Inside Designer Shosha Kamal’s Family Home in Cairo’s New Suburbs
Ancient Egyptian motifs meet modern design in Kamal’s vibrant and personalised spaces.
Stepping into Shosha Kamal’s family house in Cairo is like embarking on a journey through a living gallery where ancient Egyptian motifs meet modern design. The acclaimed Egyptian designer, known for her innovative blend of heritage and contemporary aesthetics, has crafted a home that mirrors her character - vibrant, thoughtful and full of contrasts.
The odyssey begins in the garden, a personalised oasis where each tree is named after Shosha’s children. This whimsical touch sets the tone for the rest of the house, emphasising Kamal’s deep connection to her family and environment. Amidst the greenery, a statue sculpted by Argentinian artist Carolina Palmero featuring a pharaonic wig stands as a symbol of the seamless fusion of global art and Egyptian heritage.
Inside, the living area is a testament to Kamal’s design philosophy. “The most important thing for me is natural sunlight. It feels very fresh,” she tells SceneHome, highlighting the space flooded with light. The floor is a striking combination of White Carrara and Black Spanish marble. Pointing at it, Kamal explains, “This contrast is high, and my husband tells me it’s like my character.” She further emphasises this sense of contrast in the way that the sleek, polished floors juxtapose with the rough, exposed ceiling.
The living room is also where Shosha’s love for primary colours comes into play. Inspired by the vibrant palettes used by ancient Egyptians, she incorporated reds, greens and blues throughout her home. These bold hues are particularly evident in her art collection, which include pieces by Alaa Abul Hamd, whose ancient Egyptian figures depicted in a glorified stance captured Shosha’s heart. Nearby, the Ankh Chair, a product of Shosha’s own design that has made its way to the White House, stands proudly. Unlike its polished counterpart in Washington, her version remains unpolished, allowing the brass to age and evolve over time.
Moving into the kitchen, an open-plan space that Shosha loves for its intimate atmosphere, you can find another blend of functionality and art. “I love the kitchen because it’s where very intimate moments happen,” she says, advocating for open kitchens as they become integral parts of the living space. A painting by Deena Fadel depicting ancient Egyptian icons hangs at the end, adding a touch of spirituality and reflection to the everyday setting.
The dining area, sheltered within white Carrara slabs that open up like a book and illuminated by hidden lights, is another highlight. Green, a predominant colour in the house, brings a sense of tranquillity indoors, complemented by white flowers on the dining table. A statue by Sara Kassem, representing Shosha’s daughters, and a sculpture by Ahmed Magdy that symbolises love add personal and artistic touches.
The library houses her husband’s extensive collection of heavy readings and features an abstract painting by Shosha’s father from the late 60s, making it a quiet retreat filled with intellectual and artistic inspirations. The newest art piece in the house, a large-scale giraffe by Sally Hassan, serves as a reminder of the vast world beyond, adding a whimsical touch to the sophisticated space.
Ascending the white, calming stairs leads to the children’s bedrooms, designed to be warm and inviting. One room, in a warm pink tone, mirrors Shosha’s preference for simplicity with a gold-plated stainless steel bed. The other room is more adventurous, complete with slides and stairs, creating a playful haven for her kids.
Shosha’s own bedroom is a serene all-white space with bougainvillaea framing the window, giving the impression of waking up to a bouquet of flowers each morning. The open-plan bathroom, with its bathtub and a Not Toys art toy gifted to Shosha, adds a whimsical touch to her personal sanctuary. A piece by Mohamed Sabre Bastawy infuses the room with creativity and imagination.
Shosha Kamal’s home is a living gallery, where every element - from the art pieces to the architectural details - reflects her design philosophy and personal journey. It’s a place where ancient heritage and modern design coexist harmoniously, offering a unique glimpse into the life and creativity of one of Egypt’s most innovative designers.
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