Shooting the home of a designer is always worth getting out of bed for. You just know that someone with such a creative soul will have an incredibly interesting home, and discovering the stories behind their unusual pieces will certainly leave you inspired. It came as no surprise, then, that the home of talented accessories designer Nathalie Trad was nothing short of fascinating. Located in a high-rise building in Downtown Dubai, her apartment is a calming space that seamlessly marries various styles, resulting in a harmonious and artistic ambience.
“I would say it is eclectic, homey, and a mix of different styles that come together to form our own aesthetic,” says the Lebanese-born designer. “It is a space that will continue to evolve as we do. It is us, curated.” From the bright-yellow wall in the bar area to the oversized-flower painting by close friend and artist Katya Traboulsi and the attention to detail reflected in a perfectly organized bookshelf, it’s clear that Trad takes pride in every single inch of her home.
Over a much-needed morning espresso, Trad continues, “Every room has a different appeal to me. I love spending the night around the dining table when we have friends over or relaxing with my husband in our living room during the evening. And if I am by myself, you will most likely find me in my studio. Each room has different pieces from around the world that tell a personal story and evoke different memories.”
As for how she imagines her dream home, Trad reveals, “It’s a place where family, friends, and loved ones can come together. My dream home is a place that reflects who my husband and I truly are. My dream home is comprised of different pieces that we have collected together over the years from our various travels and adventures. My dream home is just that – a place we can call home.”
And dream home it is. Click through Savoir Flair’s gallery below for an exclusive tour of Nathalie Trad’s apartment.
“The bar area repurposed from a bookcase I had in New York. This is the place where people end up coming together on a night with friends. It features my favorite Nada Debs stools and a vintage movie poster.”
“These are by one of my favorite lifestyle designers, Carol Boyes, who turns the most mundane items into sculptural works of art.”
“A painting that brings this room to life by the amazing Katya Traboulsi, a mentor and dear friend.”
“Cacti have become my favorite plants; they survive living with me and have a beautiful sculptural feel that I always gravitate toward.”
“Albertus Seba’s Cabinet of Natural Curiosities is the book that started it all and led to the creation of one of my favorite clutches, the ‘Dysdera’.”
“The perfection of imperfection. I love the irregular, sculptural shapes formed by candles over time.”
“There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day at work, sitting back with my husband, and listening to a vintage record.”
“Art & Flower is my go-to boutique for rare botanical finds, which are featured here alongside a sketch by Katya Traboulsi.”
“What do lenticular art and the ‘Polygonia’ clutch have in common? Every way you view the piece, you see something different.”
“A gift from my husband: a vintage camera from the 1980s. There’s nothing like shooting with film, and the authenticity and sheer beauty that it conveys.”
“I love the combination of concrete and wood on this stool, which my mother found while traveling in Amsterdam.”
“I like to have these keepsakes on display in a place where I will see them everyday. They remind me of all the beautiful experiences, travels, family, and friends in my life.”
“Books, clutches, and keepsakes – my inspiration all coming together in one place, my home studio.”
“Pieces from Bagh-Chal, a traditional game from Nepal that my husband and I loved playing while on a trip to Kathmandu.”
“I love the mix of wood, leather, and steel on these shoes by Marni. I put them on display because I find the heels to be like sculptural artworks.”
“Overlooking Dubai from my balcony – an inspiring meditation spot that puts everything in perspective.”
