“Quality survives time. Whatever the taste, design or
style - one should ensure quality is produced,” Layla
Mousa on her approach to her passion- design. With
a trendy vibe befitting her chicness, spirited and wellestablished
Interior Designer- Layla Mousa believes
quality should be the base of everything, especially
when it comes to the criteria she lives by to produce
her designs. The Interior Designer and home and
wardrobe store from Jeddah gives her all to her work,
whether it means travelling to the most exotic faraway
place to find the perfect antique, which will enrich her
store- Layla Home & Wardrobe, to spending endless
“Fabric is very noble, and the more I
play with it, the more I get out of it,”
and that is clearly visible in her signature, strong yet
simple designs of various curtain lines, bed spreads,
women and children’s clothing. Looking even deeper
into Layla’s world, the beds she designs with leather appliqué
simply command ones attention. Her work on
leather-embroidered curtains adds that tangy touch,
“I like old things,
especially fantastic
quality. I have learnt even if it’s
a style I don’t like, but one of
superior quality - I will respect
it for that,”
concludes Layla in the midst of yet another creative
brainstorm. Interior designers, like Layla Mousa, look
beyond beauty. Her message to other aspiring interior
designers is: A focus on quality will establish the foundation
of a visually bewildering design.
which can only come from her spunky personality. You
will also notice character-filled wooden dhows from
Kenya used in the most unexpected and creative ways
by being placed in an upright position, using its interior
as shelves. This display makes a subtle statement about
Layla’s vast exposure to culture throughout her store.
Her magnificent Baraderies or Indian Garden rooms
carry you through an experience out of the Taj Mahal.
You will instantly be transported centuries back to the
romantic era of the Maharajas, making you fall in love
all over again. Especially majestic, is Layla’s personal
favorite, a white marble Baradery dating back to the
18th century.
hours in her office buried in creating
her fabulous pieces of hand-painted
prints depicting either Arabesque
styles or ancient culture. Her works
are also reminiscent of an era much
like those of the Sultans and Priests
of the Persian and Ottoman Empire.
She incorporates her style to work
on various objects such as glasses,
cups, saucers, pots, sieves and more.
When asked about inspiration, Layla
had this to say,” Inspiration, for me,
comes from my favorite pastime
- sleeping at home.” She believes
sleeping or being in the state of unconsciousness
actually opens ones
mind to creative thoughts and ideas.
Layla has been part of many events,
including three global fairs such as
Maison & Objet; the finest example
of what the home furnishings indus try
offers. She also participated in Biennale de Paris,
who present art projects on an international level. Her
achievements, she believes, are wholly supported by
her rich heritage, which is a mix of Lebanese and Syrian
roots weaved with a strong Saudi Arabian essence.
“Master your craft, and move between styles,” is what
she encourages every individual to do when it comes
to success, regardless of the field. Her haven is her
starting point - the office, a place filled with upholstery,
sketches, fabric, and designs of strong yet sim ple
Arabesque calligraphy. Catchy phrases all over the
place add that special touch to her work, along with
her faithful helping hands, who she never ceases to
credit. Her store, Layla Home & Wardrobe, is an afterthought;
this is where she basically plays as she pleases
and portrays her personality through her love for art
and antique. Seeing how every designer has an aspect
they focus on, Layla’s focus is on fabric.