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THE RETURN OF BROWN: A NEW NEUTRAL FOR INTERIORS WITH MINOTTI

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Grounded in nature and materiality, brown is returning to interiors as a calming, contemporary neutral.

Brown is re-emerging as one of the defining tones of contemporary interiors. Once associated with the nostalgic interiors of the 1970s, the colour is now being reinterpreted through a more refined lens, introducing depth and material richness to modern living spaces. After several years dominated by pale neutrals and cool greys, designers are increasingly introducing a spectrum of warm brown tones – from deeper shades such as espresso and cocoa to softer hues including caramel, tan and walnut – bringing greater character and contrast to current interior palettes.

Used thoughtfully, brown acts as a versatile neutral within contemporary spaces, adding structure while softening lighter schemes. Layering deeper chocolate tones with caramel or tan shades introduces subtle depth, while softer tones such as off-white or cream keep the composition light and balanced. Accents in bronze or brushed metals, alongside rich woods and textured fabrics, further enhance the layered quality of the palette.

Reflecting this shift, Minotti explores these richer tones across its latest collections. At the Minotti Dubai flagship store in Jumeirah, sculptural seating and refined finishes illustrate how brown tones can shape contemporary interiors.

Sculptural Foundations: Bézier seating system and coffee table

Statement seating is one of the most effective ways to introduce brown into a space. TheBézier seating system by Marcio Kogan / Studio MK27 embodies this approach through its fluid, organic silhouette and generous proportions. Inspired by the parametric curves developed by French engineer Pierre Bézier, the sofa’s rounded volumes create a sculptural presence that feels both architectural and inviting.

Upholstered in warm tones, the design anchors the living area while maintaining visual softness. Its modular configuration expands into island-like compositions that encourage relaxed gathering and conversation. Paired with the Bézier coffee table, featuring a Canaletto walnut top in light brown veneer, the composition highlights how brown can extend through both upholstery and natural materials.

Layered Upholstery: Coupé and Libra

Brown tones are equally effective when introduced through layered seating arrangements. The Coupé seating system by Giampiero Tagliaferri reinterprets the aesthetic language of 1960s and 1970s interiors through a contemporary lens. Its overlapping rounded volumes and tone-on-tone stitching emphasise softness and craftsmanship while maintaining the understated elegance characteristic of Minotti.

Also designed by Giampiero Tagliaferri, the Libra armchair introduces a sculptural accent. Inspired by seventies aesthetics, the design is composed of overlapping padded volumes upholstered in leather or fabric, creating a balanced interplay between seat, backrest and headrest.

Architectural Balance: Riley seating system, Andrée and Stage coffee tables

Where softer silhouettes introduce warmth, more architectural pieces bring structure and contrast. The Riley seating system by Hannes Peer reflects this balance through its geometric form and precise detailing, with vertical quilting adding rhythm to the upholstery.

Alongside the seating, the Andrée coffee table, also designed by Hannes Peer, introduces a decorative counterpoint. Inspired by the facades of 1970s Milanese architecture, the design pairs glazed ceramic surfaces with chrome-plated brass trims, adding texture and reflective depth.

The Stage side table further extends the palette through wood and metal finishes, with tops available in Canaletto walnut-stained light brown or glossy Moka lacquer.

A Contemporary Neutral

Far from being a passing trend, brown’s return reflects a broader shift toward interiors that prioritise depth, materiality and balance. When layered thoughtfully through furniture, finishes and textures, the colour introduces a quiet sophistication that feels both timeless and relevant today.

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MAAIA ACCELERATES CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS ACROSS LA CLÉ AND LA VUE, REAFFIRMS Q2 2027 HANDOVER

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MAAIA, a boutique luxury developer in Dubai, has confirmed that construction across its two active residential developments, La Clé in Al Furjan and La Vue in Nad Al Sheba Gardens, is advancing at full pace, with both projects firmly on track for the scheduled Q2 2027 handover.

Despite a complex global environment, MAAIA’s on-site teams continue to maintain strong construction momentum, with each project recording meaningful structural and finishing milestones.

Construction at La Clé continues to scale upward rapidly. The building’s main structural framework is now 70% complete, and roof preparations are actively underway. Inside the development, interior finishing is moving at a swift pace. Masonry work has reached the fourth floor, essential electrical and plumbing installations are progressing on the third floor, and early plastering and painting stages have already commenced on the lower levels.

Similarly, La Vue’s construction is advancing with strong momentum, having recently achieved key foundational milestones. All major structural work between the ground floor and the first podium level is now 100% complete, including the main supports and vehicle ramps. The on-site team is currently finalizing the steel reinforcements for the first podium level in preparation for its upcoming concrete pour.

