The Future Of Interior Design In the UAE

by Sophie She

The Future Of Interior Design In the UAE

16 Jul 2024

Photo: Pixabay

The trend of sustainability has taken the United Arab Emirates by storm. Every aspect of modern day life is now turning green — fashion (read here and here), industrial (read here), and even the whole Emirates (read here). And so, design is no different.

This shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable living spaces reflects a broader global movement that emphasises environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and the well-being of future generations.

Contributing to the mission of the Sustainability Year (2024) in the UAE, furniture and home decor companies have gone green and we would love to tell you more about how to turn your cosy home eco-friendly, while maintaining its beauty.

Trend’s history

Beginnings

Early 20th Century Sustainable design concepts emerged in the early 20th century with pioneers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Gerrit Rietveld. Wright's designs harmonised with the environment, while Rietveld's 1917 Red and Blue Chair emphasised material efficiency and simplicity.

Frank Lloyd’s creations. Source: franklloydwright.org

Mid-20th Century Movements like Modernism and the Bauhaus School promoted functional, minimalist designs, laying the groundwork for sustainable design by advocating simplicity and responsible material use.

Rietveld's 1917 Red and Blue Chair, MOMMA . Source: moma.org

Development

1960s and 1970s: The Environmental Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, sparked by events like the publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" and the first Earth Day, raised awareness of environmental issues. Here is a nice BBC article about it. What is important for us, since then, designers have begun incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices.

1980s and 1990s: Green Building Standards emerged in the late 20th century with BREEAM in the UK (1990) and LEED in the US (1998), providing guidelines for sustainable building practices, including eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency.

2000s: Technological advancements in the early 2000s led to the development of recycled and sustainable materials and digital design tools for efficient planning. So yeah, not only flip-phones and sliders for you and me, but the design benefited largely from it as well. Renewable energy sources also became more common in sustainable architecture.

Photo: ZMorph

Popularity in the UAE

In the early 2010s, there was a rising awareness, as sustainable interior design gained popularity in the UAE due to rapid urbanisation and growing environmental concerns. Basically, awareness of climate change and resource depletion led to a shift towards sustainable living practices.

The UAE government initiatives like UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 promoted sustainability, emphasising green building, energy efficiency, and renewable resources.

A cultural shift towards valuing quality and sustainability over quantity emerged, influenced by global trends in minimalism and conscious consumption. This led to increased demand for eco-friendly products and growth in the sustainability-oriented design solutions and brands.

Future Outlook in

The future of sustainable interior design in the UAE is promising due to ongoing government support, technological advancements, and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. As the UAE continues to innovate and prioritise sustainability, sustainable interior design is expected to become more prominent.

Advantages of green designs

Sustainable furniture and interior design pieces are made from renewable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled metal. It uses non-toxic finishes to avoid releasing harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air.

Locally produced sustainable furniture reduces transportation-related emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Using non-toxic materials improves indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment.

Sounds like there are only pros, and to be fair, this is true.

Whom to follow for eco-designs in the UAE?

Now, where do we find these? Let’s explore.

Raw Buils and Design

Raw Build and Design (Raw d+b), founded by Mohammad and Shaban Al Huniti in Dubai, is dedicated to promoting sustainability and oriental design aesthetics within the Arabic design community. Their mission is to offer modern, functional solutions that reflect the region's unique cultural identity.

Tribe

Tribe is an independent home decor studio deeply rooted in ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. They passionately curate handmade products from skilled artisans globally, aiming to minimise environmental impact and uphold social responsibility in every aspect of their operations.

Home and Soul

Home and Soul is a lifestyle retailer situated on Al Wasl Road in Dubai, renowned for its curated interiors sourced globally with a touch of Dubai's warmth.

Home and Soul Furniture continues to evolve towards greater eco-friendliness with each new collection, guided by the ethos of 'a healthy home, a healthy planet'. Inspired by Dubai’s Sustainable Development goals, they prioritise ethically-sourced materials and environmentally-friendly designs from around the world.

Urban Nest

Urban Nest specialises in curating exclusive collections from respected Dutch and Latin American design labels and creators. Their selection process emphasises affordability, sustainability, and the narrative behind each product, offering a diverse range of furniture, textiles, lighting, and home accessories. Each brand featured at Urban Nest is committed to sustainability, often intertwining social responsibility into their missions.

by Sophie She