HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY IN DESIGN

 

 

 This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who shape more than just spaces—they shape lives. 

From bold entrepreneurs to visionary creatives, these ten inspiring women in interior design are redefining what it means to lead with both style and heart. Whether balancing motherhood with client meetings or transforming homes with a unique touch, each of them brings a powerful story of passion, resilience, and creativity. 

 

Join us as we honor the brilliance, strength, and spirit of these design trailblazers who prove every day that beauty begins at home.

 

Monica Arango is the visionary behind C’est ici Design, an award-winning interior design studio rooted in refined minimalism, curated craftsmanship, and narrative-driven spaces. With a background shaped by Colombian heritage and global exposure, Monica brings emotional depth and modern elegance to every project—spanning high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors across the Middle East and beyond.

 

2. Rania Hamed

 

Principal at VSHD Design, Rania is known for her refined, contemporary interiors that blend traditional and modern aesthetics. Her projects span luxury residences and hospitality spaces across the UAE and beyond. Under her vision, VSHD Design has become synonymous with curated, high-end interiors across the region and beyond.

 

3. Pallavi Dean

 

Founder of Roar, a Dubai-based design studio, Pallavi merges innovation with local craftsmanship. She combines global design sensibilities with a deep understanding of regional culture. She combines global design sensibilities with a deep understanding of regional culture. 

 Under her leadership, Roar has delivered award-winning projects across sectors including education, hospitality, and commercial spaces, cementing its reputation as one of the Middle East’s leading design firms.

 

A Lebanese designer, Nada Debs is renowned for blending Middle Eastern craft with contemporary design. Her work spans furniture, home accessories, and art installations. With a background in fine arts and industrial design, Nada creates pieces that are both modern and rooted in identity. Her brand has become a symbol of emotional craftsmanship and storytelling through design.

 

 

 

 

7. Rabah Saeid

 

Rabah Saeid is an acclaimed American-Sudanese designer, recognized by the AD100 and the American Society of Interior Designers, known for creating immersive spaces that balance emotional depth with refined aesthetics. Her award-winning studio Styled Habitat spans residential, commercial, and cultural projects, blending understated sensuality with a strong sense of place. 

 

8. Lama Jouni 

 

Lama Jouni is a Lebanese fashion designer known for her sleek, contemporary womenswear that fuses bold femininity with minimalist sophistication. Since launching her namesake label in 2013, she has gained international recognition for her confident silhouettes and culturally infused designs that celebrate empowered modern women.

 

Nathalie Trad is a Lebanese designer renowned for her sculptural clutches that blur the line between fashion and art. Fusing architectural form with organic materials, her eponymous brand has become known for bold, statement accessories that reimagine the traditional handbag with a distinctly avant-garde edge.

 

 

Miriam Llano is a Spanish entrepreneur and brand strategist renowned for her contributions to the design and architecture marketing sector. In 2023, she founded Amphora, a Dubai-based marketing consultancy specializing in the design and architecture industry. The consultancy aims to foster collaborations and cross-industry networks, building a portfolio that includes distinguished international design brands and reputable interior design and architecture firms 

SKY BLUE DREAMS

This month, we’re excited to share a truly unique project unfolding in the breathtaking Seychelles.

 

This holiday residence was designed to sit quietly within its natural surroundings. C’est ici was engaged to develop the interior architecture and design, with the aim of reinforcing the home’s original intent while adapting it to the rhythms of the client’s lifestyle.

 

Early in the process, subtle architectural adjustments were made to better align with how the family envisioned living in the space. These changes focused on spatial clarity, circulation, and enhancing the relationship between interior zones and the surrounding environment. The result is a layout that feels open, functional, and attuned to a slower pace of life.

The material palette was selected with careful consideration, we worked with sustainable materials that feel honest and tactile. Natural stone, untreated wood, and hand-applied finishes bring warmth and depth to each space—chosen for their ability to age gracefully and their quiet presence within the context.

While the architecture anchors the house to its site, the interiors were designed to soften it—to introduce comfort without excess, and clarity without distraction. Furnishings are low, relaxed, and quietly elegant, shaped to support slow mornings, barefoot afternoons, and time spent together. An intentional retreat, grounded in simplicity and ease.

There’s an undeniable allure to outdoor spaces—where thoughtful design converges with the open sky, and time seems to slow, allowing moments to linger. At C’est ici, we hold the conviction that the outdoors should be as meticulously curated and welcoming as any interior environment. This philosophy inspired our collaboration with Kettal, a distinguished name in outdoor furniture design, celebrated for its seamless blend of functionality, innovation, and Mediterranean-inspired aesthetics .

Together, we embarked on a journey to craft bespoke outdoor compositions that dissolve the boundaries between architecture and nature. Drawing inspiration from the effortless elegance of Mediterranean living and the sculptural forms found in nature, this project seeks to infuse outdoor spaces with a sense of tranquility, connection, and understated sophistication.

