As a self-confessed socialite, designer Nadine Kanso lives by the motto the more the merrier. “I love to invite people over to enjoy a nice meal, have a laugh and make memories.” Kanso welcomes us into her charming villa in Jumeirah where she shares with us her eclectic yet intimate home and much-treasured pieces. “I always buy things that I connect with, it’s a collage of my life.” With a love for vibrancy and positive energy, she reveals her top tips for curating a home with character, as well as how to create a beautiful tablescape.
Set The Scene
“I love creating a beautiful set up and cooking for all my friends. I keep some elevation at the table using lots of candles and fresh flowers. Adding design touches like the Baccarat butterflies or little fish from Lalique makes the table interesting. I will often put a decorative bowl of fruit on the table before the guests arrive, so that they can be eaten from start to finish.”
Collect What You Love
“I collect what I relate to, what I love, and what tells a beautiful story. Some of the works that I have on my walls are from local artists like Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim. I discovered Angeles Agrela a few years back. Her work is very striking and edgy - something I will never get bored of. It was love at first sight, in French we say, ‘le coup de foudre’. I had to take it.”
Always Offer Tea
“I always buy a lot of teacups and tea pots because the artistic designs attract me. I fill my cupboards with beautiful sets like from Bernardaud, even if I never use some of them, they’re more like artefacts. On occasions or after dinners I will invite my friends for tea, we sit in the comfort of my living room and I make sure to have light bites served alongside.”
Bring The Fun And Games
“I have decorated my house in a style where you can see a lot of fun objects, such as the Ralph Lauren Chess set. I like organised chaos. The way that you marry things together is what makes your house different. I have two Baccarat bears which are fun because they can talk to each other.”
