The positive side of Pinterest is that interior decorating is now more accessible than ever. But then we’re left with one major con: everything (and everyone) looks the same. When recreating from a moodboard, all that happens is Copy + Paste, leaving no room for any unique representation of an individual’s taste. And while we’re all for using Pinterest as a springboard, it’s time we reclaim design as curation around the cool objects we find, not the other way around, like it has been normalised over the years. And Dubai, with its exclusive launches almost every day, is also ripe with collectable stores where cult pieces and vintage finds lie. Here are some spots you can check out for those unique finds.
Cabinet of Curiosity | Gnoshi Warehouses Village, Al Quoz
Another gem hidden in Al Quoz, Cabinet of Curiosity is filled to the brim with unique furniture, one-of-a-kind antiques and decorative objects. Curated from auctions, galleries, and other niche markets from around the globe, you can expect anything from handcrafted Polynesian masks to 18th-century European chandeliers.
La Brocante | Al Quoz Industrial Area 4
Inspired by French flea markets, La Brocante is as eccentric as the pieces they house. With a curation of vintage furniture, decorative art, and other ornaments and trinkets, all categorised by art styles, it’s a space made for roaming around and digging through.
Reloved Luxury | Wafi Mall
A pioneer in sustainable shopping, Reloved Luxury is one of the largest luxury resale businesses in the Middle East. With pieces ranging from bespoke jewellery to bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear, Reloved Luxury brings authenticated pieces to be, well, re-loved.
So Much Trouble | Atlantis, The Palm
Who would’ve thought a vintage shop would be housed inside the glamorous Atlantis, The Palm?! But So Much Trouble isn’t any ordinary vintage store. With the aim of redefining the perception of vintage shopping, the intimate store is stocked to the ceiling with cult brands, one-of-a-kind pieces, and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories we’d never thought we’d see again.
The Collective by Ripe | The Courtyard, Al Quoz
Right opposite Alserkal Avenue is a tiny courtyard aptly named The Courtyard. Here, concept store The Collective gathers a community of entrepreneurs and creatives, showcasing a range of fashion, home decor, handicrafts, and jewellery. The store is especially there for local businesses to try and test their creations, so expect a curation of unconventional items.
The Voyage Dubai | Online
While not a physical store, The Voyage Dubai is still rich with sentimentality and charm that flows from the screen. Inspired by homes around the world, The Voyage Dubai hosts a curated collection of unique pieces from global artists and artisans. From quirky ceramics to antique homeware, each piece is a manifestation of understated luxury.
