MB Design Studios: The Art of Architectural Precision and Curated Elegance
people • interior designer
Based between Dubai and Beirut, MB Design Studios is a boutique firm specializing in interior architecture, furniture design, and interdisciplinary projects. Founded by Marine Bustros in 2017, the studio crafts residential and commercial spaces across the Middle East and Europe. Marine’s approach merges grand architectural vision with intricate details—curated art, rich textures, and a seamless blend of vintage and contemporary. Beyond interiors, she offers bespoke furniture and personalized art consultations, ensuring each project tells its own story.
WEBSITE: www.MARINEBUSTROS.com INSTAGRAM: @mb.DESIGNSTUDIOS
Words: designeers
FEBRUARY 2025
DESIGNEERS
Can you tell us about your professional journey? When did you decide to pursue architecture and later venture into product design?
MARINE BUSTROS
I always knew I wanted to ‘make art’ even as a child. I was fortunate to grow up in a family that loves and collects art. I have vivid memories of visiting museums with my mother from a very young age. These experiences shaped my appreciation for beauty and creativity. Being born in Paris due to the civil war in my home country, Lebanon, also played a significant role in my career. Paris, 'un musée à cielouvert,' truly inspired me. Its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness opened my eyes and deepened my desire to pursue the 'beautiful' in life and work. As for product design, it felt like a natural extension of architecture. In every project, we create custom furniture for our clients, which sparked the idea of launching my collection. This vision came to life when I presented my designs at the Downtown Design Fair, blending my architectural background with my passion for craftsmanship and design.
DESIGNEERS
How would you define your personal style, both as an architect and a product designer? Are there recurring elements that characterize your work?
MARINE BUSTROS
Modern with a traditional twist. I believe that designers are shaped by their personal history, and having grown up between Paris and Beirut, I was immersed in both cultures, and I enjoy reflecting this blend in each project. I love to fuse contemporary aesthetics with timeless vintage pieces, creating spaces that feel both fresh and rooted in history. Art plays a central role in my designs, adding layers of character and meaning. By carefully mixing art and design, I try to craft environments that tell a story. A touch of color completes the look, adding warmth and vibrancy, ensuring each space feels personal and alive. I try to create environments that evoke emotion, connection and leave a lasting impression.
DESIGNEERS
What inspired you to explore product design and to exhibit at Downtown Design this year?
MARINE BUSTROS
Creating my line of furniture has always been one of my ultimate goals, alongside interior design, but I wasn’t quite sure how to begin. When I moved to Dubai three years ago and visited the Downtown Design Fair, it struck me as the perfect platform to launch my journey. Applying to the fair felt like a natural starting point to bring my vision to life and share my designs with a broader audience.
DESIGNEERS
What has been the most challenging project (or product) you’ve worked on so far? And how did you overcome any difficulties?
MARINE BUSTROS
Two projects come to mind. The first is the Pruniershop in Tokyo, which was particularly challenging. It was conceived during COVID, and I wasn’t able to visit the site, so I had to rely entirely on collaborating with a local team. Despite the language barrier, we found a new way to collaborate and ultimately spoke the same language, the language of architecture! Through extensive back-and-forth communication and remarkable attention to detail and precision, the project became a great success, even without any site visits. The second is the St. Maron Church. When I began designing the space, I realised I had no prior experience with church design, which required a completely different approach. I dove into research and sought guidance from the priest, who provided invaluable support throughout the process. Together, we were able to create a space that truly reflected its spiritual and architectural significance.
St Marron Church
Prunier Tokyo
MB Design Studio
“To design an impressive space, it's essential to challenge the eye, avoid repetitiveness, and introduce elements of surprise that captivate and engage. It's this balance of light, texture, and unexpected contrasts that truly conveys my vision.”
Marine BUSTROS
DESIGNEERS
How did your relationship with materials develop? Are there textures, colors, or characteristics you consider essential to convey your vision?
