Architectural Revival – Beyt in Cambridge

By Maria LaPiana

Bénédicte de Blavous Moubarak and Raja Moubarak owners of Beyt

The inspiration for Beyt—a home furnishings shop in Cambridge, Mass—came curiously enough, from the traditional architecture of Lebanon. The couple behind the store (Bénédicte de Blavous Moubarak and her husband, Lebanese businessman Raja Moubarak) were so moved by the country’s traditional Levantine homes (many of them ravaged by war) that they decided to honor them. Moreover, they decided to do it with a social conscience, back here in the States. Beyt, which means “house” or “home” in Hebrew and Arabic, is the culmination of the couple’s desire to save architectural elements (wrought-iron railings, balustrades, screens, window frames and the like) from the scrap heap and give them new life. The store stocks everything from lamps and sconces to tables and linens. The company, 2b Design, is known as a B Corporation, a for-profit company whose social and environmental performance must be regularly certified. It’s a fascinating story, and you can read all about Beyt in the current issue of New England Home, coming to newstands.

All photographs courtesy of Beyt