Taste Lives Here: Inside Jessica Cox's Dubai Apartment

It all started when Jessica, the very cool Dubai-based Founder of Talent & Strategy Agency Imaginary Friends moved into her own space in Dubai and took us, her followers, along for every step of the decorating process; from her Facebook Marketplace finds to her custom-made furniture. I remember thinking: dang! immaculate taste.

I even subscribed to her channel, where she would share newly listed pieces on the OG Meta platform.

In a world where fishbone dining chairs and Scandi decor feel omnipresent, coming across interiors that are truly individualistic is a visual treat. We wanted to learn more about Jessica’s inspirations, as well as her do’s and don’ts.

Welcome to our first "Taste Lives Here" where we ask the coolest people to show us their interiors

By Cynthia Jreige

Photography: @jullzbek

JESS'S ID

Name: Jessica Cox
Location: Dubai
Job: Influencer Strategy and Management

When did you realize you loved interiors and decorating?

When i moved out of the family home and had a blank canvas to work with. It felt like a new opportunity to express myself.

What’s been the most fun decorating your own place?

Being creative with balancing aesthetic and function.. and also finding ways to create little luxuries for myself even in a small space.

What are mistakes you learned from?

Working with custom builders in Dubai is not for the weak...even some of the most legitimate looking ones can be scammers.
You have to have every design element confirmed in writing, with drawings - never trust that their vision is aligned with yours.  

What are the top places you looked at for furniture?

Facebook Marketplace has been my goldmine! But also La Brocante for vintage and second hand and H&M Home are some of my favourites. The CB2 outlet as well!

What’s a random purchase that you can’t live without?

Probably the waterproof bench in my shower. It has made my showers even longer but sooo much more lush.

What are some regional interior designers / architects whose work you admire?

There’s so many good ones! Omar Al Gurg's style is great. Nada Debs. Super Studio Official!

What makes a house a home?

Displaying your personality in a tasteful medium. Sometimes it’s not about screaming Eat, Pray, Love on your doormat or artwork - but creating a space that exudes hospitality, comfort and spirituality using texture, scent, subtle accessories to communicate a message.

Top 3 favourite designers?

All time is impossible to choose but i’ll give you the 3 at the top of my wishlist:

Lighting designer duo - Loney Abrams and Johnny Stanish (Wretched Flowers)

Katie Kohls' insane pebble mirrors

Whoever is behind @sidequeeste phenomenal steel work

What’s your advice to someone wanting to decorate their own home now and who’s struggling?

Nesting is a primal instinct, embrace the difficulties and use it as an opportunity to learn about yourself on a deeper level. When you make mistakes, don’t under-utilize returning items or reselling them. if you hate something - look at it as an opportunity to reinvent and refine and learn to express yourself again and again.

Follow Jess on Instagram, here