MARINE BUSTROS
It’s not just about a specific material but rather about evoking all the senses. When entering a space, an important element is the light. I try to focus on bringing in more light, as it shapes and breathes life into objects, highlighting their materials in a unique way. I also love blending different materials and colors cohesively, much like combining modern and vintage furniture. This interplay creates harmony while adding depth and character to a space. To design an impressive space, it’s essential to challenge the eye, avoid repetitiveness, and introduce elements of surprise that captivate and engage. It’s this balance of light, texture, and unexpected contrasts that truly conveys my vision
DESIGNEERS
How does your cultural identity influence your work? Are there elements of Lebanese tradition you enjoy reinterpreting in a contemporary way? What places or aspects of Lebanon do you find particularly inspiring for your projects?
MARINE BUSTROS
Being Lebanese and born in Paris has truly shaped my approach to design, allowing me to blend modern and traditional styles, as well as oriental and occidental influences. I always try to incorporate an oriental touch into spaces, whether through furniture, materials, or by reinterpreting traditional elements in a contemporary way (such as the Polaris table legs, for instance). Beirut will always be an endless source of inspiration, with its timeless beauty and contradictions. This vibrant city holds a special place in my heart; its rush and energy spark creativity. What fascinates me most about Beirut is its resilience; it has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times. The city's multiple layers and ruins have a unique energy that inspires strength, hope, and the drive to create and keep the city alive!
DESIGNEERS
Can you share the inspiration and story behind your products?
MARINE BUSTROS
Polaris Table unfolds as a poem celebrating life and freedom. Hand carved from natural oakwood, it explores the correlation between art, design, and the natural world. Polaris unravels the sensation of light through the glass. Combined with the play of the shadows, it symbolises a mystical and poetic journey as the light reflects through the stained-glass inlays of the birds, sun, and stars. Reminiscent of the broken glass from the 4th of August blast in Beirut, the new glass is an emblem of catharsis and yet free of memory. It is hope and rebirth. Composed of modules, the series of tables can be multiplied and reconfigured according to personal needs.
The Soleia Collection furthers Marine’s vision of furniture as art. The centerpiece, the Soleia Sofa, is designed not just for comfort but to captivate. Its semi-elliptical shape encourages communal seating, while oak wood and cane armrests pay homage to traditional craftsmanship. What truly sets the Soleia Sofa apart is its back, envisioned as a canvas for fine art. Inspired by nature, the back of the sofa transforms into a hand-painted landscape. This innovative feature turns the sofa into a centerpiece, creating a seamless dialogue between art and design. The collection also includes the Soleia armchair, along with both iterations of the Polaris table. Together, these pieces form a cohesive yet versatile collection, each designed to stand alone or complement the others.
Polaris Table & Soleia Collection during DDW 2024
Polaris Table & Soleia Collection during DDW 2024
DESIGNEERS
When you think about the future of your studio, what are the next steps? Are there any new products or projects in the pipeline that you can share with us?
MARINE BUSTROS
We have a lot of exciting projects in the pipeline, especially in the UAE. Exploring this market over the past few years has been such a blessing, and we’re thrilled to soon share what we’ve been working on! On the furniture side, we’ve recently joined 1stdibs, an incredible online platform. Being part of such a prestigious marketplace is truly an honor, and we’re excited to see our designs reach a broader, global audience.
DESIGNEERS
What is your favorite design hotel in the world?
MARINE BUSTROS
I would say the Byblos Hotel in St. Tropez for its iconic Capron pieces. From the stunning Enlèvement d'Europemural at the entrance to the majestic staircase and exquisite floors. Theceramist's touch throughout the hotel is truly surreal and breathtaking, adding an artistic depth that makes the space unforgettable.
DESIGNEERS
Who is your design hero?
MARINE BUSTROS
It's very hard to pick just one designer, but I would say Charlotte Perriand for her timeless design. She was a key figure in the avant-garde cultural movement, cultivating a modern approach to everyday living. She redefined the way we live, creating spaces that remain deeply relevant and influential in contemporary lifestyles today.
DESIGNEERS
What advice would you give someone working with a designer for the first time?
MARINE BUSTROS
I would advise keeping an open mind and trusting the designer’s vision while also clearly communicating your needs and preferences. Be receptive to new ideas and unexpected creative directions. The designer will most likely think outside the box, so don’t be afraid to trust them and dare to step a little outside preconceived ideas.
Polaris Table
