Nakkash Design Studio creates a tropical modernist paradise in Dubai’s Meadows – Design Middle East
When the house was purchased in 2021, it had already been lived-in for a few years and its interiors were typical of the cookie cut villas in the locality. The couple desired a modern makeover infused with warmth and personality, an overhaul that would transform the villa into a cosy family home, a welcoming space to entertain guests and a place to house their eclectic art collection acquired during their time in the Far East.
House with a View
During the site visit, the villa’s prime location and access to extraordinary views of the lake became apparent to the design team. Inspired by this, the award-winning, multi-disciplinary practice took on a contextual approach to the redesign centred around blurring the lines between indoor-outdoor living experience while maximizing the views.
The villa’s open plan, large windows, soft boundaries between inside/outside spaces, use of plants, natural materials, and extensive presence of furniture from Brazil and Bali give the interiors a distinct touch of tropical modernism.
Design Director Omar Nakkash’s years of experience buying and curating furniture, artwork and accessories for his renowned family business – Nakkash, is reflected in the outstanding attention to detail and FF&E design for the project.
Warm welcome
The main entrance door opens into a light and airy living room with an uninterrupted view of the lush backyard and the lake beyond.
The remodelled flooring comprising of light grey ceramic tiles in large format gives a sense of continuity. A rectangular patch of smaller tiles with semi-circular motif pleasantly interjects the space, imparting a vintage art deco feel. The centrepiece is a Barcelona Day Bed in golden tan leather, a 1930 classic by Mies van der Rohe.
The seating area at the far end of the room facing the large window, is a neatly arranged symphony of Brazilian furniture. The layout is deliberately symmetrical to create balance and an atmosphere of conviviality.
An abstract painting from an artist in Bali, a migrant captured in a series of mixed media prints, and reductionist portraits of native Americans captured on a large width fabric from the House of Pierre Frey are some of the striking pieces of art in the room.
Other characteristic elements include bespoke wooden doors with tiny circular panes, sculptural mirrors, a flamboyant Vertigo Pendant Lamp from Petite Friture and twin heavy bottomed book cases in walnut wood and brass filling the empty corners and anchoring the space with their presence.
Bonding spaces
To the left of the main entrance is the heart of the home – the family’s private dining area abuzz with activity during mealtimes. This intimate space was specially crafted by expanding the footprint of the villa. Awash with natural light from a large step-out window and the skylight above, the space has a soothing view into the landscaped lawn. The space is made extra cosy with a round table for five and a picture wall decorated with family portraits.
Adjoining the family room, separated by a sliding door, is a formal dining space for 8 with cane and walnut wood chairs set around a sleek white table. An accent wall covered with panels of olive-green sisal offers the perfect background for a whimsical installation – a dozen giant broken eggs with luminous gold leaf interiors, created by Dann Foley for Phillips Collection.
A meditative figure perched on the console table, a simple carved wood totem pole from Brazil and a series of four multi-media gold leaf paintings are the other touches of art in the space.
A small curtain wall serves the dual function of creating a separation between the formal dining and the living space and whilst offering additional gallery space to hang precious work of art.
East meets West
The interiors of the TV room combine influences from the family’s far eastern past and elements of contemporary western living. Lines and curves meet harmoniously to create a sense of ease.
A comfy L-shaped sofa – a TV room essential, sculptural wall scones, a set of 4 wood carvings from Hongkong, stately armchairs from Brazil, and an assortment of round coffee tables define the space.
Place of pause
The staircase, often a dismissible architectural element, gets a dramatic uplift in this residence.
The curved wall encasing the flight of stairs is treated in textured brown wallcovering to compliment the Omani beige marble on the steps, one of the few elements retained from the original design. A solid concrete balustrade painted in stark white lends the staircase its winding sculptural quality, elevating it from the utilitarian to the artistic.
The dead space under the stairs is converted into a place of pause with a Brazilian armchair in walnut wood and cane, a black coffee table and a cloud-shaped handmade rug from Hands. An Amazon driftwood table piece and a caramel brown crystal orb are finishing touches that add to the sculptural poise of the space.
Tranquil Outdoors
The landscaping and outdoor design by Nakkash is a dream in blues, greens and touches of brown.
A 4x8m pergola shelters the lounge and dining area finished with treated wooden flooring and handpicked outdoor furniture. A full-length sofa and armchairs from the Kobo collection by Stephane De Winter for Manutti is singular for its structure made entirely of hand-woven rope around welded aluminium frames while Dedon’s AIIR chairs by GamFratesi set around a table for 8, elevates the outdoor dining experience. Bright green accessories give the space an extra pop.
A tropical vibe is constructed through the cohesion of several elements: the overflow pool seemingly blending into the lake, rich lawns, palm shrubs and two deliciously comfortable lounge chairs and foot rests that appear to conspire under the shade of the frangipani.
An amalgam of inspiration from Bali, Brazil, Hongkong and Dubai, Villa 28 by Nakkash Design Studio is nothing short of a retreat. Simple and harmonious, it is an unexpected sultry oasis in Dubai’s urban habitat.
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