Questions, answered

About IDÉE

Where is IDÉE based?

IDÉE is a design studio that works between Cairo and Beirut, with all production in Egypt. The studio receives clients in both cities by appointment.

Who are the founders?

IDÉE began as a conversation between two friends — one in Cairo, one in Beirut. One drawn to the whole of a space, the other to the detail inside it. They have worked together for years.

Pieces — the home collection

Are pieces in stock, or made to order?

Made to order. We do not hold stock. Every piece is built in the Damietta workshop after it is ordered, which is why lead times are six to eight weeks.

Can I see a piece in person before I buy?

Yes. Write to hello@idee-store.com to arrange a studio visit in Cairo or Beirut.

What materials do you use?

Solid wood, woven cane, natural linen, raw brass, hand-finished leather, beeswax, and linseed oil. Materials are listed in full on each product page.

Can I customize a piece from the collection?

Small changes — finish, fabric, hardware — yes, often without changing the price. Larger changes — different dimensions, a different proportion — become a Custom commission. Write to us.

What if a piece arrives damaged?

We collect it, we fix it. If a piece arrives with damage from shipping, we replace or repair at no cost. Most repairs take ten days. The structural guarantee covers manufacturing faults for the lifetime of the piece.

Re-IDÉE — the buy-back

What is Re-IDÉE?

A guaranteed buy-back program. For 5–7% of the price at checkout, you lock a ten-year buy-back schedule: 90% of the original price at year one, 70% at year five, 50% at year ten. We collect the piece, refurbish it in our workshop, and re-list it under Re-IDÉE for a second owner.

Why does Re-IDÉE cost extra?

The cost funds the refurbishment of the piece when it returns. It also pays the buy-back guarantee — the math has to work for the studio over ten years for the promise to be real.

Do I have to use Re-IDÉE?

No. Re-IDÉE is optional, at checkout. You can keep the piece as long as you want without enrolling. But if you might one day want to return it, enrolment is the only way to lock the buy-back value.

What if my piece is damaged when I want to return it?

We inspect every returning piece in three categories: structural, surface, upholstery. Normal wear is expected and refurbished at no cost. Significant damage may reduce the buy-back value — the inspection report explains every adjustment.

Can I enrol after purchase?

No — Re-IDÉE is only available at the point of sale. The buy-back price is calculated against the original purchase price, so enrolment has to happen at that moment.

IDÉE Spaces — the service

How do I start a Spaces project?

Book a discovery call through the contact page. The first conversation is free. From there, we share a scope, a timeline, and a price for your specific project.

How much does Spaces cost?

It depends on the scope and the home. We do not have a flat fee — we price each project from the first conversation. [TO CONFIRM: typical starting fee for a full-home Spaces project.]

Can I hire IDÉE for just one of the five services?

Yes. Each of the five services — Interior Design, Space Planning, Fit-out, Furniture Production, Home Styling — can be hired on its own. Hire us for one, hire us for the full sequence.

Do you work outside Cairo and Beirut?

Yes, for Spaces projects. The studio travels; production stays in Damietta.

Delivery & installation

How long does delivery take?

Six to eight weeks in Cairo and Beirut, because every piece is made to order. Outside the region, eight to twelve weeks. We send updates from the workshop during the build.

Do you deliver outside Egypt and Lebanon?

Yes. We ship to the Gulf and to Europe. Freight is quoted per order. We handle customs.

Do you assemble and install?

Yes, in Cairo and Beirut. Outside the region, larger pieces ship with assembly instructions; complex installations can be arranged for a fee.

Care & repair

How do I look after a piece?

The Repair Kit covers all routine maintenance — wax, oil, polish, cloth, brush. Apply oil twice a year. Wax the surfaces seasonally. Most pieces, with this routine, look better at year ten than at year one.

What if my piece needs more than maintenance?

For minor damage — scratches, marks, the wear of a life — the Repair Kit covers it. For anything bigger, write to us. We collect the piece, refurbish it in the workshop, and return it. Refurbishment is included for life on the structural elements.

Can a piece be re-woven or re-upholstered?

Yes. Cane seats can be re-woven by the original maker. Upholstered pieces can be re-covered. Both are billable, but priced fairly — we'd rather refurbish the piece you own than sell you a new one.

Payments & currency

What currency are prices in?

All prices on this site are in Egyptian Pounds (EGP). For orders shipping outside Egypt, we can also quote in USD or EUR. Write to us.

What payment methods do you accept?

[TO CONFIRM: card payment providers, bank transfer, installment options.]

Do you offer installments?

[TO CONFIRM: installment policy.]

Returns

What is your return policy?

[TO CONFIRM: return window and conditions. Recommendation: 14 days from delivery for any reason, on collection pieces only; Custom and Beyond pieces are non-returnable.]

Can I return a Custom piece?

No. Custom commissions are made specifically for you and cannot be returned. We work closely with you on the design before the build begins, to ensure the piece is right.

Custom commissions

How does Custom work?

One conversation. One sketch. One sample. One delivery. We start with a brief and a measurement, return a sketch and a material direction, you confirm, we build, we deliver. Lead time is ten to fourteen weeks.

How much does Custom cost?

More than a comparable piece from the collection, less than a full Spaces project. We price each commission from the first conversation.

Beyond — curated international

What is IDÉE Beyond?

A curated selection of pieces from international makers and brands we believe in. Made available in the region.

Does Re-IDÉE apply to Beyond pieces?

No. Re-IDÉE is reserved for pieces we produce ourselves. Beyond pieces carry the warranties of their original makers.