Inside Mustard & Linen: Balancing Boldness and Elegance
people • DESIGNERS
At Mustard & Linen, modern residential interior design becomes a dialogue between bold expression and timeless comfort. In this interview, founders Rim Guirari and Thomas Castagnet delve into the story behind their studio’s name—a balance of “mustard” for daring creativity and “linen” for natural elegance. Their design philosophy is rooted in storytelling, cultural resonance, and a deep understanding of how people experience space. From their new showroom on Saadiyat Island to collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs, they craft environments that reflect the evolution of modern architecture and interior design in the UAE. Their work embodies a commitment to materials, craftsmanship, and a design language that bridges innovation with tradition.
Words: designeers
MAY 2025
WEBSITE: mustardandlinen.com
INSTAGRAM: @mustardandlinen
DESIGNEERS
"Mustard & Linen" is a distinctive name. What’s the story behind it, and how does it reflect your design ethos?
Mustard & Linen
The name "Mustard & Linen" perfectly reflects the balance at the heart of our design philosophy. Mustard represents boldness, where we infuse statement pieces and creativity into every space, using striking colours and innovative layouts to create unforgettable experiences. Linen, in contrast, symbolises natural elements focusing on comfort, elegance, and a timeless sense of wellbeing. Like the material itself, our residential projects blend style with warmth, creating spaces that invite relaxation and function. Together, "Mustard & Linen" captures the harmony between boldness and comfort, innovation, and tradition. This balance is the foundation of their approach to modern residential interior design, where each space is tailored to evoke both emotional resonance and elegant utility. We craft spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply impactful, leaving lasting impressions in both public and private environments.
DESIGNEERS
Your projects seamlessly blend creativity, functionality, and elegance. How would you describe the core philosophy that guides your design process?
Mustard & Linen
We view design as a way to tell a story—bringing each brand’s identity to life through thoughtful spaces. Our approach is rooted in close collaboration with clients and architects, ensuring we deeply understand and translate their vision into a tangible reality. Every project is approached with a focus on the customer journey, considering both how the space functions and how it’s experienced. Their commitment to the user experience extends from large-scale homes to small apartment buildings, where flow, proportion, and storytelling shape every spatial decision.
Our team’s diverse expertise allows us to craft cohesive, beautiful environments with striking proportions, textures, and subtle design elements to create spaces that are both timeless and dynamic. We combine functionality with artistry, creating bespoke environments that leave a memorable impression.
DESIGNEERS
You have recently opened your new studio on Saadiyat Island. What experience do you want visitors to take away from this space?
Mustard & Linen
When visitors step into our studio on Saadiyat Island, we want them to feel inspired and immersed in the heart of our design philosophy. It’s not just a space—it’s an experience. We want them to leave with a sense of confidence.
The showroom is a carefully curated space that reflects our design philosophy and personal style—it's an expression of who we are as a brand. It also embodies our ongoing exploration of modern architecture, offering visitors a tactile sense of how bold forms and refined interiors intersect. The objects displayed throughout the space are not just decorative; they tell the story of our recent travels, bringing pieces of our individual personalities into the environment. Each item adds a layer of richness to the showroom, creating a space that feels both personal and sophisticated.
DESIGNEERS
Your designs incorporate elements from different cultures and artistic movements. What are some of the key influences that shape your aesthetic choices?
Mustard & Linen
Zaha Hadid’s innovative approach to architecture has deeply impacted my interior design philosophy. Her ability to challenge conventional design boundaries is inspiring. She has pushed the limits of form and functionality.
Music and architecture share a rhythm—and like in modern architecture, we seek to balance structure with expression in every project. It transports me into a different world, sparking my imagination and helping me envision spaces, settings, and scenes.
“We view design as a way to tell a story—bringing each brand’s identity to life through thoughtful spaces. Our approach is rooted in close collaboration with clients and architects, ensuring we deeply understand and translate their vision into a tangible reality.”
Mustard & Linen
DESIGNEERS
If you could design a dream project anywhere in the world, what would it be?
Mustard & Linen
My dream project would be in San Francisco. There's something about the energy of the city that I find incredibly inspiring — the vibrant mix of cultures, innovation, and unique architecture. It's truly a melting pot of diverse influences, and designing a space that reflects that dynamic energy could be interesting. Whether it's a residential project or a creative, collaborative work environment, I believe the city’s eclectic atmosphere offers endless possibilities for design that bridges cultures and showcases creativity.
DESIGNEERS
What’s next? Any exciting new projects in the works?
Mustard & Linen
We’re currently working on some exciting developments on Saadiyat Island. These projects are centred around the concepts of wellness, art, and culture — all of which are incredibly important in creating meaningful, inspiring spaces. We’re exploring innovative ways to integrate these elements into the design, ensuring that each project fosters a sense of well-being. We’re thrilled about what’s to come and can’t wait to share these unique spaces once they’re complete.
DESIGNEERS
What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on so far, and why?
Mustard & Linen
The most exciting project we've worked on so far has been with a 3-star Michelin Chef for his new restaurant, which will soon be opening in the UAE! It’s been an incredible journey where we had the opportunity to experience an immersive tasting and draw inspiration to create a concept that truly captures the essence of what the Chef envisioned. The challenge of designing a space that matches the level of culinary excellence while creating a memorable atmosphere for guests has been thrilling. This project combines our passion for design with the world of gastronomy, and we are eager to see it come to life.
DESIGNEERS
If you could design an interior for any famous person, who would it be and what would your vision for their space look like?
Mustard & Linen
It would be Pharrell Williams. He’s always pushing boundaries in music, fashion, and art, and we’d love to create a space that reflects that same level of creativity. We’d go for something that blends sleek, modern design with bold, artistic touches—kind of like how he mixes genres and styles in his work. We’d play with vibrant colours, unique materials, and intriguing textures to make a space that feels alive and full of energy, just like his music. It would be a place that encourages creativity and self-expression, a true reflection of who he is.
DESIGNEERS
You work with a wide range of materials and artisans. How do you approach material selection to ensure both visual impact and longevity in your designs?
Mustard & Linen
Our approach to material selection is tailored to each client’s specific needs and the unique requirements of the project. We carefully source the best suppliers and materials that not only match the vision but also ensure durability, comfort and functionality, making sure they work seamlessly for our clients.
DESIGNEERS
What’s your all-time favourite hotel in the world, and what makes its design so special to you?
Mustard & Linen
My all-time favourite has to be the Aman group of hotels. There’s something about the concept of "quiet luxury" that intrigues me. Generally speaking, their designs are thoughtfully curated; every detail is considered, yet it never feels over the top. It’s about the experience of being welcomed into a space that feels like an escape from the world, yet is so grounded into local cultures, natural materials, minimalist design, and a focus on serenity. Everything blends perfectly, from the architecture to the lighting, creating peaceful and refined environments.
