[Stella Loves] 6 cool online interiors stores (that ship to Dubai!)
Last week's post with my newbie's guide to interior shopping in Dubai may have sounded a little bleak to those who are not keen on (physically) hitting the shops when it comes to redecorating their pad. Indeed I gave the lowdown on the topic of online shopping or its quasi non-existence. Well, you'll be happy to hear that it's not all doom and gloom my dear e-shoppers as there are a few wonderful independent online stores that are popping up on the Middle Eastern Tinternet and some are so fabulous and budget friendly, you might never have to see a mall again.
1. The Bowery Company
If you are after funky furniture and affordable luxury accessories (and are partial to a bit of a marble and copper) then the Bowery Company might very well give you heart palpitations. Or, maybe, that's just me... Think New York cool meets Scandi design, with a touch of boldness and you have The Bowery Company. They also have a lab section, with pieces from emerging designers from Europe and the US. And (can't believe I left this till the end) a selection of custom made neon signs. See you at the checkout?!
2. Nook
The new kid on the Dubai interiors scene had us all [insert heart emoji faces here] when we visited the new store in Jumeirah 1 earlier this week. And when we found out most of the stock is also available online we mentally high fived each other. From affordable handwoven monochrome rugs to beautiful marble trays, and quirky brass shelves, it's our new favourite place to put the final touches to any space without breaking the bank. Oh and did we mention they have a fab collection for kids room too? Even Stella's house bed is there!
3. Urban Abode
Another new arrival on the Dubai interiors scene is Urban Abode which launched its e-store at the end of August. It's the brainchild of a London expat who was slightly underwhelmed by the offering when trying to kit out a new pad in Dubai (erm, HELLO!!!). On the menu, cool palm prints, colourful boho-chic cushions (pompom galore!) and affordable yet stylish lighting.
4. Blanc D'Ivoire
Blanc D'Ivoire is a more established brand (they have a beautiful shop in Jumeirah that is worth a browsing trip alone) and definitely more high-end, however they are French, have a brilliantly comprehensive e-store with free shipping, and they have a good selection of affordable pieces amongst the more luxurious collection, in particular their bedding, lighting and outdoor furniture (some of which are our never ending wish-list) So they made the cut... Oh, and there is 15% off your first purchase when you sign up to their newsletter...
5. Amara Middle East
Yes! The clever clogs at Amara (you know, the ones behind the Oscars of the interior blogging world in which Stella + the Stars got shortlisted!) have made their collection of beautiful homeware and accessories available in the UAE. Jump for joy, peeps! And I am not talking about a small selection of the UK stock here. You can literally have anything delivered to Dubai in one click (ok, maybe two). Delivery is free for orders over 1500AED, otherwise you'll have to add 100AED to your basket for shipping. Recognise the below?!
6. Little Majlis
And finally, if you like to shop local and support Dubai-based artisans, then look no further than Little Majlis - a online marketplace for boutique and handmade products, marketed by Gulf-based small brands and independent makers. It's not just interiors but anything from fashion to accessories. There is, however, a bunch of gorgeous homeware brands that caught my eye including Abode and their reasonably priced Juju hats and beaded storage boxes, as well as ChoiSi who have a lovely collection of Moroccan poufs and Boucherouite rugs. And don't forget to check Little Majlis' own brand - I am particularly fan of the camel cushions.
Et voila! Hope you have discovered a few gems you didn't know. And if you haven't, then tune in next week as I'll feature some of my favourite (bricks and mortar this time) stores in Dubai - yes you'll have to get your car for these! Happy online shopping...