The Collector

A Residential Apartment Inspired by Historical Palaces

The Collector is a residential apartment located in Cairo, Egypt, designed by Hoda Lasheen. Inspired by the historical palace of princess Aisha Fahmy, situated on the banks of the Nile River, this home exudes a beautiful classical European style. The design incorporates colorful textiles with various patterns, classic cornices, silk wall panels, wall paintings, and wooden flooring, resulting in a captivating fusion of design that transforms the apartment into a museum of art.

The project spans a total area of 250 m2 and was completed between June 2021 and June 2022. The client's lifestyle can be best described as that of an art collector who embraces maximalism. The concept behind the design was "more is more," incorporating a vibrant palette of colors, patterns, textures, and accessories. The apartment seamlessly blends the client's personality with the art pieces and objects acquired during their travels, creating a space that is both visually stunning and deeply personal.

Hoda Lasheen Design Studio embarked on extensive research and site visits to understand the client's lifestyle and requirements. The historical palace of princess Aisha Fahmy served as a significant source of inspiration for the European and cosmopolitan style desired by the client. The design development phase commenced after the client's approval of the pre-concepts, followed by the delivery of construction documents and the Bill of Quantities. Hoda Lasheen Design Studio also provided supervision during the construction phase.

One of the main challenges faced during this project was to seamlessly integrate the client's art collection and acquired objects into the design. The goal was to create a space that not only showcased these pieces but also harmonized with the overall aesthetic of the apartment.

The Collector is a testament to the client's desire for a design that is both fancy and classical, fashionable and comfortable. As an art collector with a passion for travel, the client wanted to experience the feeling of wandering through a museum of art, fashion, and architecture within their own home. The design successfully achieves this by crafting a relaxing ambiance enriched with colorful textiles, textures, and patterns that blend together in perfect harmony.

The Collector was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2023 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The apartment's strong technical and creative skills contribute to quality of life improvements, making it a truly remarkable space.