Interior designer Tuba Sahinova is known for her timeless and deeply personal approach to interiors. Drawing inspiration from traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, maritime design and homes with a sense of history, she creates spaces that feel warm, collected and made to be lived in. Influenced by New York, classic European country houses and coastal living, Tuba brings a quieter, more characterful vision of luxury to Dubai—one rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and the belief that a beautiful home should become the setting for memories and everyday life.
For me, a timeless piece has an integrity that goes beyond fashion. It is defined by the quality of its materials, the balance of its proportions and the craftsmanship behind it. Trends often demand attention immediately, while truly timeless objects reveal their beauty gradually and continue to feel relevant over many years.
My personal rule is simple: I never choose something merely because it is fashionable. I ask myself whether I would still want to live with it in ten or twenty years. I am naturally drawn to honest materials such as wood, stone, linen and copper—materials that age gracefully and become more beautiful through use. A home should feel collected over time rather than created for a single moment.
The small irregularities found in handcrafted objects are extremely important to me because they give each piece its identity. The trace of the artisan’s hand reminds us that an object was made by a person, with time, knowledge and care. That human quality can never be fully reproduced through mass production.
Of course, craftsmanship should still demonstrate precision and expertise, but perfection does not have to mean complete uniformity. A subtle variation in a handwoven rug, a carved wooden surface or a hand-finished piece of metal gives an object warmth and character. These details tell a story and make a home feel personal rather than manufactured.
Dubai is often associated with polished surfaces, visible luxury and ultra-modern interiors. I respect that aesthetic, but personally, I am drawn to a quieter and more enduring form of elegance.
New York has been an important source of inspiration for me. It is a city I have visited and continue to return to, and each journey allows me to discover new details—from elegant pre-war apartments and historic brownstones to the relaxed sophistication of the Hamptons. Together with classic European country houses and coastal homes, these influences have shaped my appreciation for natural materials, dark woods, traditional craftsmanship and objects that carry a sense of history.
This contrast appeals to me because it allows me to introduce warmth, depth and individuality into a very contemporary environment. I believe people in Dubai are increasingly searching for homes that feel personal rather than simply impressive. I notice a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, vintage pieces, natural textures and interiors that offer comfort and emotional connection. This tells me that there is an audience here for a more timeless and characterful approach.
My passions are deeply connected to the way I design. I have always been drawn to the sea, boats, traditional craftsmanship and objects with history. I am particularly fascinated by maritime design and its traditions—not only by decorative objects for the home, but also by the way interiors and details are created for boats and yachts. These influences appear throughout my home in natural materials, coastal references and carefully selected pieces. I have also recently begun collecting vinyl records, which reflects my appreciation for rituals and for things that invite us to slow down.
Becoming a mother has made my home softer, warmer and more meaningful. Beauty is still important to me, but it must now exist alongside comfort, safety and everyday life. My son has his own busy rhythm with gymnastics, swimming, riding, tennis and piano lessons, while I try to preserve small moments for myself through Pilates, yoga or a massage.
Some of my favourite moments are spent with him in his playroom or during our evening ritual. Above his canopy bed, there is a starry light, while subtle traditional Scandinavian folk birds are painted across the ceiling. We lie beneath the stars and read The Lion King or Paddington Bear. He loves it, and it helps him relax. Motherhood has taught me that the most beautiful interiors are not simply admired—they become the setting for memories, traditions and a family’s private world.
