The interiors showroom Maison d'Art has opened its new shop/studio in Jumeirah, showcasing the latest textiles and decorative accessories collections by top European labels including Designers Guild and Duralee.
As well as being the Middle East's sole distributor for Designers Guild, which has lines by Ralph Lauren, William Yeoward, Christian Lacroix and Jasper Conran plus its own stunning new autumn/winter collection, Maison d' Art is now stocking fabric by the legendary French house Toile de Jouy along with Vaughan chandeliers, Spini Italian furniture and Kandola wallpaper.
We like Maison d'Art for two reasons. First, it offers a very different interiors shopping experience. The villa premises have a sumptuous salon-like atmosphere, so you can perch on an elegant chaise next to a lavish Lacroix-papered wall while you browse the extensive range of sample books, then stroll over to a library where you can lose yourself in rack upon rack of beautiful fabrics.
Secondly, you don't have to spend a fortune to get something special. Prices range from affordable to high-end. What's more, the small team of staff is friendly, approachable and wholly knowledgeable, so unlike some other lifestyle showrooms, there isn't that sense of snobbish exclusivity that so often discourages you from parting with your money - a concept we roundly approve of.
Maison d'Art, Villa 1106, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, 04 380 9960, www.maisondart.ae
