Preloved Homeware in Dubai: Inside Tangerrine Casa

In a city where new often outshines old, Tangerrine Casa invites us to slow down, look closer, and fall in love with objects that have already lived. Founded by freelance stylist Amy Armitage in 2024 and launched in early 2025, this Dubai-based boutique has quickly carved a niche as the go-to destination for curated vintage and preloved homeware that feels as considered as it is cool.

We spoke to Amy about gut instinct, elevating the perception of second-hand, and why gathering around a table might just be the most powerful wellness ritual of all.

Amy Armitage, Founder of Tangerrine Casa

Tell us about the moment Tangerrine Casa became more than just an idea?

After a holiday to Comporta in August 2024, my husband and I moved to a slightly bigger apartment with more space to fill. While I was really inspired by the quirky things I’d collected on my travels, I struggled when I was back in Dubai to find vintage items more locally. It was then that I decided I needed to start my own business in the region.

Preloved often carries a certain stigma. How did you set out to challenge perceptions?

I think people now want individuality. It’s cool to have your own personality and character in your home, and vintage can offer that. Of course, we have trends, but I think people are starting to see it as a flex to have something different. A lot of the stigma around preloved is also in how the items are presented. I want to show people that preloved can be elevated and inspiring, through the way pieces are curated and styled.

How do you choose what makes it into Tangerrine Casa’s curation?

It’s mostly gut instinct, especially at the start. I do research and try to curate items into edits, but often, pieces will just stand out to me. That’s the joy and beauty in the search. You can’t always plan what you’ll find, but I like the edits to include both useful pieces, like cool plates or candle holders and quirky, decorative things like a silver swan or a wooden pear.

What’s been the most surprising reaction from your community so far?

That’s a tricky one. There hasn’t been anything hugely surprising yet, but maybe that’s still to come. I suppose one really positive thing is that no one has questioned the fact that the items aren’t ‘new’, they’re buying based on love for the individual piece. That’s been affirming.

Sustainability is at the heart of your mission. How do you see preloved homeware fitting into the region’s growing conscious living movement?

I don’t believe we can buy our way into sustainability, but we can be more conscious with our purchase decisions. Everything we buy has to go somewhere. Choosing things already in circulation helps minimise waste and shift away from the disposability mindset. It’s also about access. If we have more beautiful preloved options locally, we’re more likely to make those choices.

Favourite piece you’ve ever sourced, and did you keep it?

I’ve loved so many pieces, I genuinely get excited when I find something cool. I was strict for the first drop and didn’t keep anything, but I’ve since allowed myself a few pieces. I found these vintage horse matchstick holders that never made it to the site!

*The matchstick holders discovered and kept by Amy.*

If someone is new to preloved homeware, where’s the best place to start?

I think most of us in the region are starting with a neutral base at home, so that’s already a great foundation to build on. Use vintage pieces to bring charm and balance to modern spaces. Go with your gut. Don’t overthink it or worry about being too ‘vintage’. If it speaks to you, it has a place in your home.

What’s next for Tangerrine Casa?

I’d love to encourage more people to shop preloved and keep offering the coolest curations. But I also want to build a real community around the home. My husband and I love hosting. He’s an amazing cook, and we’ve dreamt up something called Tangerrine Table. A space to gather, share stories from different cultures, and celebrate across mismatched vintage plates filled with food and laughter. Biohacking is trending in the wellness world, but I think one of the most powerful rituals for happiness and longevity is simply eating together.