Flair Magazine By Menna Saad El Din
Flair sat down with artist and interior designer Nadia Shoukry to discuss how she transitioned from creating stunning works of art, to designing both residential and commercial spaces, and what she believes should be your biggest investment when creating your personal space – whether it be your office or your home. Through art and design, Nadia believes that we can create environments that resonate with us emotionally, elevate our human experience, and have a lasting impact on our health and happiness.
Can you tell us about your journey, first as a painter and artist, and then transitioning into the world of interiors?
My journey into interior design began shortly after I graduated, when I decided to pursue a career in this field. Over the last 26 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on over 100 diverse projects, each one adding a unique experience to my career. My passion for art, however, goes back much further—since childhood, I’ve always been deeply drawn to creativity. While my initial professional focus was on interior design, once I established myself in this field, I felt compelled to reconnect with my artistic roots. I began dedicating more time to creating art, doing solo exhibitions, and even teaching expressive art courses.
As an artist, I firmly believe in the therapeutic and transformative power of art. Art isn’t just about decoration or aesthetics—it holds the potential to heal, inspire, and balance emotions, which in turn can improve mental and physical well-being. This belief has influenced how I approach both art and design. In my work, I see design as a holistic process where the two disciplines—art and interior design—work hand in hand. A well-designed space doesn’t just look good; it should foster well-being and enrich the lives of the people who live or work there. Through art and design, we can create environments that resonate emotionally, elevate human experience, and have a lasting impact on a person’s health and happiness.
As an interior designer, what’s one thing you would recommend a client really invests in?
If there’s one thing I always recommend clients invest in, it’s art and high-quality home accessories. To me, art is the ultimate game changer in interior design. While furniture, lighting, and décor can always be replaced or updated over time, art is the one element that can truly transform a space. Art has the unique ability to elevate a room’s atmosphere, add character, and even change the way a space feels. A carefully chosen piece of art can become the focal point of a room and infuse it with meaning, depth, and personality.
What I love about art is that it tends to age beautifully. Good art doesn’t just look better with time; it gains value, both emotionally and financially. Each piece is unique, making it irreplaceable and adding an authenticity to the space. It’s the only element in interior design that doesn’t have an exact replica, which makes it all the more special. I always encourage clients to see art as an investment—not only in the aesthetics of their home but also in something that will enhance their quality of life for years to come.
What role do you believe art can play in the design of a place?
Art plays a pivotal and often underestimated role in shaping the overall design of a space. It has the power to either elevate or undermine the entire ambiance of a room. The choice of artwork can completely transform the mood of a space, bringing it to life or giving it a sense of purpose. This is why I believe selecting the right piece of art is crucial in interior design—it’s not just about finding something visually appealing, but about finding something that resonates with the atmosphere and purpose of the room.
Art has the ability to either complement or clash with the surrounding design elements. A stunning piece of art may shine on its own, but if placed in an environment that doesn’t suit it, the effect can be lost. The key is to consider the room’s color palette, style, and function when selecting artwork. The right artwork not only enhances the space visually but can also add layers of meaning and storytelling to the design. Art provides the emotional and intellectual connection to a space, and when chosen thoughtfully, it elevates the design from simply functional to something truly impactful.
What have been some of your favorite projects to work on?
I have a deep love for residential design, and it has always been my passion. This passion grew even stronger after completing my Master’s degree in Sustainable Healthy Interiors, which highlighted how deeply the design of a home can influence a person’s health, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Creating spaces that nurture and support the people who live in them is something I find incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing that your design has improved someone’s quality of life and helped create a healthy, harmonious living environment.
That said, I also thoroughly enjoy working on commercial projects, particularly restaurants. Commercial design allows for more freedom and creativity, as the goal isn’t just to create a beautiful or functional space, but to craft an experience. Restaurants, in particular, are exciting because they often involve a lot of storytelling through design. Each project provides a unique challenge, from designing the perfect ambiance to creating a space that reflects the restaurant’s brand and personality. It’s the kind of project that demands a high level of creativity and can be a lot of fun to execute, so I always enjoy tackling commercial design with a fresh perspective.
Do you have a favorite design style?
My favorite design style is eclectic. I find it to be the most rewarding, albeit challenging, approach to interior design. The beauty of eclectic design is that it allows you to mix and match different styles, materials, and textures in a way that feels cohesive and personal. It’s all about combining elements from different time periods, cultures, and aesthetics to create something entirely unique.
What I love about eclectic design is that it doesn’t adhere to a single formula, which means there’s always room for creativity and innovation. When done well, it tells a story and brings together a variety of influences that speak to the personality and preferences of the client. No two eclectic designs are ever the same, which makes each project incredibly exciting. The challenge is to blend these various elements seamlessly, creating a space that feels balanced, comfortable, and truly one of a kind. For me, the joy in eclectic design comes from creating a space that doesn’t just follow trends but expresses the unique character and tastes of the people who inhabit it.
