Viviane Khoury showcases seamless living on a grand scale in Arabian Ranches
A 10,000-square-foot home located in a tranquil, well-established development nestled within an upscale polo community, the client tasked Viviane Khoury of Viviane Khoury Interiors (@vivianekhouryinteriors) with a complete structural and design transformation of this traditional villa.
“The cookie cutter design needed serious inspiration – and work – to create a unique home that would stand out in Dubai’s highly competitive real estate market,” says Viviane. Her first challenge was to reimagine the spaces as a seamless continuation of lifestyle opportunities, connected by subtle design transitions that communicated the purpose of each space while holistically retaining the interior aesthetic and ethos.
“In terms of structural work, we removed six large columns that, collectively, made the ground floor feel cramped and unwelcoming while, at the same time, took the bold decision to build out beyond the original entrance to create a self-contained inner courtyard,” she explains. This unique extension precedes the new main entrance to the home and serves as both a meeting area and adjunct to the dining room (for entertaining overspill), with an en suite guest bedroom and further blank canvas room tucked away behind cleverly concealed pocket doors.
The interior vision was based on a neutral nature-reflective palette, accented with touches of black, muted gold, leather and rich earthy tones. A contemporary, uncluttered approach to furnishing the different spaces was paramount, but featuring bespoke joinery from Cherwell throughout, custom sofas and seating, and other luxury details to nurture unique kerbside appeal for potential buyers.
“Optimised space and flow were critical to the success of the brief, with a succession of spaces that work in harmony but, at the same time, can be separated to create more intimate living zones,” remarks Viviane. The main living room, which features pieces from The Design House, doubles as a space for entertaining with the extended seating area offering pockets of intimacy whilst coming together as a whole for larger gatherings.
“We took the bold decision to build out beyond the original entrance to create a self-contained inner courtyard“
INTERIOR COURTYARD
Secret doors line the courtyard walls, revealing diverse storage solutions, including a handy food and beverage servery with partition doors by Kaprel connecting with the dining room.
INNER COURTYARD
The original villa entrance was completely reimagined as a minimalist inner courtyard, incorporating an Oryx smart film skylight, pieces from The Bowery Company and a panoramic picture window to bring the natural world inside while creating a welcoming multi-purpose space.
DINING ROOM
Clean architectural lines are diffused by an undulating sideboard and curved ceiling design that uses LED lights to gently illuminate the marble slab table from The Line Concept, with the monochrome theme reflected in the antiqued mirror feature wall.
KITCHEN
A Michelin star-worthy chef’s kitchen is tucked away in the extensive back-of-house area, which gives the show kitchen space to shine. Brushed metallic tones and black accents surround a dual level central island with high-top counter, contrasted against the dark wood of the extended lower dining area. Top-of-the-range from start to finish, high-end Poliform, Obegi Home and Gaggenau fixtures and appliances deliver on form and function.
OFFICE
Accessible for business visitors via the inner courtyard or, for family members, from the main living area, this dedicated office space with its Kährs Nordic parquet flooring, tactile wood furnishings and floor-to-ceiling window onto the garden is a haven of calm.
BEDROOM
A grown-up sanctuary was the vision for the calmingly neutral master bedroom, with a modern take on classic wainscoting defining the walls and chic styling evident in the choice of the quilted headboard on The Design House bed, and contemporary chaise longue. Warmth is provided by wooden flooring dressed with a Jaipur Rugs purchase.
BATHROOM
His and hers doors lead into a stunning walk-in closet and monochrome Porcelanosa bathroom, where internal spaces benefit from a skylight. Oval mirrors and delicate pendant lights dress the double vanity, with its grooved detailing matched in the sliding door design.
Want to know more? Reach out to Viviane at viviane@vivianekhoury.com