Commenting on the progress, Mohammed Imran, Founder & Chairman of MAAIA, stated, “Amid an evolving geopolitical landscape, what we are seeing is a clear distinction between short-term sentiment and long-term market fundamentals. The UAE continues to stand out as a stable, well-regulated, and resilient environment, which is why investor confidence remains steady and transactions and enquiries continue. “At MAAIA, our focus remains firmly on execution. Construction across La Clé and La Vue is progressing at full pace, and we remain committed to delivering on our timelines with the quality and precision our stakeholders expect. The current environment reinforces a broader shift towards serious, long-term investment, and we are proud to be contributing to that landscape by developing homes that combine lasting value with thoughtfully curated living experiences.”

Offering apartment living within the serene villa community of Nad Al Sheba Gardens, La Vue provides a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by lush parks and inviting community spaces. Inspired by the elegance of the French Riviera, these 46 thoughtfully designed residences blend contemporary architecture with natural harmony to deliver sophisticated, functional homes.

Despite this tranquil setting, residents enjoy seamless access to fine dining, leading schools, wellness destinations, and golfing at The Track. This holistic, family-friendly lifestyle is further enriched by premium on-site amenities, including a rooftop pool, padel court, fitness and wellness facilities, a zen garden, a business center, and dedicated children’s areas.

With handover scheduled for Q2 2027, La Clé and La Vue represent MAAIA’s continued commitment to delivering design-forward residential developments to the highest standard on time and without compromise.

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BEYOND DEVELOPMENTS AND PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN BRING 2026–27 HOME KIT TO LIFE IN LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP MOMENT WITH MARCO VERRATTI IN DUBAI

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Combining football, fashion, and global culture, reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and BEYOND Developments presented an exclusive event in the presence of Marco Verratti, one of the French club’s most decorated midfielders, to celebrate a landmark partnership rooted in culture, design, and a shared ambition to connect people across the world.

The event brought together a select mix of creatives, media, and cultural voices to discover the Paris Saint-Germain 2026–27 home kit and recognise a setting where global moments resonate naturally.

Earlier this year, BEYOND Developments was announced as the Club’s Official Premium Sleeve Partner until 2029, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration between two globally relevant brands. The partnership is captured through “Two Cities. One Soul,” reflecting a shared mindset between Paris and Dubai, defined by ambition, creativity, and cultural relevance; two cities that continue to shape how the world experiences sport, design, and modern living.

Held at BEYOND’s Sales Gallery in Dubai Maritime City, the experience brought the partnership and kit to life through storytelling, design, and atmosphere. The presence of Verratti created a powerful bridge between the Club’s legacy and its global audience. Guests, as well as engaging directly with Verratti, had the chance to explore how football identity extends beyond the pitch.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to discover the new shirt, which debuted on Sunday during PSG’s win over Brest. A royal blue shirt, featuring a wide red-and-white central stripe, the new kit is a true tribute to the Club’s supporters, past and present, and will be worn with pride inside the Parc des Princes next season.

“Paris Saint-Germain will always be part of who I am, no matter where my career takes me,” said Verratti, the Italian midfielder who played 11 seasons for PSG between 2012 and 2023 and helped the club reach its first European Cup final in 2020. “To see the club celebrated here in Dubai, through a partnership that reflects everything PSG stands for – ambition, beauty, community, emotions – is something I’m proud to be part of.”

Richard Heaselgrave, Chief Revenue Officer at Paris Saint-Germain, added: “Football culture today is more global and interconnected than ever, bridging communities and defining how people connect with each other. With BEYOND as our Official Premium Sleeve Partner, the partnership reflects that, creating moments such as this that bring those worlds together in meaningful, beautiful ways. Football belongs everywhere people dare to dream and here in Dubai, that conviction is on full display.”

“Football is more than a sport. In every part of the world, it is emotion, identity, and connection, in many ways, it has become a universal language that brings people together,” said Adil Taqi, CEO of BEYOND Developments. “That universal sense of connection strongly aligns with what we believe in at BEYOND. As a brand born in Dubai, we are inspired by the vision and leadership of a city that has shown the world what ambition, openness, and belief in the future can achieve. Our partnership with Paris Saint-Germain reflects these values as well as the ability to bring people together through experiences that create a genuine sense of belonging.”

With a global fanbase exceeding 500 million, Paris Saint-Germain continue to expand their presence beyond football, engaging audiences through cultural, lifestyle, and live experiences. Together, BEYOND Developments and Paris Saint-Germain are demonstrating that the most powerful partnerships are built not on visibility alone, but on a shared belief that the places we inhabit and the moments we experience should move us. That conviction is what drives this collaboration forward.

