our perception of these pieces changes as we move around them. All are handmade in Beirut using either American Walnut or bleached American Walnut as a base.