Where Art Meets Reality

An absolutely lovely chat with interior designer Nebras Aljoaib.

What made you decide to pursue a career in interior design?
I loved everything related to art and design growing up, so I decided to pursue a degree in interior design. I felt then, and strongly believe now, that as an interior designer, I get to be a designer, a painter, an artist, a furniture-maker and buyer, a contractor and a decorator all at once. And that’s both challenging and fun.

Tell us a bit about your first project as a freelancer.
I worked on two residential projects in parallel: the Abu Dhabi project and the Man Cave project. Both were super challenging but made me realize that I was on the right track and I would be doing this for the rest of my life.

Describe the Nebras Aljoaib Design identity in three words.
Timeless, tasteful and artistic.

You’ve previously defined your work studio as a multifunctional design space, not an office. Can you tell us more about that?
I don’t like the word office; it’s rigid and boring. When I first began looking for a space to move my business to in order to both expand my operations and horizons, I was adamant in finding a space that would leave me inspired. Interiors play a big role, definitely, but location and structure were very important as well. Once I had found the right spot and designed and decorated it, I had the studio of my dreams.

The studio comprises of operational areas for design work, but there are many nooks and open spaces to be utilized for showcasing as well as small events. Also, my designers have the flexibility to move around the studio to any area that brings out their creative best, may it be in front of the wide windows or in a quiet corner.

Have you considered doing collaborations?
I would love to collaborate with an architect or jewelry designer someday.

What sort of project would you like to collaborate on?
I’d love to collaborate with an architect on a furniture line. As for jewelry, I’d love to bring together different elements using materials I’d use in my spaces, like earrings out of marble and brass for instance or bangles out of wood and wire.

Do you prefer doing commercial or residential projects?
Commercial because they give me design freedom mixed with reasonable timeframes, plus I get to go all out.

Which colors, textures and furniture pieces do you mostly gravitate towards?
Colors: I usually start with either black or white and gradually add a scheme of neutrals. Then I accent the space with pops of color, blue being my all-time favorite.

Textures: I love layering and I love patterns. As for texture I usually go with raw against refined.

Furniture: I am all about mixing old with new. I don’t like overly-themed spaces. My design aesthetic revolves around creating a space that is artsy, effortless, easy on the eyes and most importantly, gives off the feeling that it’s a collection brought together over the years.

What design magazine do you hope to see your work in?
Architectural Digest.

Your top business advice to creative entering the design industry?
Perseverance.

Web: nebrasaljoaib.com
Location: Bashar Ibn Burd St., Al Ulaya, Khobar