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2025

2025

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C’est Ici: Crafting Spaces with Soul, Luxury, and Unexpected Beauty

From a legal background to the heart of Dubai’s design scene, Monica Arango’s journey is anything but conventional. In this candid interview, the founder of C’est ici Design reveals how imperfection, emotion, and heritage shape her studio’s soulful approach to luxury interiors.

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A Man for 24 Hours: What would these women do?

Before I even began collating a special feature for women’s day, I was met with a few comments – ‘Don’t do it, it’s too cliche’, ‘Do you celebrate men’s day as well?’, ‘It’s a commercial construct, don’t fall it.’ Did I listen?

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Dekton chosen as the main surface for C’est ici Design Studio in Dubai

Dubai-based interior design firm, C’est ici Design’s 170-square-meters plush new studio, located in the Kia Flagship Building on Sheikh Zayed road, blends the firm’s minimalist roots with contemporary, understated luxury. 

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How to Attract VIP clients who Pay Premium Prices 

In this episode, Monica shares her heartfelt journey of transitioning through different phases of her life, from moving countries to changing careers.

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AXXIS

Monica Arango, la colombiana que transforma espacios en Dubai

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Harper’s Bazaar 

The Art Of Work: C’Est Ici Design And Cosentino Show Us How To Create A Chic Office Space

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A New Workspace for C’est ici Design in Dubai Offers Inspiration for Creatives

When designer Monica Arango began envisioning a new office for her firm C’est ici Design, she wanted to create a functional studio, but also an inspiring center for collaboration to support her growing team. 

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Inside the Mind of Monica Arango

She traded legal documents for luxury villas, and in doing so, Monica Arango rewrote the rulebook on interior design. Bold, authentic, and driven by purpose—her designs are as unexpected as her journey.

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A Grand Entrance Hall is the Star of this Light and Airy Villa in Dubai

For an investor and fashion designer's residence, Monica Arango turned convention on its head, making the dramatic hallway the focal point of a home devoted to socializing.

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From Connection To Collective Power: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Across Africa And The Middle East 

As the Veuve Clicquot Bold program continues to spotlight the most visionary women in business in these regions, purpose-driven leaders are reflecting on the impact of this pioneering platform.

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Where Architecture Meets Art: Luxury Living By NAGA Architects And C’est Ici Design

Global, award-winning practice NAGA Architects joins hands with Dubai based inter-disciplinary studio C’est ici Design to create a series of luxury beach villas on Palm Jebel Ali for UAE’s leading developer, Nakheel.

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Material Matters

identity hosts a panel with Glaze Granite and Marble on how surfaces shape story, function and identity in desing.

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NAGA Architects partners with C’est ici Design to create the ultimate Beachside Luxury Residential Experience for Nakheel Properties on Palm Jebel Ali

Global, award-winning practice NAGA Architects joins hands with Dubai based inter-disciplinary studio C’est ici Design to create a series of luxury beach villas on Palm Jebel Ali for UAE’s leading developer, Nakheel Properties.

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Nakheel Unveils Ultra-Luxury Villas On Palm Jebel Ali

Global, award-winning practice NAGA Architects joins hands with Dubai-based inter-disciplinary studio C’est ici Design to create a series of luxury beach villas on Palm Jebel Ali for UAE’s leading developer, Nakheel. 

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C'est Ici at INDEX Exhibition 2025

Monica Arango, Founder & Creative Director of C’est Ici Decor, took the stage at INDEX – Interior Design & Architecture Expo held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 27–29. 

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This Dubai Interior Designer’s Studio Sets a New Standard for Inspiring Workspaces

One of the truths to emerge from the Covid pandemic is that, in the wake of widespread WFH, tolerance for uninspiring office environments is at an all-time low.

Material Matters

Material Matters

identity hosts a panel with GLAZE Granite and Marble on how surfaces shape story, function and identity in design

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Bold and experimental

Striking a perfect balance between form and function, this private villa designed by C'est Ici presents a bold and experimental interior that captures the vibrant personality of its owners.

