How the co-founders of Contemporary Spaces use feeling and family to reimagine furniture

Life

At Contemporary Spaces, siblings Alya, Maitha and Obaid Al Suwaidi are redefining furniture through feeling, family and thoughtful design.

In the heart of Al Quoz’s creative quarter, where warehouses, art studios, and cultural hubs converge, sits Contemporary Spaces, quietly reshaping how we think about furniture, interiors and the very feeling of home. More than a showroom or design studio, it is a space that feels lived-in, warm and personal, echoing the ambitions of its founding trio: Alya, Maitha and Obaid Al Suwaidi, siblings whose shared childhood and collective vision now guide this unique creative venture.

For the trio the story of Contemporary Spaces begins long before the brand name appeared on Instagram. The siblings grew up immersed in the rhythm of craft at their father’s workshop, where wood, joints and finishes became a kind of language. Although Alya’s academic background is in business and Obaid trained as an architect, they share a collective memory of watching pieces come to life in their father’s hands. A formative experience that continues to impact how they curate, display and feel about design today.

Alya, who leads much of the brand’s visual direction, talks about unexpected colour combinations such as deep blues paired with vibrant reds or softer pinks layered with verdant greens as a way to build depth and atmosphere rather than simply following trends. The studio’s Instagram feed offers glimpses of this philosophy in action: deep-toned walls balanced by sculptural lighting, books and collectible objects curated alongside bespoke seating, and vignettes that bring together the space.

The siblings also draw inspiration from spaces and cultures beyond the UAE. Alya mentions the recently showcased mountain home of Kendall Jenner as a favourite for its Mediterranean touches and layered detailing, from textured walls to artisanal finishes. But she also talks about a dream home that evokes the feeling of returning to her grandmother’s house. This speaks to Contemporary Spaces’ ambition to blend nostalgia with the new, timeless craft with a decidedly modern sensibility.

Travel and discovery also play significant roles in the company’s curatorial direction. Inspired by European markets, vintage finds and the thrill of uncovering hidden gems abroad – pieces that carry history and identity – the studio seeks to bring a similar experience to Dubai. This intention reflects a broader mission that will enrich the city’s design landscape with unique and collectible objects.

And as for which part of a home the founders feel is the most delicate to design, Alya cites the kitchen, a space that must balance utility and beauty, where every surface and detail contributes to both functionality and atmosphere. But there is no doubt that Contemporary Spaces is up for that design challenge as well.

Building a niche design brand in Dubai has its challenges, from navigating the competitive market to educating clients about curated design over fast, commercial furniture. But the siblings embrace the process. The brand is actively seeking to showcase work from artists and makers in the GCC, from Egypt to Turkey. The goal is to foster a sense of creative exchange and expand design conversations beyond the Western canon. They want to create a future where the studio becomes a hub for design dialogue, hosting workshops, panel talks and immersive experiences where people can step into the creative side of interior design.

Above all, the trio are determined not just to continue to grow Contemporary Spaces, but to deepen its impact across the country. Through collaborations with artists, participation in design weeks, and the continued commitment to thoughtful, emotionally resonant interiors, the studio is shaping up to become a new interior design destination. One that celebrates a personal, curated aesthetic while simultaneously amplifying the roots of design that are taking hold in the UAE.

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Images: Supplied