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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.

Geometric decoration on wall with Innovation inscription near glass door of conference room with colorful stickers in hallway of office building

Materials and StyleHome Library Design in Cairo: Shelving, Light, and SeatingWhat actually makes a reading room work in a Cairo apartment, from shelf depth to the one window detail everyone gets wrong.17 Sep 20266 min read

A modern home gym setup with weights, treadmill, and fitness equipment.

Materials and StyleHome Gym Design in a Cairo ApartmentThe flooring, sound, and ventilation decisions that determine whether an apartment home gym actually gets used.17 Sep 20268 min read

A modern residential building's glass balconies under a clear sky, showcasing contemporary architecture.

Materials and StyleGlass Balcony Enclosures in Cairo: A Practical GuideWhen enclosing a balcony with glass makes sense in Cairo, and which framing and glass choices matter most.16 Sep 20266 min read

Person in silhouette kneeling in a peaceful interior space by a large window, exuding tranquility and contemplation.

Materials and StylePrayer Room Design in a Cairo HomeWhat actually makes a small prayer room in a Cairo home feel calm rather than like an afterthought.16 Sep 20266 min read

White couch placed on rug near table and drawer in stylish room with mirror and decorated shelves and long corridor with door

Materials and StyleMajlis and Reception Room Design in a Cairo HomeA practical breakdown of what separates a proper majlis from a nicer living room in a Cairo home.16 Sep 20266 min read

Creative design of bedroom with built in wardrobe and bed between collection of toys in light house

Materials and StyleKids Bedroom Design in Cairo That Grows With ThemHow to design a room that adapts as a child grows instead of needing a full redo every few years.16 Sep 20268 min read

Spacious and stylish living room featuring large windows and modern decor elements.

Materials and StylePlanning Ceiling Fans and AC Layout in CairoWhy fan and AC placement needs to be decided together at the design stage, not added on after the fact.16 Sep 20269 min read

Spacious modern walk-in closet featuring wooden shelving and a sleek design, ideal for organization.

Materials and StyleChoosing a Dressing Table for a Cairo BedroomHow to size, place, and light a dressing table properly, since lighting is the detail most bedrooms get wrong.15 Sep 20268 min read

A stylishly designed modern bedroom featuring elegant decor and cozy ambiance.

Materials and StyleChoosing Wallpaper for a Cairo HomeWhere a printed wall genuinely earns its place, and where Cairo's heat and humidity make it the wrong call.15 Sep 20268 min read

A cozy outdoor seating area with a small dog on a chair, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

Materials and StyleChoosing Outdoor Furniture for a Cairo TerraceWhich materials actually survive a Cairo balcony without fading, cracking, or falling apart within a season.15 Sep 20268 min read

Interior of spacious corridor with marble floor and stairway in luxury apartment in daylight

Materials and StyleMarble vs Porcelain Flooring in Cairo: Which One to ChooseCost, maintenance, heat underfoot, and how each one actually looks after a few years of daily use.15 Sep 20268 min read

Contemporary room interior with couch and TV with black screen against tables under shiny chandelier in house

Materials and StyleChoosing a Rug for a Cairo HomeCorrect sizing to the furniture and a material that copes with dust matter more than the pattern you fall for first.15 Sep 20268 min read

Sophisticated table setup with glassware and napkins for fine dining experience.

Materials and StyleChoosing a Dining Table for a Cairo HomeSizing a dining table to the room and household matters more than the material, though the material decides how it wears.14 Sep 20268 min read

Stylish dining room featuring modern wood furniture, large windows, and artistic decor.

Materials and StyleChoosing a Chandelier for a Cairo HomeGetting the diameter and hanging height right decides whether a chandelier looks considered or accidental in the room it hangs over.14 Sep 20267 min read

Sheer white curtains gently lit by daylight create subtle shadows on the wall.

Materials and StyleLayered Lighting for a Cairo Living RoomA living room needs ambient, task and accent light working together, not one bright ceiling fixture doing all the work.14 Sep 20267 min read

Stylish empty kitchen with wooden cabinets and large windows.

Materials and StyleKitchen Cabinet Materials That Hold Up in a Cairo KitchenMDF, solid wood, laminate and high-gloss acrylic each behave differently under Cairo kitchen heat, oil and daily use.14 Sep 20268 min read

A clean and modern bedroom interior with a comfortable bed and wooden flooring.

Materials and StyleChoosing a Bed and Mattress for a Cairo BedroomMattress fill, frame material and correct sizing decide whether a bed lasts through Cairo's summers or needs replacing within a few years.14 Sep 20268 min read

Colorful Ramadan-themed table setting with sweets, green drink, and decorative elements.

Materials and StyleRamadan and Eid Home Decorating Ideas for a Cairo HomeFanoos lighting, a proper iftar table, seating that can flex for extended family, and a plan for putting it all away cleanly…13 Sep 20267 min read