A Designer’s Valentine: Emma James’s Valentine’s Gift List

In the home of Cairo-based interior decorator Emma James, objects come alive. They are carriers of memory, of travels, and together, they anchor the room in personal stories and cultural dialogue. Having grown up in Cairo, James’s home is a love letter to the city that raised her - to its designers, its craftsmen, and its architectural influences. The result is a laboratory for creative experimentation: limewashed walls by local brand GEB Paints, regional textiles, antique statement pieces, and objects that travel effortlessly from ancient Egypt to European classicism.

Having used her own home as a personal experiment, James now extends what she has learned from the design process outward, into others' homes and spaces. Her home is a reminder that design is not about perfection, but about the stories told through layers of collected objects and patterns.

Curating a home that looks like James’ takes time. Some objects you find, and some find you. Thankfully, James has given us all a good place to start this Valentine’s Day with a curated gift list of locally sourced textiles, lamps, artwork, and other design statement pieces you can find here in Egypt. Her gift list is full of character, artisanal depth, and layered stories that will transform your own personal space.

So, let’s take a peek at what Emma has in store for us this romantic season:

Cotton Blankets by MADU

@madu_cairo

“Finest selection of our quintessential cotton blankets from Akhmim that I know of… amongst many other beautiful things.”

Decorative Mirrors by Efreshli

@efreshli

"The sun, the moon, and all the stars - these decorative mirrors from Efreshli will help you say things where words might not quite suffice!”

Statue by KANOUZ

@konouzeg

Available at the GEM and NEMEC Museum Shop.

“Statue of Queen Ahmose-Nefertari, worshipped as a protective goddess who lived during the 18th dynasty. For a gift that communicates reverence and adds good layering for all sorts of aesthetic sensibilities.”

Console by Shewekar

@shewekar 

"Opposites DO attract! Smooth shiny brass against rocky handcrafted oak wood to create this magical dynamic duo.”

Dining Sets by MOUNAYA

@mounayagallery

“Dining for two just got prettier”.

“One of the very first boutiques of its kind in Cairo. I have fond memories of going as a teenager and falling in love with all the very many pretty things displayed… they have just launched a porcelain collection called Sirah with @alikmik inspired by the Nile, its flow, flora and fauna.”

The Kheper Side Table by HA FURNITURE

“In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was a profound symbol of rebirth, creation and protection. A chic and practical gift that would illuminate both maximalist and minimalist interiors.”

Hand Tufted Rugs by Kahhal 1871

@kahhal1871

“For the celestial lovers... this pair may capture your imaginations…"

This limited-edition collection of 12 is reflective of the months of the year, hand-tufted in wool and silk.

Drawing from Rumi, Khalil Gibran, and voices across cultures, the work weaves sun and moon imagery into a textile landscape where light and darkness coexist as necessary forces for growth. The sun and moon are rendered in intricate patterns that echo both cosmic cycles and the truths we attempt to hide. Like Banksy’s 2006 street work 'Sweep it Under the Carpet', this piece confronts what we refuse to acknowledge, yet offers a gentle revelation on vulnerability and strength. What we sweep beneath becomes illuminated, a reminder that we all love, endure, and rise under the same vast sky.”

Printed Vase at the GEM SHOP

@museeum_eg

“CHIC CHIC CHIC!”

“The ladies behind this new boutique are forever filling it with imaginative and expressive pieces so that I really cannot help popping in every time I'm at the GEM, admittedly more often than not for myself! But ‘tis the season, and this flat-pack, wipeable vase printed to look like papyrus that could actually be sent in an envelope via snail mail entrances me no end and would be the perfect final touch to one of Wahid's bouquets”.

Necklace by Azza Fahmy

@azzafahmy

“Let’s begin with LOVE by the 'First Lady of Egyptian Jewellery’, a sculptural pendant of ‘love – الحب’, with a dainty daisy at the chain, signifying purity and loyalty.”

Cushion by DESIGN EMPORIUM

@designemporium1992

“This beautiful linen and velvet pile cushion just arrived at their Zamalek showroom."

Tote by Skylark Fayoum

@skylark_fayoum

“Akhenaten and Nefertiti's hands, clasped for thousands of years and printed on an Egyptian cotton tote. And, might I suggest, perfect for a little picnic in Al Zohriya garden."

“Your hand is in my hand,  my body trembles with joy,  my heart is exalted  because we walk together.”

Jacket by Amina K

@aminak_egypt

“I am the proud owner of the very first Omda Jacket, which I wear with delight and high frequency! Made to order, they are a thoughtful, practical and tasteful gift!”

