I Fell Hard for This Colorful Storage Staple with Middle Eastern Roots

Finding storage options that are versatile, colorful, and most importantly, fun can be a challenge. So, I was delighted when I discovered a new storage staple while on vacation with my family in Dubai. One day I wandered into a concept shop full of saturated colors, quirky accessories, and bold statement pieces, and found myself completely drawn to a stack of trays that looked more like modern art than homeware. They were glossy, graphic, and distinctly different. Hailing from the brand Maison 825, these trays were worth making room for in my luggage.

Maison 825 is a design-forward company founded by college roommates Taya Shalaby and Sara Kalo in 2020. A pandemic project turned business opportunity, with no previous design experience they launched with a single backgammon board inspired by a late-night craving for home.

“We’re both from the Middle East — Egypt and Lebanon — and when we couldn’t find a cool backgammon board to learn on, we decided to make one ourselves,” Shalaby told me. The very first design, the Rainbow Eye, was a bright, tongue-in-cheek twist on the traditional evil eye motif.

“To our surprise, we got so many orders when we launched our first backgammon that we decided to take it seriously,” Shalaby added. “We launched Maison 825 in the midst of the pandemic, naming it after our apartment number.” 

That same mix of heritage, humor, and high style now defines their entire line, which includes the vibrant acrylic trays I originally fell for, plus, quirky colorful vases and play-worthy chess, backgammon, and jenga boards that double as conversation pieces.

Each piece begins as a hand-drawn sketch, which is often inspired by a moodboard deep dive or Pinterest spiral. “We imagine the kind of person playing, the setting, the energy,” Shalaby explained to me. “Then, we start building the theme from there.” The results are pieces that feel joyful, collected, and completely original, with a nod to the motifs that define Arab culture, such as animal prints, evil eyes, and geometric art.

“It was important for us to provide a fresh take on our culture, so we look at traditional designs with a modern touch,” Shalaby said. 

The Evil Eye Tray sits right at the entrance dining table in my own home to hold my keys and jewelry — as well as add a pop of protection, of course! I keep the Toile Tray in my bedroom for makeup, and I’ve even gifted some to my friends as housewarming gifts. 

I absolutely love that the brand pulls deeply from its Middle Eastern roots in a playful way. It’s daringly different, and these pieces are so versatile, one can work as a statement piece in more minimalist homes, as well as fit right in dramatic, moody spaces. I’ve shared some of my favorite trays below. Think of them as a cool girl’s solution to clutter.

Although based in the UAE, Maison 825 ships worldwide, so you can grab one of their trays (or games) no matter where you live.