Cinzia and Marco Tedeschi explore nature’s paintbox in this exquisite Green Community apartment
LIVING ROOM
To unify the space we went with an oval ceiling design that reflects nature’s fluidity and infuses classical elegance into the area,” says Marco. A crystal chandelier bathes the room in warm prismed light while a Dalí lithograph has pride of place above the curved embrace of the client’s beloved sofa set.
“With roots in India, but global travellers, we wanted colour and life with a strong connection to nature“
Following a 24-year stint in Manhattan, New York, the Kapoors were ready for a change of pace. “The constant traffic noise became part of our psyche, so when we found this community where we could hear birds chirping, it instantly felt like paradise,” says Puja, with a smile.
Architect Puja and jewellery designer husband Dhruv had a clear vision of what they wanted and reached out to a number of interiors firms before meeting Cinzia and Marco from Smart Renovation (@smartrenovationdubai). “It needed to be a home that spoke to our character, and who we are as a family. With roots in India, but global travellers, we wanted colour and life with a strong connection to nature,” she explains.
A light-filled apartment overlooking water and surrounded by greenery, the sense of peace and calm is palpable and belies the fact that the city is on the doorstep.
Says Cinzia: “We wanted to exploit the idea of being at one with nature but with a luxury touch. Both Puja and Dhruv are fans of colour and introduced me to their favourite Indian blue shade, which formed the basis of our colour palette creation.” “We also looked at different gemstone pieces for inspiration, from Cartier to Van Cleef, to illustrate the power of colour,” adds Puja.
The powder room is the perfect illustration, featuring stunning wallpaper art from Trendies and the unusual choice of lime-flecked marble, sourced from Glaze, contrasting against the bold blue cabinetry underneath.
Contrast is key throughout, with daring colour choices each finding their place, allowing for a series of rooms and spaces that feel uniquely individual yet effortlessly flow one into another to reinforce a holistic aesthetic that celebrates the family.
“We also looked at different gemstone pieces for inspiration“
BAR
Crafted in the shape of the infinity symbol, the transluscent onyx-topped bar with its fluted cabinetry and secret storage is a major talking point. The addition of an antiqued back mirror display area and subtle LED lighting offers an entirely different experience once night falls.
KID’S BATHROOM
Unconventional as a descriptor doesn’t do this bathroom justice. “I had previously spotted these Italian tiger tiles at TAF, and fell in love with them, so when I met Puja I instantly knew they would be perfect for this project,” laughs Cinzia. Paired with the orange sanitaryware and green cabinetry, the space is cohesive, contemporary and comfortable.
ENTRYWAY
The choice of green seen in the framed feature wall and mashrabiya style privacy screen, which sculpturally separates the main entryway from the living spaces, draws on the vivid hues of a peacock feather to create a striking statement.
KITCHEN
Originally a large open-plan space, the kitchen was reconfigured to allow for the addition of a family den-cum-TV room, connected visually by a sliding internal window. Dhruv’s culinary domain, the kitchen has been designed to deliver uncluttered practicality with a hidden pantry, ample storage, and sleek granite countertops in the colour Shiva Gold. With a duo of cats also part of the family, there’s even a cosy little built-in cat nook to enjoy.
MASTER BATHROOM
A radical transformation was needed in the bathroom with the layout flipped to open up the room and optimise available space. “Elegant and classy was our objective and I think this really shines through. With natural light also allowed to flood in, the green of the Bagnodesign slab tiling plays to the natural world aesthetic with gold swirls and veining elevating the visual effect,” says Cinzia. An oversized walk-in rain shower won out over a shower and bath, with matte gold fixtures offsetting the glossy finishes and green cabinetry pulling it all together. Puja’s favourite room in the home, there’s even a hidden cabinet behind the floor-length mirror.
WALK-IN CLOSET
“A five-star hotel suite with separate walk-in closet was the idea behind reimagining the existing master bedroom footprint to create this fantastic his ‘n’ hers area,” says Cinzia. Fifth Avenue Interiors was responsible for the expertly fitted wall-to-wall wardrobes, with a stylish central island to complete the look. High-end chevron effect PVC flooring delivers soft warmth and a hint of Parisian luxury.
MASTER BEDROOM
A skylight was a wishlist item initially, but Puja fell in love with the suggestion of a wallpaper treatment that would be both a guaranteed talking point and soporific design motif. “The detail is exquisite and the transition between the ceiling and the sky outside feels effortless,” Cinzia shares. The wallpaper is complemented by the grey-blue toned paint finish behind the bed, which has a nebulous quality of
its own.
TERRACE
An expansive outdoor terrace runs the length of the apartment and floor-to-ceiling windows fronting the lounge and dining area can be easily slid back to connect and open up the dual aspects to double the living space. The decision to remove the threshold sill enhances the sense of seamless continuity. A feature wall dressed with textured interlaced tiles and high-end faux greenery adds a touch of welcoming whimsical levity.
Want to know more? Reach out to Marco and Cinzia at info@smartrenovation.ae