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Villa 37, Dubai

Villa 37 at Sanctuary Falls in Jumeirah Golf Estates is a tranquil, luxurious residence crafted by C’est Ici for a prominent lawyer and property investor. 

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Villa 37: A Refined Sanctuary of Calm and Luxury

Villa 37 at Sanctuary Falls in Jumeirah Golf Estates is a serene residence where luxury, warmth and modern minimalism come together. Drawing inspiration from the lush surroundings and concepts of biophilic design, it is a space for quiet living amidst Dubai’s busy milieu. 

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Design Dialogues - Material Matters

identity hosted a panel in collaboration with Glaze Granite and Marble on 15 May 2025 at the brand’s Sheikh Zayed Road showroom, where we brought together leading voices from the design and materials industries.

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Is Minotti leading the Made in Italy movement in Dubai?

As Dubai’s design landscape matures, one brand is unmistakably steering the course for authentic Italian craftsmanship. Minotti, the family-led design powerhouse, is leading the Made in Italy movement in the Middle East.

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What Makes Villa 37 Dubai’s Most Unexpected Home?

​In the quiet enclave of Sanctuary Falls, Dubai, Villa 37 unfolds like a conversation between restraint and emotion. Designed by Monica Arango, founder of the studio C’est Ici, the home is not simply a showcase of luxury—it is a meditation on what it means to live beautifully in a fast-moving world.

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Empire State of Design

Indside Dubai's New York Villa by C'est Ici

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The Role of Texture in Residential Interiors: Layering for Depth and Warmth

If you’ve ever walked into a space and felt instantly calm, cozy, or connected—you were probably feeling texture. Not seeing it. Not touching it. Feeling it. Because while form catches the eye and colour sets the tone, texture goes straight for the gut. 

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The Shortlist: CID Awards 2025: MENA

The wait is over.

After months of anticipation, hundreds of submissions, and intense deliberation by our expert jury, Commercial Interior Design proudly unveils the shortlist for the CID Awards 2025: MENA.

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2024

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In the studio with

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Awards winners

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All the winners from CID Awards 2024: MENA

Discover all the winners and highly commended people, projects and firms from the region’s biggest design event

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On stage: The CID Awards 2024 MENA winners

The interior design industry of the Middle East descended on Madinat Jumeirah on the evening of September 4 to celebrate the 18th annual CID Awards.

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Rising stars: Meet the CID Awards Young Designer of the Year shortlist

Meet the next generation of interior designers set to take the Middle East design industry to new heights.

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10 Workplace Designs in the Running for Interior Design of the Year: Office at CID Awards 2024

The annual CID Awards: MENA returns next month to celebrate the best of commercial interior design across the Middle East and North Africa. 

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Palm Beach by C’est ici Design

Coastal Elegance and Laidback Luxury Come Together for a Relaxed Home Palm Beach, a serene home nestled within the Jumeirah Golf Estates, is a recently completed project by Dubai’s C’est ici Design.

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Revealed: The CID Awards 2024 MENA shortlist

Every shortlist for the flagship CID Awards 2024: MENA can now be revealed. This year, 30 categories will be judged by our panel of esteemed industry experts.

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ARCHELLO: C'est ici Design

Founded in 2017 by Monica Arango, Dubai based inter-disciplinary studio C’est ici Design, has carved a niche for itself with its unique design philosophy.

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ARCHELLO: 25 Best Architecture Firms in Dubai

What began as a local venture has evolved into a comprehensive luxury interior design firm, boasting a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial projects.

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ARCHELLO: 2024 Awards Jury Panel 

Dirk Peters, Cristiana Catino, Javier López and Monica Arango have been announced as Archello Awards 2024 jurors, expanding an international panel of architects and designers to a total of 115.

