Creating a Sanctuary: 3 Interiors Tips from a Female Palestinian Entrepreneur

Carol Sukkar, a Palestinian entrepreneur, proud UAE business owner and founder of Home and Soul Furniture Trading, shares tips on creating a home that nurtures your vision, your family and your soul.

In these volatile times, the importance of our homes and the refuge they offer has never been more apparent or needed. For many, our homes have transformed into a sanctuary, a space of calm in the midst of chaos. We are reminded of the need to nurture and replenish our families, to express gratitude for what we have, and to support those who are not as fortunate.

Carol Sukkar knows all-too-well about the current suffering and conflict in her birthplace, Palestine. As owner of Home and Soul Furniture, a gorgeous lifestyle destination in Jumeirah, she believes that the desire to create a peaceful home environment, one that you feel grateful to be able to enjoy each day, is more apparent than ever.

Her insights not only reflect her passion for creating safe spaces but also for her advocacy of unique pieces, which carry her entrepreneurial Palestinian spirit through every aspect of her personal and professional journey.

The Palestinian community in the UAE is creative, resilient and dedicated to sharing their story in whatever way possible. We spoke with Carol about how people are remaking their homes to be more calming, creating comfortable spaces that provide a sense of security and normality, even when everything around us feels far from normal.

Design with Purpose: Craft a Sanctuary with Meaning

It’s essential to design your home with purpose. Every piece you choose should resonate with your personal values and the essence of your family. Consider investing in sustainable, handmade furniture and decor that tells a story and can grow with your family and lifestyle. Display all your family photos on a beautiful console table. Each piece can be a conversation starter, connecting your home to the artisans who crafted it.

Quality Time with Family: Nurture Bonds

Our homes can serve as an anchor for togetherness. Create a space that fosters quality time, where loved ones can gather, share stories, and make memories. The furniture and accessories you choose should be conducive to fostering these connections. A gorgeous sofa helps you to gather and snuggle, a hanging chair can add joy for the whole family and bring out your inner
child. Celebrate the small stuff, the big stuff and everything in-between. Why? Because we are fortunate enough that we can.

Colour Theory and Natural Materials: Connecting with Nature

In your quest to curate a tranquil environment , don’t overlook the significance of colour theory and natural materials. The colours you choose for your home can profoundly impact your mood and well-being. Try opting for soothing, nature-inspired colours like warm, rich neutral colours and warm earthy tones. These hues can evoke a sense of calm and connectedness to nature, helping to replenish your body, central nervous system and your mind.

Additionally, select furniture and decor made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or rattan. These materials not only contribute to the aesthetic of your home but also establish a tactile connection to the natural world. Natural materials can further enhance the sense of relaxation and serenity in your space.

In conclusion, creating a safe sanctuary in the midst of uncertain times is an art that we can all master with a little creativity, gratitude, and intention. Carol’s journey and her luxurious, sustainable offerings remind us that our homes can be a powerful reflection of our values and can contribute to making the world a better place, one piece of furniture at a time.

In supporting Home and Soul, this homegrown small business, we express our gratitude for the comfort of home and the resilience of Palestine, all while nurturing our families in a space of calm and connection to nature which instills intrinsic values for the rest of their life.

Home and Soul: www.homeandsouldubai.com 

Instagram: @homeandsoulfurniture 

As we navigate these difficult and unsettling times, we stand united and remain dedicated to supporting our Palestinian friends, families in need by offering comfort and solace in any way we can.