1. Round of applause
Our most inspiring find this week is the new Abu Dhabi branch of fancy Dubai cafe The Circle, now open in Abu Dhabi's Al Raha Gardens. Dubai designer Roy McFarlane's blend of dark indigo walls, white wood, vintage furniture and vibrant deco posters, like a boho take on the Hamptons look, is so inviting, relaxing and generally cool to be in, you want to make the most of the plush wing-backed chairs and well-stocked magazine racks and stay an extra hour. The excellent, healthy focused menu is simply a bonus. A home from home, if our home was as good looking as this.
The Circle, Gardens Plaza, Al Raha Gardens, 02 556 1550
2. Glass act
The latest creations from Ikea's PS collection are a bit hit and miss to be honest, unless you're looking to furnish a teenager's room. This very grown-up glass fronted cabinet is another story, however. The clean lines and clever streamlined design makes it a good choice for small spaces, while the design of the front mean you can divide and frame your books, photos, momentos etc to create a striking focal point.
Dh2,145, Ikea Yas Island
3. Get the look
The Circle's poster gallery includes some great art deco magazine covers, which we are told are sourced and shipped from the US. For similar ones, have a look at the vintage section of allposters.com. You can order them framed or unframed and shipping to the UAE takes just a week.
www.allposters.com
4. World of wood
The Bamboo Globe lamp is the work of Danish designer Kristoffer Zeuthen, created to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability; by using bamboo, he highlights how eco-friendly can still mean beautiful. When the lamp lights up and you see the lovely linear grain of the wood shine through, we think he more than suceeeded.
Price on application, www.kilozulu.dk
5. Clever cut-out
For lovers of tea and type, these fantastic laser-cut alphabet coasters by The Literary Gift Company are what your coffee table needs. They're made from a durable, water-resistant polyester felt and light enough to keep postal costs to a minimum. Check out the website for more language and book-themed gifts and accessories.
Dh71 for set of four, www.literarygiftcompany.com
