Interior designer Saminah Mahmood joins Art in the Middle to share her journey from teaching to becoming one of the UAE’s most thoughtful voices in residential design, and to talk about launching her studio, Monochrome Home Designs. Her work blends beauty, and emotion, creating spaces that aren’t just well-styled, but deeply personal. In our conversation, she reflects on what fuels her creativity, how she approaches each project, and her top tips for designing a home that feels as good as it looks.
Art in the Middle: Saminah, thanks for chatting with us today. How did you first get into interior design and what drew you to it?
Saminah: I started my career as a teacher, but interiors had always been a passion of mine from a young age. I’ve always had a keen eye for beautiful, well-designed spaces. I enjoyed exploring my creativity and creating environments that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional. From rearranging small spaces to renovating large properties, design allowed me to express my creativity in a tangible way.
Saminah goes on to share that her love for interiors stems from how much a space can affect one’s mood, productivity and wellbeing. It’s a belief that continues to guide her approach to every project.
Art in the Middle: What's the first thing you notice when you walk into a space you're about to redesign?
Saminah: The first thing I notice when I walk into a new space is how it feels, not just how it looks.
For her, it's about more than aesthetics. "Establishing scale, lighting and the flow of energy in a room is extremely important," she explains. Natural light, in particular, plays a crucial role. "I always notice where the natural light comes from, as this affects every design choice, from the colour palette to the placement of furniture." She also points out that the flow and function of a space influence how people move through it and help create balance.
Art in the Middle: Do you have a favourite type of space to design?
Saminah: My favourite type of space to design is residential. I believe every home should be a safe space.
In a fast-paced world, Saminah sees the home as a place to recharge. "We live in such a busy, fast-paced world, so designing a home allows me to create spaces that feel more comfortable and calming, with a positive effect on people’s wellbeing."
She adds that homes are deeply personal and that connection is what makes residential design particularly meaningful. "I love helping clients create spaces that reflect their personalities and lifestyles. That emotional connection makes the job incredibly rewarding, which is quite different from commercial projects. Seeing a blank canvas transform into a welcoming home is one of the highlights of the job."
Art in the Middle: Where do you usually find inspiration for your projects?
Saminah: I find inspiration through travel and nature. The best ideas often come from a mix of experiences, observations and emotion.
Travel plays a central role in her creative process. "Exploring new places, people and their ways of life" opens up fresh perspectives. She shares that each country she’s visited has its own story and unique architecture. "From a young age, I would often buy items abroad, mixing textures, colours, and materials to incorporate into my own home." These personal discoveries often become part of the narrative in the spaces she designs.
Art in the Middle: What's one piece of advice you always give to people decorating their own homes on a specific budget?
Saminah: My advice is to focus on getting the key pieces right first, so, the sofa, dining table, bed, and lighting. These are the foundation of your home’s style and function.
Saminah encourages clients to invest in what will last. "If you’re on a budget, invest in timeless, neutral, good-quality items that won’t date quickly." From there, she recommends layering in affordable accessories. "Cushions, throws, art, and mirrors add personality and colour. This way, you can refresh your space over time. Always prioritise quality where it matters."
Art in the Middle: And finally, do you have any top tips for refreshing a space for the new season?
Saminah: My three top tips are to declutter, refresh and restyle.
She breaks it down clearly. Declutter: "A seasonal change is the perfect excuse to clear surfaces, store away unused items, and let the room breathe again."
Refresh: "Swapping out cushions, throws, rugs and bedding can make a big impact. Use lighter linens and cottons in spring and summer, and richer velvets and wools in autumn and winter."
Restyle: "Rotate your decorative accessories. Books, vases, candles and art can be rearranged or swapped out to match the mood of the season. Even a simple addition like seasonal flowers or greenery can completely change the atmosphere."
Thank you for joining us today, Saminah! You've given us some great insight and take-aways.
Visit: instagram.com/monochromehomedesigns
Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