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CID.COM: Talking Trends 2024

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Meet the expert panellists ahead of CID's Power Panels event on January 18

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ADMIDDLEEAST.COM: The 13 most beautiful homes in Dubai

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From penthouses to renovated bungalows and modernist marvels, these Dubai residences are full of character, charm and inspiration

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ADMIDDLEEAST.COM: This Zen Dubai Villa Puts a Fresh Spin on Japandi-Style Interiors

Fusing Japanese and Nordic style with a colour palette borrowed from the local landscape and an unexpected use of materials, Dubai designer Monica Arango has fashioned an oasis of calm in the heart of the city

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LoveThatDesign.com : Cadiz Feature

Cadiz is a mediterranean-inspired home to a family of four and the latest conception of C’est ici Design. 

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Dubai Residence reimagined: C’est ici Design curates a sun-kissed retreat

Step into the world of Cadiz, designed by C’est ici Design, where bohemian charm meets modern elegance

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In the studio with C'est Ici Design

Step inside the new workplace with Monica Arango and her team

2023

2023

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RESIDENTIAL FOCUS: JAPANDI IN THE DESERT

Step inside a modern sanctuary defined by a clean aesthetic, authentic materiality and an ethos that combines desert inspiration with the simplicity of Japandi living.

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COSENTINO GLOBAL – PALM DESERT

​Custom-made Dekton tables and countertops dress up this Japandi-style villa in Dubai.

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CELLAR IN THE SEA: BEHIND THE DESIGN OF SOLAIRE LOUNGE 2023

Inside C’est ici Design's collaboration with Veuve Clicquot for Downtown Design's Solaire Lounge 2023

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SOLAIRE LOUNGE – CELLAR IN THE SEA

Narrating the fascinating story of the recovery of 47 perfectly preserved Veuve Clicquot bottles from a shipwreck off the Åland Islands in 2010

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AD MIDDLE EAST – 15 THINGS NOT TO MISS AT DTD: SOLAIRE LOUNGE

Envisioned by Monica Arango, the creative mind behind C’est ici Design – the Dubai-based studio that is know for its impeccably layered, super chic spaces – as a marine-themed bar and terrace at Downtown Design, the Solaire Lounge draws inspiration from a true story

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AL KHAALEJ – AMPHORA GUIDE FOR DOWNTOWN DESIGN

Hosting renowned brands and emerging creatives, Downtown Design 2023, in its 10th edition as the flagship event of Dubai Design Week, is a dynamic environment.

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HEART OF THE HOME

C'est Ici founder Monica Arango has revamped her kitchen into a warm, minimalist haven - with a little help from Cosentino

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BLANK CANVAS - THE NEO-BRUTALIST BOUTIQUE THAT LETS BESPOKE COLLECTIONS SHINE

Looking al KAGE's stripped back boutique  by C'est Ici Design.

2022

2022

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IN REVIEW: FRITZ HANSEN’S PK0 A™ CHAIR

Fritz Hansen’s PK0 A™ Chair is wondrous, but what’s even more riveting is its legacy. To see how a design rooted in history charters in contemporary waters, we invited Monica Arango of C’est Ici Decor and Cem Kapancioglu of CK Architecture Interiors to look beyond the chair’s layers. Dive in to see what they had to say.

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MINIMALISTIC HEAVEN: KAGE HAS UNVEILED ITS NEW DUBAI FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE

Enter a world of unparalleled style as Kage, the UAE-based fashion and homeware label, unveils its new physical storefront in Al Quoz at one of Dubai’s most vibrant art hubs, Al Khayat Avenue.

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HOW KAGE’S NEO-BRUTALIST BOUTIQUE BY C’EST ICI DESIGN EMBODIES LAID-BACK LUXE

UAE fashion and homeware brand KAGE has a physical store in Dubai's Al Quoz

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C’EST ICI DESIGN BRINGS A SECRET GARDEN TO LIFE AT ART DUBAI

The F&B concept combines clean lines, natural textures and greenery to create an idyllic space

2021

2021

DUBAI WORKS E148: MONICA ARANGO

Dubai Works E148: Monica Arango, Founder of C'est ici Interior Design Studio

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HARPER BARZAR

The Dubai-based co-funder of homegrown interior styling studio C'est ici walks us through an ordinary day around the clock

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GRAZIA - WORK WISDOM: HOW CAN I OPTIMISE MY HOME WORKSPACE?

