Kelly Hoppen, the South African-British interior designer known for her signature style, is embracing the dynamic changes in Dubai and the Middle East. She believes the region’s potential for growth, creativity, and design is often misunderstood, and she aims to challenge those perceptions.
Hoppen’s connection with Dubai deepened after working on the Lanai Island villas at the Tilal Al Ghaf development, a high-end community being built by Majid Al Futtaim. The project, known for its sustainable and experience-focused approach, marked her return to the region after several years. “I was buzzing when I came back. The city had evolved, and it had a new energy,” she recalls. Her interior design for the villas blends elegance with comfort, featuring swirled marble, natural wood accents, and soothing colours that harmonize with Dubai’s intense light.
The designer, whose career spans over 40 years, feels a growing bond with Dubai. She’s already working on multiple projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, and is considering expanding her presence in the region. Hoppen is contemplating opening a studio in Dubai, believing that the rapid pace of development in the city warrants a local outpost to manage projects more efficiently while nurturing regional talent.
“I want to teach the next generation of designers here,” she says, envisioning a studio that would train local designers under the Kelly Hoppen Interiors umbrella. She sees vast opportunities in the region, particularly in craftsmanship and working with local talent, instead of relying solely on international designers.
Alongside her design work, Hoppen continues her partnership with Marina Home, a UAE-based retailer that sells her furniture collection. She first met the Marina Home team at a Maison&Objet fair in Paris, and their collaboration has been a success, with her pieces now available in the Middle East.
Hoppen is also passionate about cultural diversity and how it shapes design. “Dubai is such a diverse country with so many nationalities,” she explains, noting how this fusion of cultures inspires her work. She envisions a future where design reflects both the city’s rich heritage and its global influences, creating spaces that offer both comfort and individuality.
Her ambitions for the region extend beyond residential projects. Hoppen dreams of designing a boutique hotel in Dubai, inspired by the vibrancy of cities like Paris, Milan, and New York. With a vision of smaller, intimate hotels, she wants to bring a unique style to the hospitality sector in the city.
The pandemic, Hoppen believes, has shifted how people view living spaces. “It’s about family and community,” she says, observing that Dubai’s evolution into a city with both luxurious villas and community-style living is ahead of similar developments in Europe. She’s excited by the shift in design and sees Dubai as a city of the future, one where innovation and tradition merge seamlessly.