Introducing a Whole World of Interiors

Saudi Arabia's interior design market is thriving as the Kingdom's building sector expands, with an increasing number of real estate projects for retail, commercial, hospitality, and residential expected to drive the sector forwards. Gigaprojects such as The Red Sea, AMAALA, and King Abdullah Economic City are attracting various international and regional interiors and fit-out designers to work on the projects. Interior design opportunities are proliferating in the educational and healthcare sectors too.

The Saudi Arabia interior design market is competitive, with numerous local and worldwide businesses involved. Developers, contractors, and suppliers are increasingly emphasizing costeffective engineering, materials, and design, all of which contribute to the shaping of the interior design business.

It is a rapidly evolving industry, and that is why Saudi Projects is introducing an entirely new section to the magazine, focusing solely on the world of interiors. In this issue, for instance, we will be looking at altaviaodg, particularly with regard to the travel retail industry. A part of the altavia Group of companies, the world-leading retail consultancy and communication enterprise, established in 1983 and with offices in 45 countries, Altavia.odg is the ‘go to’ firm for leading operators, retailers, and brands.

Altavia.odg thrives on authentic connections and building environments with soul and a sense of place. It is passionate about producing interiors that capture the essence of the location or brand while balancing the highest standards of creativity to reflect the client's individuality. If you are not yet aware of Altavia.odg’s work and expertise, I encourage you to read all about the firm in two major features within these pages. Rebranding Fuels Ongoing Evolution at Altavia.odg and Great Journeys, Mesmerizing Retail Experiences.

According to sources, by 2027, the global interiors market is expected to hit a thumping $255.4 billion. In addition, the international interior design services market will increase at a 7.8% CAGR in 2020-2027.

The Greeks, like the Romans, adopted a style with minimal furnishings, arches, and mosaic tiles, with the Roman Empire (murals) and the Islamic Golden Age both having early interior design styles (pillars and columns). But what are the trends for 2023? The following five trends are things we can see making waves over the next year or two:

1. Incorporating sustainability in commercial interior design - the emphasis here is on using natural materials or objects that have a lower environmental impact, such as handcrafted items or salvaged furniture and decor.

2. The growth of ‘resimercial’ design –with more people choosing to work from home, there is a lot of discussion about 'resimercial' design, which combines commercial space with domestic interior amenities to create a productive yet comfortable atmosphere.

3. Minimalist design - as our lives get more frenetic, a sense of simplicity in interior design is becoming more valued.

4. Curved shapes - a rising interest in rounder contours is feeding into the concept of minimalism and comfortable commercial settings.

5. Color blocking - this is an excellent technique to incorporate color into a room while maintaining a classy and professionally styled appearance.

Whatever the future throws up in terms of interiors, though, you can be assured that Saudi Projects will be there to comment and report. Join us!

Richmond International Working on Interior Design for New Jeddah Hotel

Slated to open in 2024, the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah is a new-build shoreline destination to be found within the Corniche District. Guests and homeowners will be captivated by stunning views of the Red Sea and Jeddah’s classic architecture, revealing the city’s 2000 years of history.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche will incorporate 269 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites, 21 serviced apartments for short and long-term stays, and 64 Private Residences, including two penthouses. Richmond International is working on the interior design, with each space being meticulously fashioned to combine luxurious and sophisticated design components. Accommodations will take in capacious living spaces for families, serene spa-inspired bathrooms, and marble-clad interiors.

Meticulously fashioned to combine luxurious and sophisticated design components

David T'Kint Transforms JW Marriott, Riyadh

Riyadh Capital appointed David T'Kint to rebrand the Burj Rafal hotel into the first luxury JW Marriott on King Fahd Road in Riyadh. The multiyear transformation embraces the region's enticing nature in the interior elements, which incorporate earthy tones accentuated with green. The studio's inspiration came from one of the most inspiring ancient poems of the Arabian Peninsular, which reads, ‘For when the south wind blows the sand over them, the north wind sweeps it away’. As a result, the lines are organic and delicate, reflecting Saudi Arabia's everchanging windblown deserts. The colors are earthy and infused with green hues, reminiscent of lush landscapes when ‘rain finally comes to the land’, an excerpt from an ancient inspirational poem. Guests are surrounded by a variety of green accents that have been carefully interwoven into the various interior areas as they travel through the hotel, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of calm, tranquillity, and harmony.

T'Kint finished the first phase in just over a year and a half, which was three times faster than expected.

YOTEL: The First Hotel in Oxagon, NEOM

YOTEL, the international hospitality brand, has announced the signing of its first hotel in Saudi Arabia. The YOTEL property, which is set to debut in 2025, will also be the first hotel to open in Oxagon, the home of forward-thinking and clean industries in NEOM.

The interior of the hotel looks as if it is going to be more than a little striking. Upon arrival, guests will be enveloped in the buzzing energy of the district's creative eco-system, with the 300-room hotel offering the latest YOTEL features, such as the brand's iconic robotic concierge, motorized SmartBeds™, and fully integrated technologies.

The lines are organic and delicate, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ever-changing windblown deserts

C&P Executes Yet Another Stunning Success for EL&N London

Construction & Planning Co's (C&P) fit-out business, in collaboration with global real estate consultant firm JLL, continues to produce substantial projects branded with its hallmark signature of world-class excellence. The latest of these is no exception; each branch of the world-renowned coffee brand EL&N given its own distinct style while preserving the typical feel of lively pink décor and luxuriant accessories.

C&P was chosen as the brand's roll-out general contractor in 2021 and has since produced numerous coffee shops in key locations throughout Riyadh.

EL&N's first store in Saudi Arabia is located in the Panorama Mall, and despite its small size, it contains many delicate features and innovative looks.

On the Riyadh Front, another noteworthy EL&N coffee shop may be found. Its oneof-a-kind, multi-level penthouse design includes special props that transport visitors on a breath-taking neon-lit adventure replete with nostalgic allusions to vintage Hollywood. Another of the branch’s designs called for the installation of a classic vintage car within its interior, for which a special edition pink-wrapped 1962 Sunbeam coupé was brought in to fulfil this particular vision.

C&P was chosen as the brand's roll-out general contractor in 2021

OMA Creates Scenography for Islamic Arts Biennale

Architecture studio OMA has designed the backdrop for the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale, taking place from 23 January until 23 April and being hosted in the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

The firm designed the overall identity for the Islamic Arts Biennale, which is being curated by South African architect Sumayya Vally

OMA’s design for the event aims to complement the existing building, with OMA Associate Kaveh Dabiri explaining: “Our scenography design aims to create a space that works with the cable-stayed, fabricroof of the Hajj Terminal - a seminal piece of modern architecture known to Muslims around the world - literally reinventing it as an umbrella for Islamic Arts.”

Urban Streets and Alleys at Chan Restaurant in Jeddah

If you're wanting Asian food, Chan, a recently launched casual dining restaurant in Jeddah, is the place to go. It brings together ‘favorites from the streets of Asia’ all under one roof. And when we say ‘streets’ we mean ‘streets’, with Chan’s vivacious and festive interior design recreating the trendy urban streets and alleys of downtown Tokyo, Seoul, and beyond. The restaurant's visually captivating and jazzy ambiance is enhanced with luminous neon lights, graffiti, old-school arcade games, and aspects of urban Asian art and architecture. Chan offers delicious flavors with something for everyone, from adventurous diners to those who already adore Asian cuisine.

Chan’s vivacious and festive interiors recreate the trendy urban streets and alleys of downtown Tokyo