1 Fruits of labour
Michael Aram's latest creations, Ginko and Gooseberry, are now on offer at Harvey Nichols Dubai. We're particularly taken by Gooseberry, which is inspired by the delicate, lace-like beauty found in the fruit's naturally decaying foliage.
Gooseberry bowl, Dh1,200, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
2 In the detail
A new range of Baxter furniture is now available at Aati. The Italian brand's sofas, armchairs, beds and tables are defined by meticulous craftsmanship and fabulous leather finishes - we're coveting the Chassis Celadon.
Chassis Celadon, staring at Dh17,900, Aati, Za'abeel Road, Dubai
3 Flights of fancy
The popularity of the bird motif shows little sign of abating, so indulge your love of all things avian with The One's Yonna cushion. Exotic birds in shimmering pinks, dark emerald greens and vibrant oranges are set against a neutral polka dot background.
Dh149, The One, stores nationwide
4 Shore thing
Inject some coastal chic into your home with help from celebrity decorator Tim Clarke, whose book, Coastal Modern, offers all the inspiration and ideas you'll need. The book features 15 beautiful homes that promote Clarke's so-called "Scandia Surf" style.
Coastal Modern: Sophisticated Homes Inspired by the Ocean by Tim Clarke, published by Random House. Dh115, www.amazon.com
5 Textural textiles
Acclaimed designer David Rockwell has created a collection of fabrics for the Bangkok-based company Jim Thompson. Rockwell's The Spotlight Collection reflects his appreciation of natural materials and textures, and is brimming with rich colours and metallic surfaces.
The Spotlight Collection is available from C&P Trading, Smark building, Dubai
It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
