Nabih recommends using built-in furniture inside and outside the house that incorporates practical materials such as marble chips, mosaic tiles, or terrazzo, thus providing traditional charm and functional durability.
Outdoor seating areas around the pool, terraces, bars, or barbecue spaces are best furnished with built-in units topped with cushions. These are more durable, withstand humidity and weather conditions, are easy to clean, and eliminate the need for regular maintenance or the hassle of bringing in all the movable furniture at the end of summer.
For her part, Yassin stressed the importance of choosing furniture crafted from weather-resistant materials such as teak, aluminium, or synthetic rattan that withstand humidity, sunlight, and sea breeze without losing their integrity.
She added that we should opt for light and mobile furniture, which is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and for storing during the off-season.
design by Mona Hussein
For illuminating exterior spaces, Nabih advises using marble and pottery wall lights.
She prefers building pergolas using wooden columns and “marine fabric” or “canvas” to cover their tops. These fabrics combine durability with a natural look and are easy to remove and install.
Indoors, the atmosphere should be refreshing and comfortable. Light colours such as white and off-white are ideal, with soft touches of warmer tones to bring a sense of warmth and renewal.
Yassin notes that she highly recommends using relaxing natural or performance fabrics such as linen, cotton, or mesh weaves. These tend to remain cool and dry quickly, enhancing comfort during summer.
Locally-woven Khoos pieces are a form of Egyptian craftsmanship that offers natural ventilation and lightness, making them perfect for summer homes. The woven palm leaves not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also allow the furniture to “breathe,” keeping spaces airy and cool. These pieces are used to create rugs, decorative wall hangings, cushion fabrics, and other products.
design by Hisham Ghorab
Another practical idea is to opt for a built-in television unit instead of using wooden furniture. According to Nabih, a built-in unit is less costly than wood, which is highly affected by humidity in coastal areas, and requires less care.
The built-in unit can include niches for the television and display space for books, photos, or decorative accessories. It can be finished with mosaic or granite-like terrazzo tiles to ensure durability and easy cleaning.
The main units in the kitchen should be lined with inexpensive or straightforward tiles for practicality and easy cleaning. Cupboard doors can be made of wood or similar materials, with decorative handles adding charm at a low cost.
On the other hand, marine fabric shutters are ideal for window coverings. They maintain privacy, allow visibility from inside to outside, and are resistant to water and humidity, making them perfect for coastal settings.
For flooring, Nabih recommends light and easy-to-clean kilim rugs.
She advises against using glass chandeliers or fabric lampshades for indoor lighting, as they collect dust and require frequent cleaning. Instead, she recommends acrylic lamps or wall lights made of pottery or marble, in addition to relying on indirect lighting.
In employing decorative accessories, Nabih believes it is best to steer away from glass and use materials such as pottery, wood, or marble instead. She also advises against overcrowding spaces, stressing that a few well-chosen pieces suffice for creating a substantial aesthetic impact.
Yassin, on the other hand, endorses low-maintenance finishes such as powder coating, UV-treated fabrics, and marine-grade varnish, which are comfortable and easy to clean and maintain in sandy or salty environments.
In summary, the true beauty of a summer house is felt when you achieve a balance between practicality and subtle decorative elements, resulting in a space that is comfortable, beautiful, and easy to use.
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