Behind the Design: Shatha Al Dafai

There’s a quiet magic in the work of Shatha Al Dafai. It’s the kind of art that doesn’t shout - it gently reaches you, like sunlight through curtains, or the hush of a warm evening. Known for her emotionally intuitive artworks and organic compositions, Shatha has carved a space in the design world that’s as poetic as it is powerful.


Now, in her second collaboration with Urban Road, Shatha brings that same deeply personal artistry to a new collection of abstract wall art and custom wallpaper - a soft, serene world that speaks in shapes, tones, and emotion.


This exclusive collection is a meditation on stillness. Featuring earthy palettes, abstract silhouettes, palm trees, and face-like forms, every piece holds the weight of feeling, grounded in nature and the quiet beauty of simplicity. It’s a body of work that feels at once introspective and expansive - a peaceful offering for the modern home.


In this edition of Behind the Design, we sat down with Shatha to reflect on her process, her inspirations, and the heart behind this evocative new collection.

For those discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe your artistic voice?


"My artistic voice is emotional, thoughtful, and connected. I create from a place of feeling. It often begins when I don’t have the words, and art becomes the way I express what’s within. It’s quiet, but it speaks deeply."


What are some signature “Shatha Al Dafai” designs or recurring elements we’ll notice in this collection?


"My work often includes abstract faces and soft organic shapes. You’ll also find palm trees and nature-inspired elements woven through my pieces. They reflect my connection to stillness, place, and emotion. I naturally gravitate toward earthy tones and muted palettes, which bring a calming energy. These have become part of my signature and something my followers instantly recognise."

What made working with Urban Road feel like the right creative fit for this collection?


"From the beginning, the Urban Road team felt aligned with my values. They respected my creative voice and gave me space to express myself freely, while also guiding the project with their experience in interiors. It was a balanced partnership, creatively inspiring and professionally supportive. That made it feel right from both sides."

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the collection? Was there a moment that set the tone creatively?


"This collection is a reflection of my personal connection to nature and the quiet moments that bring me home to myself. Each piece was created from a place of stillness, inspired by the emotional depth that comes from being present. 


When I reached out to Urban Road for this second collaboration, I felt it was the right time to share this body of work. It wasn’t about creating something new, but about offering something honest - something that holds my love for simplicity, the natural world, and the peace I find in silence. This collaboration became a way to let those feelings live in new spaces in a way that still feels deeply personal."

More from Shatha Al Dafai

Dive into earthy wall art, abstract art, dark floral wallpaper, and beach-themed designs from the Shatha Al Dafai X UR Moodform Collection - premium Australian floral artwork & more.

Moodform Collection

How did you and the Urban Road team bring the collection to life? How did your ideas evolve along the way?


"I shared a selection of finished artworks with the Urban Road team, and Andrea was amazing in creating a moodboard and building a feeling around what became the collection. She understood the emotion behind the pieces and helped shape a visual story that brought everything together in a thoughtful way.


It was a very collaborative process, gentle and intuitive. We didn’t force anything, just built on what was already there. The collection grew naturally from that shared understanding, staying true to my voice while also aligning beautifully with Urban Road’s world."


How do you approach bringing consistency across different mediums like art and wallpaper, while still letting each piece stand on its own?


"For me, the creative process always starts with emotion. I want each piece to have its own mood but also fit harmoniously with the others. I enjoy working on collections where the colours and feelings connect, while each artwork holds a special element."

What was the process like collaborating with the Urban Road team on wallpaper specifically? Did the scale or format influence your design approach in any way?


"I’m grateful to the Urban Road team, especially Andrea, for suggesting the idea of wallpaper. It was something new for me, and I instantly felt excited about it. They handled the technical side of bringing the wallpaper to life with so much care and creativity.

Throughout the process, my input was always asked and valued, from colours to layout. They made sure every decision reflected my artistic voice, and that the final designs still felt like me. It was a true collaboration built on trust, and I’m proud of how beautifully it came together."

Looking back at this project, what’s one thing that surprised you?


"Everything came together so smoothly. Even though working on wallpaper was a new challenge for me, the Urban Road team made the process feel easy and exciting. They were very supportive and always asked for my opinion along the way, which made me feel confident and involved. I was surprised by how naturally it all unfolded."


What do you hope people feel when they experience the collection in person?


"I hope people feel calm, connected, and at peace. Each piece was created from a place of stillness, and I hope that energy carries through. I want the collection to offer a quiet moment, something that feels gentle and grounding, like a deep breath in the middle of a busy day."


And finally, what’s next for you creatively? Is there anything new you’re excited to explore in your work?


"I want to keep creating and building art collections that reflect who I am. I'm drawn to pieces that share a common feeling but each have something unique to say. I'm also excited to explore texture and layering more, adding depth while staying true to my style. Creating collections that feel honest, connected, and personal is what inspires me most, and I want to continue following that path."

Final Thoughts


The Shatha Al Dafai x Urban Road collection invites you to slow down - to decorate with intention, to pause and feel, and to embrace the beauty in stillness. With soft abstract wall art, earthy palettes, and organic forms that echo nature’s rhythm, this collection brings soul into your space.


From art to wallpaper, every piece is a quiet conversation between emotion and design - created to ground your home in something deeply personal and beautifully peaceful.


Explore the full collection today and bring home a moment of calm.

Shatha Al Dafai Collection