Are you having a coronavirus career crisis? In the compelling new series, Grazia quizzes the region's experts in recruitment, business, personal branding, law, finance and more to help you navigate your next move in your professional life

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IDENTITY DESIGN AWARDS 2021

Shortlist revealed for the Interior Design categories for identity Design Awards 2021

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LOVIN DUBAI

PODCAST: How A Colombian Lawyer Switched Careers To Running One Of The Most In Demand Design Firms In Dubai

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LUXHABITAT - AT HOME WITH: MONICA ARANGO

The founder of C'est Ici talks family, design & inspiration at her home in Jumeirah Golf Estates

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THE DESIGN SOCIETY

C’est Ici Interior Design Studio was selected to create a unique and distinctive interior design in the middle of Acacia Gardens. The brief included full FF&B and interior decoration of a spacious three floor deluxe contemporary villa...

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MOJEH

A Day In The Life Of C’est Ici Founder Monica Arango

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PAROS BY C'EST ICI

C’est Ici have been shortlisted for Living Space – Global Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.

C’est Ici took an artistic approach to the composition of space in their Paros project.

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COMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

C’est ici is an interdisciplinary team led by co-founder Monica Arango, whose members recently moved into an office in Al Quoz, Dubai

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LETS US PLAY - INSPIRATION

Be the coolest mum on the block by creating a fun, yet functional playroom for your kids

2020

2020

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At home with: Monica Arango - Luxhabitat

The founder of C'est Ici talks family, design & inspiration at her home in Jumeirah Golf Estates

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Identity Design Awards 2020

#identityDesignAwards2020 Shortlist: Interior Design  The category recognizes any dwelling, including apartment, villa, hotel apartments or holiday home. Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees!

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Harpers Bazar - Magazine

Moving into her first Dubai property during a global pandemic, homegrown interior styling studio C’est ici’s co-founder Monica Duroudemonstrates the impact a few thoughtful renovations can make

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Identity - Magazine

C’est ici looked to sunny Palo Alto for inspiration when designing this art-filled villa in Dubai

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Styling and Updating your Home with C’est ici

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has changed our world and certainly the way that we look at interiors. The pandemic has had a huge impact on health, the economy and the way that we live.

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Whether you are buying a home or renovating your current abode in the midst of a pandemic, although somewhat challenging, it can be done.

2019

2019

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Botanical BOHO

Monica Durou, co-founder of interior styling studio C’est ici, invites you into her stylish garden with expert tips to get the look.

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Describe the look and ambience you wanted to
achieve in your outdoor space.

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Ask the Designer

C’est Ici founders Monica Durou and Tatiana Jaramillio explain how to let your style DNA shine.

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Your style DNA is a reflection of who you are, and therefore a key component when approaching interior design.

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It's Play Time

Tips on taming the toy mess and designing a practical yet pretty playroom for your little learners

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Friday - Homes

HOME IS WHERE THE ZEN IS - Dubai-based interiors designers Monica Arango and Tatiana Jaramillio tell Shreeja Ravindranathan how the top interior trends can also turn your home in to a stylish haven of wellbeing

2018

2018

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Absolutely Mama Emirates

Absolutely Mama learns more from the C'est ici team about the beautiful interior of this Al Manara Villa.

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Inside Out

Dubai Based interior design outfit C'est ici run on the mantra 'your home should be a reflection of who you are and a collection of what you love'.

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Inside Out

Here & Now. This contemporary family villa with an eclectic Colombian twist became the perfect launchpad for Dubai's newest interior design boutique.

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Design Middle East

Colombian interior designers Tatiana and Monica talk about their early design influences and how Dubai has become a home and place of work for them.

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Hello! Magazine

Colombian Firecracker Monica Durou the interiors queen tells all about living the Dubai dream in her fabolous four-bedroom Casita

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Emirates Home Magazine

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME. The savvy style gurus behind C'est ici give us their top tips on how to tweak your interiors for a fresh look.

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