The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

With the opening of
Designopolis and the introduction of international furniture brands to the
Egyptian market, local competitors have been forced to rise to the challenge.

Zimmer at Designopolis is a well-stocked showroom of household furniture and
accessories ranging from indoor furniture and lighting to outdoor furniture,
rugs and accessories. Zimmer holds what is referred to as contemporary
furniture; a fusion of classic and modern furnishing styles.

Furniture brands such as American
Leather, Della Robbia, Julian Chichester, Val-Eur, Vanguard and Verellen Home
Collection are represented in the spacious showroom. While the selection of
furniture is not very large, individual items can compliment a space if well-placed.
Prices range between 12,000LE and 22,000LE for coffee tables, which come in Plexi,
high and regular glass, mirrors and wood. Sofas and beds – which come in both
cotton and leather – are priced in the range of 30,000LE and upwards.

Pieces can also be
upholstered by order and take about three to four months to deliver; a full
selection of fabrics (US$ 24per yard to US$300 per yard) by international
brands such as Beacon Hill, Fabricut, Innovations, S. Harris, Vervain, Trend
and Robert Allen are available at the shop; payment in US$ is accepted.

Colourful cushions (200LE to 700LE),
table runners, napkins (66LE) and napkin clips (30LE to 50LE) from Shades of
India are also available. Outdoor furniture by Kevin Cobonpue ranges from 3000LE
to 21,000LE. A selection of colourful tableware by Guzzini that is perfect for
patio use ranges from 80LE to 600LE.

Textured wallpapers from
Philip Jeffries Ltd. and Maya Romanoff range from US$40 (232LE) per yard to US$370 (2152LE) per yard
and can be used to accentuate a wall or ceiling. Lighting from Arteriors home,
Currey Company and Tozai Home is also available, ranging from 3500LE for a lamp
or pendant to 23,000LE for a chandelier.

Zimmer also holds a line of
modern rugs by El Kahhal – one of the oldest rug weavers in Egypt. Designs
for modern homes are available and customisable, with a few selections by local
designer Hassan Hassan on display. A range of patterns, swatches and materials
are also available if you’re adventurous and want to make your own rug. Rugs
are woven in acrylic, wool and cotton-silk; pricing is per square metre and
delivery takes four weeks. Turkish patchwork rugs are also available and can be
customise-sized to your house.