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The Design Notes

Working notes on planning, materials, lighting and process, written from live projects rather than trend reports. Practical reading if you are about to start a home.

Hands holding neutral color swatches for interior design selection.

CostInterior Designer Cost in Hyde Park New Cairo: What Drives the FeeWhy naming your exact unit type is the first real step in pricing a Hyde Park design fee.25 Sep 20267 min read

Assorted fabric and textile samples with color swatches for design inspiration.

CostInterior Designer Cost in Mivida New Cairo: What Drives the FeeWhy the first real decision in a Mivida quote is which part of the compound you are actually in.25 Sep 20267 min read

A man and woman in safety helmets examine building plans inside a minimalistic, indoor space.

CostInterior Designer Cost in Katameya Dunes: What Drives the FeeWhat actually shapes a villa design fee in Katameya Dunes, from open-plan volume to the garden.25 Sep 20267 min read

A man in a hard hat measures a wall, showcasing precision in a building interior.

CostInterior Designer Cost in Saada New Cairo: What Drives the FeeWhy a smaller, boutique compound like Saada changes the way a design fee gets quoted.25 Sep 20267 min read

Organized walk-in closet with custom shelving

Working TogetherWorking With an Interior Designer Remotely From the UAEWhat actually happens when a project is designed remotely, from the first call to the drawings your UAE contractor receives, and where…24 Sep 20268 min read

Bedroom suite with upholstered headboard and layered lighting

Materials and StyleMajlis Design in a UAE Home: Materials, Seating, and LightA practical guide to designing a majlis that works for real hosting in a UAE home: seating, materials, lighting, and the details…24 Sep 20267 min read

Double height living room with layered seating and natural light

CostHow Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in the UAEWhat an interior designer actually costs in the UAE, in AED per square foot, with worked examples and the line items that…24 Sep 20267 min read

Paint roller on a ladder with a partially painted red wall in the background.

Working TogetherWorking With an Interior Designer Remotely From Saudi ArabiaWhat actually happens when a project is designed remotely, from the first call to the drawings your Saudi contractor receives, and where…24 Sep 20268 min read

Abstract wooden lattice pattern with warm diagonal lighting creating a dynamic visual effect.

Materials and StyleMajlis Design in a Saudi Home: Materials, Seating, and LightA practical guide to designing a majlis that works for real hosting: seating, materials, lighting, and the details that separate a good…24 Sep 20268 min read

An architect reviewing detailed house designs on dual monitors

CostHow Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in Saudi ArabiaWhat an interior designer actually costs in Saudi Arabia, in SAR per square metre, with a worked example and the line items…24 Sep 20268 min read

Close-up of a handshake symbolizing business agreement and partnership.

CostInterior Designer Cost in City Gate New Cairo: What Drives the FeeWhy a newer address like City Gate changes how an interior design fee actually gets built.24 Sep 20267 min read

Dark spa bathroom with stone bath and concealed lighting

Materials and StyleLimescale and Hard Water Damage in Cairo BathroomsNew taps that look tired within a year are not cheap taps. They are the wrong finish for the water.24 Sep 20268 min read

Bedroom in a restrained grey palette with built-in storage

Materials and StyleStopping Cairo Sun From Fading Your Furniture and FloorsThe sofa is two shades lighter on one side and the floor has a pale stripe. Fading is a specification problem, not…24 Sep 20268 min read

Villa exterior with pool, pergola and planted garden

Materials and StyleKitchen Ventilation and Cooking Smells in Cairo ApartmentsIf the bedrooms smell of last night's cooking, the extractor is not the problem. The way it was installed usually is.24 Sep 20268 min read

White marble bathroom with arched window and freestanding bath

Working TogetherRenovate or Move: How to Decide in New CairoThe honest answer is not always renovate. Here are the questions that decide it, including the ones people avoid.24 Sep 20268 min read

Cleaning supplies and tools outside a building entrance bathed in sunlight.

ProcessWhen Furniture Will Not Fit Through the Door or the LiftThe sofa is on the landing, the lift is too small and the stairwell turns. This is entirely preventable, and only before…23 Sep 20267 min read

Comfortable settee with colorful cushions placed near big windows against contemporary television set in spacious room of modern stylish apartment

Working TogetherManaging a Renovation in New Cairo While You Live AbroadA renovation you cannot visit is not impossible. It just cannot be run on photographs and good intentions.23 Sep 20268 min read

Bedroom with deep green panelled wall and pendant lights

ProcessTwo Children Sharing a Bedroom: Making It Work Long TermTwo beds in one room is the easy part. Privacy, storage and homework are what decide whether it lasts.23 Sep 20268 min read