Kettal's commitment to creating outdoor spaces that are as comfortable and inviting as any indoor environment aligns perfectly with our vision. Their signature style, characterized by clean, modern lines and a thoughtful use of colors and textures, complements our design ethos, resulting in outdoor settings that are both timeless and attuned to contemporary life.

 

We are thrilled to announce that Moni’s personal outdoor space, a culmination of this collaborative effort, will be unveiled soon. 

We eagerly anticipate sharing this harmonious blend of design and nature with you.

The past few weeks at C’est ici have been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, reflecting our commitment to thoughtful design and meaningful connections.

 

 

Our team has been deeply immersed in the dynamic phases of design, from embarking on new site visits to launching exciting projects. These endeavors have allowed us to explore innovative concepts and bring fresh perspectives to our work. Collaborative lunches with our trusted suppliers have further enriched our creative process, fostering relationships that are integral to our bespoke approach.

 

 

Beyond our studio, we've actively participated in the vibrant design community. Notably, our founder, Monica, contributed her insights as a speaker at the recent Glaze event, sharing our studio's philosophy and experiences with a broader audience. These interactions have been invaluable, offering inspiration and reinforcing our belief in the power of design to connect and transform.

 

Last week, VIVIUM hosted us in the beautiful surroundings of the Cassina Store to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Charlotte Perriand Collection with an evening dedicated to her enduring legacy and philosophy. 

 

In a conversation centered on the idea of looking to the past to design the future, we gathered with leading voices from the design community: Neydine Bak, Creative Director of Verhaal, Omar Nakkash, Founder of Nakkash Design Studio and Rabah Saeid, Founder of Styled Habitat. The session was moderated by Miriam Llano, Founder of Amphora and Ruggero Ottagalli, CEO of Vivium Design.

The brand celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Charlotte Perriand Collection by paying tribute to the work of this versatile designer with an exclusive selection of previously unreleased models and never-before-seen versions of iconic pieces already in the catalogue.

Among them is a 30-piece limited edition of the Ventaglio table, an iconic design in the i Maestri Collection.

 

This series preserves the original construction technique - formed from 14 adjoining planks masterfully joined together - but introduces a new finish in natural Canaletto walnut.

The table’s three-square legs reinterpret Charlotte Perriand’s original design with a contemporary edge.

 

Thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Cassina’s carpentry workshop, the outermost edges of the tabletop feature refined wooden joints in matching walnut—a subtle detail that enhances the table’s sophisticated aesthetic.

In the early 2000s, Lenny Kravitz acquired a 1920s hôtel particulier in Paris's prestigious 16th arrondissement, previously owned by Countess Anne d'Ornano. Originally seeking a modest apartment, Kravitz was captivated by the mansion's grandeur and transformed it into a personal sanctuary named "Hotel de Roxie" in honor of his mother, Roxie Roker .

Kravitz, through his firm Kravitz Design, infused the residence with his signature "soulful elegance," blending African, European, and mid-century modern influences. The home features a curated collection of art and memorabilia, including works by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, a custom-designed Steinway piano with African motifs, and personal items from music legends like James Brown and Muhammad Ali.

 

A standout feature is the basement-level speakeasy-style nightclub, "Le Chaufferie," complete with a dance floor and vintage disco ball, serving as the "heart and soul" of the home. The residence also includes a library filled with his mother's books, a dining room centered around a portrait of his grandfather, and various spaces adorned with personal artifacts that reflect Kravitz's heritage and artistic journey.

 

Kravitz's Parisian villa stands as a testament to his multifaceted identity as a musician, designer, and cultural connoisseur, seamlessly merging comfort with sophistication.

Crafting outdoor spaces that resonate with the comfort and style of your home's interior involves thoughtful design choices. Here are some rephrased insights to guide you:

 

 

Textures that age gracefully and echo what you’d actually find outdoors. Rather than relying on artificial finishes, we like working with materials that are both durable and connected to their setting. 

Surfaces like Cosentino’s Dekton are a great example—engineered for performance but inspired by nature, they offer a refined look that lasts in even the most exposed areas.

 

Design outdoor areas that mirror the aesthetics and comfort of your indoor spaces. Utilize large sliding or folding glass doors to blur boundaries, and position outdoor living zones to capitalize on natural light and views.

 

 

It is more than a seasonal choice—it's an investment in comfort, durability, and sustainability. Choosing pieces that are made to last reduces the need for constant replacements. Beyond function, quality outdoor furniture holds its form and character through changing seasons. We love the clean, architectural lines of Kettal, and the sculptural elegance of Gubi—both brands offer pieces that balance design with lasting craftsmanship.

 

While a neutral base creates calm, it’s the unexpected details, like a pop of color in your cushions, a playful print on a parasol, or a ceramic stool with a unique glaze, that bring joy and personality to the space. These touches catch the eye and make the outdoor area feel truly vibrant and personal. We often look to Pierre Frey for outdoor fabrics—they offer a bold mix of colors and prints that feel expressive and refined, adding a layer of personality.