12th December 2018 | IN PROJECT OF THE WEEK | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a fabulous family apartment situated by the River Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt. The young family of four desired a luxurious, yet simple and practical space. The property, around 290 square metres, is divided into a reception area with clear glass windows, drawing the sight line outside and capitalising on the expansive Nile views. A customised bar cabinet with brass sheets welcomes guests as they enter and is complemented by Nihal Zaki’s masterpiece; the Magnet Banquette which separates into four mini banquettes, only to regroup again using hidden magnets. The sofas, all the furniture and Asian fusion wall panels have been tailored to match the pièce de résistance of the house; the Golden Tibet Panel. The dining room adopts a subtle Art Deco concept in black and white, featuring paintings by contemporary Egyptian artists and a Murano-glass chandelier. Company: Nihal Zaki Interiors Project: Apartment by the Nile Project Location: Cairo, Egypt What was the client’s brief? My clients were a young couple with two toddlers and they were very keen on an elegant contemporary house with elegant interiors, functional use and a safe environment for their children. They wanted cheerful colours but mostly, big glass windows in order to showcase the breathtaking view of the River Nile. What inspired the design of the project? The River Nile, Cairo’s vein and pulse is one of the most beautiful features of this city and this lovely apartment was situated right on the banks of the river.. My clients wanted to capture the serenity of the lovely views and the Cairo sunlight shining throughout the day… Another pièce de résistance was the vintage Tibet, gold leaf engraved paravan my client had inherited from her family. We were smitten by that piece and transformed it into a wall-hanging mounted on the wall of the main reception area right above the octane blue sofa. What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project? My client was pregnant with her second child and couldn’t move out of the house! As a result we had to work strategically on a strict time schedule, ensuring we caused minimal noise, pollution and chemical hazards. Ensuring safety throughout the project being a top priority. What was your team’s highlight of the project? A collection of priceless paintings by some of the most prominent 1950’s Egyptian artists hung on the walls of the dining room hence our selection of subtle Art Deco black and white wallpaper. Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards? The SBID have become the most lucrative and prestigious Design Awards in the region! Entering, let alone being nominated as a Finalist is quite an honour. The SBID Awards have become a hub for internationally renowned designers to meet and exchange ideas, business contacts and drive future innovations. Questions answered by Nihal Zaki, CEO at Nihal Zaki Interiors If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring an urban resort that offers sweeping lake views located on the shore of Lake Chao, click here to see more. We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire Nihal Zaki Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018