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THE 5 MOST COMMON STORAGE MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

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In today’s fast-paced lifestyles, storage isn’t just about finding extra space, it’s about protecting what you own. From everyday essentials to high-value items, how belongings are stored can directly impact their condition, longevity and usability over time, something increasingly being addressed through more advanced, technology-enabled storage solutions such as The Code.

“Storage is often treated as something you figure out later,” says Alexander Stuart, CEO of The Code. “But in reality, it should be part of how your home functions, particularly when it comes to preserving the items you value most.’’

From overcrowded wardrobes to damaged designer pieces, Alexander Stuart highlights five of the most common storage mistakes seen across homes and how to avoid them.

1. Storing items in the wrong parts of your home

Garages, balconies and spare rooms may feel like convenient overflow areas, but they are often the least suitable places to store anything of value. These spaces are typically exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, which can quietly damage materials over time particularly leather, fabrics and wood. In addition, leather items and lighter-coloured clothing are especially prone to fading and colour damage when exposed to sunlight, while fur and wool pieces can absorb moisture and deteriorate in humid conditions.

“People underestimate how quickly heat and humidity can affect their belongings,” says Stuart. “We regularly see items, such as leather coats, fur coats and woolpieces that have deteriorated simply because they’ve been stored in the wrong environment.”

How to fix it:
Valuable or sensitive items including clothing, handbags, artwork and electronics should be stored in stable, climate-controlled environments where temperature and humidity are carefully managed. This is one of the key reasons services like The Code are being used, offering purpose-built storage designed specifically to preserve items over the long term.

2. Overcrowding your wardrobe (and not editing what you own)

An overcrowded wardrobe can lead to both damage and disorganisation. Clothing that is tightly packed is more likely to crease, lose shape and wear out more quickly, while limited visibility makes it harder to track what is being used.

“There’s a growing shift towards more considered wardrobes,” Stuart explains. “People are starting to prioritise visibility and accessibility over simply storing everything in one place and we’re seeing that firsthand, with 30% of our clients now using us specifically for wardrobe rotations.”

How to fix it:

Separate everyday essentials from seasonal or occasional pieces. Rotating items throughout the year helps protect them while creating a more functional and manageable wardrobe. This has led to a more ‘digital wardrobe’ approach, where items are stored off-site but remain visible, organised and accessible when needed – something The Code enables through its app-based platform.

3. Using the wrong storage materials

The materials used to store items can have a significant impact on their condition over time. Cardboard boxes can degrade, while sealed plastic containers can trap moisture, increasing the risk of mould, yellowing and fabric breakdown.

How to fix it:

Use breathable garment covers, structured boxes and protective wrapping designed to preserve items properly. For higher-value pieces, professional handling becomes particularly important. At The Code, each item is packed using specialist materials tailored to its category, ensuring protection throughout storage and transportation – a level of care difficult to achieve at home.

4. Losing track of what you’ve stored

Out of sight often becomes out of mind, leading to duplicate purchases, unused items and general disorganisation. Without a clear system, storage can quickly become inefficient.

How to fix it:

Create a simple inventory system – even basic labelling can make a difference. More advanced solutions now take this further through digital inventory systems. At The Code, items are photographed and catalogued, allowing users to view and manage their belongings at any time without needing physical access.

5. Trying to store everything at home

At a certain point, storage begins to impact how a home feels and functions. Overflowing wardrobes, cluttered rooms and items spilling into living spaces are often signs that space is being used inefficiently.

“The challenge isn’t just a lack of space, it’s how that space is being used,” Stuart explains. “When everything is kept at home, it often leads to clutter and inefficiency. On average, our clients store around 50 items, the majority of which are wardrobe pieces and that says a lot about where the real need lies. The shift now is towards creating space for how people live day-to-day, while managing everything else in a more considered way.”

How to fix it:
Adopt a more balanced approach by keeping frequently used items at home and moving seasonal or occasional belongings into a more structured system. Increasingly, external storage is being used as an extension of the home. The Code is designed around this approach, allowing clients to free up space while keeping their belongings organised, preserved and accessible when needed.

Rethinking how we store and live

In Dubai, storage isn’t just about space, it’s about how you live. With more residents travelling frequently, managing busy lifestyles and investing in higher-value belongings, there’s a growing shift towards smarter, more intentional storage solutions.

Services like The Code are part of that shift, combining climate-controlled storage, specialist handling and digital access to create a more flexible way of managing what you own.

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