Well-regarded for her talent at reimagining classical design elements through a contemporary Arab point of view, AlJoaib’s newest offering brings together both exquisite traditional heritage craftsmanship and modern sensibilities. The result is stunning.
“The Reading Room was a natural extension of my studio’s ethos,” AlJoaib tells us. “It combines architectural heritage with sculptural, mid-century influences in a way that feels current to me. I think the project carried my signature – attention to scale, material contrast, and historical nods – it also allowed me to explore a more relaxed, conversational layout.”
Aljoaib launched her eponymously titled studio in 2015. Through a carefully considered and curated approach, her practice integrates vintage décor with more contemporary influences. Equally at home applying her signature style to both residential and commercial interiors, her work is defined by her love of both refined materiality and the precise attention she pays to scale and contrast.
These aspects allow Aljoaib to create spaces that feel distinct, yet also familiar and comfortable; an approach guided by a strong appreciation of craftsmanship, re-interpreting historical references and vernacular features within a modern context. The results are spaces that feel timeless, each project elevated through well-chosen details, as well as a hint of the unexpected. Each new project is approached with a playful understanding of aesthetic complexity combined with subtle spatial simplicity. In short, it is as much art as science.
Aljoaib’s work has garnered great international acclaim, including a coveted spot on the AD100 Middle East list, with a widely varied portfolio that includes high-end spas, brutalist-inspired perfumeries and serene desert homes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given her passion for furniture and her own extensive knowledge of design history and styles, her creative journey has also led her organically to expand her focus to both furniture and product design as well.
“My design practice is rooted in reinterpreting classical elements through a contemporary Arab and Saudi lens,” Aljoaib explains. “I’ve always been inspired by craftsmanship, historical references, and the way spaces can feel both recognisable and unexpected.”
For The Reading Room, Aljoaib has taken the classic architecture of a historical Milanese apartment and fuses it with contemporary design elements. Lustrous gilded mouldings and arched niches retain the natural grandeur of the space, while sculptural furniture and bold mid-century inspirations insert new, fresh influences.
The design also embraces a range of different materials, including wood, brass and marble, punctuated by geometric patterns and dramatic black vases. This dynamic yet calming setting is very AlJoaib.
“I enjoy working with rich materiality and creating contrasts that bring depth and narrative to a space,” says Aljoaib. “There’s always a tension I like to explore between sculptural boldness and subtle simplicity.”
In a departure from more traditional study layouts, AlJoaib has moved the focus of the room away from a desk-centred arrangement, towards a more relaxed, conversational atmosphere wherein seating has been placed at the heart of the space.
“The layout intentionally breaks away from traditional study formats; instead of a desk, the seating is placed centrally to encourage dialogue and contemplation,” says Aljoaib. “It’s a space that invites slowness and connection.”
The layout is anchored by three dramatic, standout pieces of furniture. The first is an inviting chaise longue in wood and leather, placed at the centre of the chamber, as though to create an invitation to recline and relax. This is accompanied by a sling chair of Aljoaib’s own design, created in collaboration with Artemest, boasting refined marble arms, in addition to its flowing leather sling; AlJoaib also travelled to Tuscany to research Italy’s masters of marble, enhancing her appreciation of the monumentality and craftsmanship involved in working with marble.
"To stand where marble is born – to meet the artisans who shape it – added a profound new dimension to how I approach design as a craft," she explains.
These sit below a striking teal chandelier that hangs from the ceiling, the richness of its colouration juxtaposing against the warm, earthy browns and yellowish hues of the rest of the room.
“The mix of materials creates both visual richness and tactile contrast,” states Aljoaib. “There’s a sculptural balance between elegance and ease, evoking a sense of heritage while adding a touch of intimacy. I love creating harmony between these elements, in order to make a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.”
Through ‘The Reading Room,’ Nebras AlJoaib shares her vision where Arab storytelling, Italian craft and contemporary creativity all come together, creating a global dialogue that feels rooted, dynamic and entirely unique.
“I hope people feel transported,” she concludes. “The Reading Room is designed to be reflective and quiet, yet subtly bold. I wanted visitors to recognise Italian craftsmanship but through new storytelling in which tradition meets innovation.”
