When you walk into Maze Creative Concepts, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride for the Arab world’s beautiful and historic heritage. Surrounding you are gorgeous, ornate pieces that reflect a complex culture integrated with modernity in the form of finely crafted staples that would bring warmth to any home. All these pieces are designed by decorating genius Bibi Al Ghanim, who’s passion for artisanal pieces and furniture married beautifully to create the haven that is Maze.
“It all started with a cushion,” Bibi reminisces in response to the quintessential question of how it all started. Maze was born in 2009, after Bibi explored her design potential by sketching her ideas and forming them into a series of cushions – the ideal accent pieces for any space – that showcased a colorful theme of sorts. Joining forces with her longtime Syrian friend and partner, Bibi created Maze Creative Concepts in 2009, integrating original concepts with classic cultural principals to create artisanal masterpieces for the home.
Appropriately named the Art Deco Collection, the most recent selection of pieces is all about the use of mother of pearl elements coupled with modern art deco influences, resulting in an array of home accents vivid with cultural adaptations such as Islamic Art elements and Syrian design. One of Bibi’s favorite items to work on was the classic bureau – a commode containing rows of drawers to store all types of goodies, celebrating a back-to-basics ethos that furniture should embody. With mother of pearl detailing throughout, this versatile piece can stand in any room as a decorative item or a furniture staple. Other pieces that stand out are the coffee and side tables – staples made with Arabesque and modern influences in mind. If low and rounded side tables tickle your fancy, look no further, as the matching set of two act as an ideal pair that will work with any furniture set.
Couches, lounges and armchairs are also a part of Maze’s resume, canvased with modern fabric accents designed by both Bibi and the renowned Andrew Martin, and she vehemently sings his praises “I love Andrew’s work,” Bibi swoons. “I’ve worked with him for three years and I feel that our designs compliment each other very well.” Between Martin’s fabrics and genuine English leather sourced from Bibi’s cowhides in London, her chairs and couches boast western influences that only enhance her love for ethnic patterns and old-school design principles, creating works of art that can be passed on from generations to generations.
But Maze isn’t all about furniture – it offers a range of lovely decorative items for the home that celebrate Arabesque tradition and art.
“I believe that everybody deserves to have a piece of artisana in their home, which is why I feel I price my items very reasonably”. Maze’s clientele is centered around those who wish to fill their homes with beautiful pieces and quiet yet traditional statements that will last them a long time – and she also directs her attention towards those of us who are just starting out: “I especially feel that it is important for youngsters, newlyweds, people who have just bought their first home or office to have my pieces. They celebrate culture and a touch of tradition is vital in any home.”
As an interior design enthusiast, Bibi has also taken her love for designing spaces to the next level by offering Maze’s designing services to the public. Maze provides Bibi’s expertise to those who are looking to furnish a house, a room, or an office space, and she’s always more than happy to do it – even if it’s just adding her input towards a missing piece or a minor renovation. She also dishes her secrets behind what makes a living space beautiful: “The one thing that is the most important when putting a room together—make sure that the walls are soft in color to leave room for playing with wallpaper accents.” And her pearl of wisdom she’d like to pass on to other designers? “Give yourself the time to create, and don’t be afraid of influence and inspiration – but never copy.”
So if you fancy yourself a gorgeous one-of-a-kind piece by the amazeing Bibi Al Ghanim, be sure to check out Maze in Sun City complex Shuwaikh Industrial. They also have an exhibition in Dar Hamad on March 22nd to March 25th, titled Hana Yawmi, showcasing their gorgeous handmade collection of the season.
Follow them on Instagram @mazecc and on Facebook: Mazecc1.