Small Cotton Collection by Wissa Wassef

@wissawassef

“Beloved Wissa Wassef has recently decided to do a series of SMALLS! Supremely collectable, frameable, and charming!”

Light Fixture Cloud by Jam Space

@jambyhedayat

“An organic-shaped translucent light, handcrafted from fibreglass with a dreamy, hazy appearance, with each piece being quite singular. I have one in my guest room, and I sometimes escape there to gaze up at it while daydreaming.”

Poetry Book by Omar Moroo, 'Eureka'

@bibliothekegypt

"I was able to attend a reading of this very recently published book of contemporary poetry with echoes of the ancient and wise. ‘Seek shelter in the love of the One in the Other’, he notes."

Pencil Case by Nareng

@shopnareng

"Whether the activity of creating something together for each other or the pieces holding your stories and maybe even fingerprints, these pieces are both artistic and heirloom."

Dove Salad Servers by Gohar World

@gohar.world 

“Love Birds to serve your loved ones from the enigmatic Gohar sisters.”

Flowers from Zamalek’s Flower Market

@flowermarket2

“Wahid must be the most talented and instinctual florist in our city. Usually found at his Zamalek location. We delight in creating fantastical gatherings of blooms together, and he will whisk your beloved away on his imaginative creations. Above is one of my favourites thus far.”

Valentine's Card by Rizo Masr

@rizomasr

"Sending love to the beloved, the father, the mother, the sister, the friend, the neighbour! Because its' better handwritten...."

Artist: Omar Hannoura

Mixtape Card by Cairopolitan

@cairopolitan 

"Who remembers?"

Artist: Aya El Borgy

Cocktail Pouffs by Third Space Gallery

@thirdspacezamalek

“Cocktail Pouffs for a débonnair tête-à-tête.”

Mirror by Mob Collective

@themob.collective

“For your fairest of them all, an expressive Italian mid-century modern mirror!”

Plate by Fairtrade Egypt

@fairtradeegypt

“While it feels to me as though it is reaching wide for a hug, this unusual alabaster Guardian plate reimagines the sacred symbolism of envy in contemporary form. Arouset El-Hasad is here to protect.”

Scented Candle by Analogue

@analogue_alchemy

“My personal favourite candle scent. Leil is soulful. It opens with spicy pink pepper and earthy cardamom blended with notes of fruity plum. Middle notes of cedarwood and iris create a deeply earthy and relaxing ambience. The final base notes are those of warm, seductive amber and patchouli.”

Lamp by The Spring Project

@the_spring_project

“Their latest lamp is bringing all the texture, sculpture and ambience a romantic evening could ever wish for!”

Necklace and Tray by The Nook

@thenookcairo

“Keep your heart light as a feather, the new collection of necklaces on a velvet ribbon and trinket trays are representative of the heart in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.”

An Escape to Al Moudira Hotel

@moudira_hotel

“Arguably one of the most beautiful places to stay in Egypt and utterly ideal for a romantic escape!”

Dune Tray by Anut

@anut.cairo

"Breakfast in Bed for the most romantic way to start the day. Anut's Dune wicker tray with a sustainable date palm base is both eco-conscious and beautiful."

Small Frames by Art Talks Gallery

@arttalksegypt

“Yasmine Gamal Faces Collection.”

Backgammon Kit by Silk and Pomegranates

@silkandpomegranates

“Rollable Khayameya backgammon for that picnic in Al Zohriya garden… or anywhere else you may wander.”

Om Kolthoum, available at Diwan Bookstore

@diwan_bookstore

 "A special reissue created to explore the impact of Arabizi on Arabic writing."

Receptacle by Omar Chakil

@omarchakil

“3ein leaf receptacle by the visionary Omar Chakil.”

Glasses by Mamlouk

@mamloukgallery

“Finish the table with these quintessential Cairene glasses.”

Plate by One True Find

@onetruefind 

“A sculptural and textured vessel with heart, to adorn homes and hold precious things."

Earrings by Ahmed El Mawardy

@elmawardyfinejewelry

"Close your eyes, fall in Love, stay there" - Rumi

"These characterful studs are sure to charm and protect your darling."

Ring by Nakhla

@nakhlajewellery

“For the budding jewellery collector enthusiast, a gold and jade number with a swivel mechanism harking all the way back to the Pharaohs. No two pieces are ever the same, and these treasures can be found nestled within the GEM.”

Valentine’s Bundle by House Babylon

@housebabylon

“A truly fresh brand that has perfected the set concept. No leaving you hanging for Valentine’s. They have thoughtfully designed a women’s square scarf with a multicoloured geometrical print and a men’s handkerchief designed with a clean, minimal finish for everyday use.”