Japandi minimalism with soul defines this Palm Jumeirah home
A light-filled, open plan home rooted in Japandi minimalism, but with a warm and inviting ambience, was the client vision for this Palm Jumeirah villa designed by Ludmilla Quirin of LT Design Architecture
(@ltdesignarchitecture).
The tight four-month renovation deadline saw the team swing into action by removing several interior partitions in order to introduce more natural light and enhance overall spatial flow. Originally a four-bed villa, she was also tasked with creating a fifth bedroom which was achieved by reconfiguring the master and splitting the square footage to add a cosy guestroom.
A family that loves to entertain, the living and dining rooms required particular attention to detail to ensure spaces suitable for quality family time that also worked for dinner parties and social gatherings. Locally sourced bespoke design features prominently throughout, from the sofa and chairs by Al Subaiha to dining room furniture from Home Figures. Ludmilla also has her own little black book of preferred interiors stores with the living room rug from Bloomr, coffee table by The Loom Collection, and Luxxe Lighting among the on-show brands.
Earthy, rich terracotta, a favourite of the client, makes a powerful statement in the living areas as well as the powder room. The smallest room in the house packs a punch with terracotta used to full effect on the vanity wall and carried through to the cabinets below, offset with a black mixer tap and pendant lighting with black accents.
“The living spaces were really important because the family entertains a lot; the end result was everything they imagined, and more“
LIVING ROOM
A grand living space framed by gently curving windows and soaring 10-metre ceiling, bespoke seating mirrors the architecture with the client’s choice of terracotta anchoring the colour palette and dressed against calming beige tones for a striking yet inviting space.
DINING ROOM
Fluted cabinetry and dining table detailing add a dynamic textural element with a solid slab of polished beige quartz adorning the 10-seater table. Black upholstered chairs in trending bouclé complement the largely neutral palette. Curves are a recurring theme, subliminally signalling cosy intimacy as seen in the living room with ultra-contemporary lighting fixtures in tune with the upscale minimalist thread.
BALCONY
Step out onto the master bedroom balcony and be instantly transported to Zanzibar or some other exotic island. This tiny space has been cleverly designed as a reading or meditation spot with natural fibre accessories delivering zen vibes. “We also chose these materials as they’re weather resistant,” notes Ludmilla. The original balcony guardrail has also been replaced with modern glass panelling.
STAIRS
The introduction of additional light was a priority for the grand staircase and entry hall with a single small window swapped out for a larger one in keeping with the scale of the double height atrium. This was brought together by the choice of a neutral colour palette to add warmth. An abstract table sits centrally under the rotunda to focus the eye while family items like the guitar add much-needed personality.
HALLWAY
The hallway sets the tone for the home with its fluted wooden door (a feature repeated in the dining room furniture) and glass side panels opening into a light space enlivened with terracotta and cream details. The choice of cream chairs and high console table speak to elegant sophistication with the low bench a lively pop of colour. Gently looping lights, wall sconces and a duo of arched mirrors collectively diffuse the functionality of the space making it a welcoming gateway to this stylish home.
BEDROOMS
Individual but cohesively designed to play with elements of curving fluidity seen elsewhere, both rooms fully embrace colour. Existing wood panelling in the first room was painted in a relaxing shade of sage green and accented with East African inspired woven plates paired with a black natural fibre lampshade. Step into the cosy adjoining room (the newly created fifth bedroom) where mustard yellow makes an eye-catching statement and the headboard is a vibrant trompe l’oeil.
POOL
A space that doesn’t need much window dressing, thanks to the Palm Jumeirah perspective, the exterior lamp choices again tap into the Zanzibar-esque island idyll and pair beautifully with the neutral tiles and vivid blue pool waters. The zigzag sunbed cushions provide a cheeky distraction.
KIDS ROOM
Mums take note. This fun jungle-themed bedroom is all about hidden storage, from boxes under the steps up to the elevated play platform, which does double duty as a second bed with storage space for a spare mattress cleverly concealed behind the child’s desk.
Want to know more? Reach out to Ludmilla at ludmilla@ltdesignarchitecture.com