Interiors

EMIRATI-AN RHAPSODY

May 19, 2023

HITTING THE MARK AS A DUO, COVET HOUSE AND VYDE STUDIO CONCEIVE A MAGNIFICENT EMIRATI MANSION WITH A CONTRASTING YET CONGRUOUS MIX OF WARM TONES AND ACHROMATIC ACCENT PIECES UNDER AN INVITING BLANKET OF MODERN CLASSIC AESTHETICS.

Unbeknownst to none, the glittering metropolis of Dubai is more than just the motherland of the neofuturistic Burj Khalifa. It is the epitome of a palatial sense of living, as exemplified by the grandiose two-storey mansion conceived from the partnership between Covet House and Vyde Studio. Founded by Mahmoud Sherif, the latter employs a panoply of furniture, lighting and accessories sourced from the former in a variety of finishes, materials and hues to invoke an overall outcome which promises power and opulence yet warmth and comfort upon entry. 

Entirely in unison with the architecture of the duplex, the elements incorporated not only provide a rich, exuberant aesthetic that is symbolic of the Middle Eastern culture but exudes a rather sober, almost poetic appeal overall. Opting for the timeless modern classic aesthetic, the nine-room residence is splashed with earthy tones mixed with an achromatic colour palette to allow the extravagant details to do all the talking. 

Heralding the luxe to come is the enormous foyer, cementing a strong marble presence through the spiral staircase with transparent fluted glass rails. Complimenting the grand but welcoming ambience aside from the intricately patterned rugs is Caffe Latte’s light brown Cassia Modular Sofa, its upholstered form inviting sophisticated comfort. Representing ultra-modernity are DelightFULL’s white Coltrane and Ike suspension lamps while the gold tones of the Luxxu Pharo Wall lamps and Beyond Console Table pay tribute to Dubai’s shining features.

Splashed in soothing shades of white, the wainscoted living room with a marble fireplace takes a step back without forfeiting an ounce of refinement to allow certain pieces, say the stone-like statue, to stand out from the crowd. Fluid in shape to imbibe dynamism and youthfully compliment the more classic elements of the room is the curvy furniture; white, nude, beige and brown define the area while a deep orange armchair stands out from the crowd. Mirroring the sleek pattern of the black-and-white rug that both matches and contrasts the chevron wooden flooring is the linear lighting used, most notably Brabbu’s modern Horus II Suspension lamp and DelightFULL’s mid-century modern floor lamps. 

Sharing an open space, hence aesthetic, with the aforementioned room is the dining room. However, it sticks to a more monochrome palette with the Olympian white marble dining table positioned as the subtly striking centrepiece, thanks to the brushed aged brass strip around the leg. Highlighting this elegant area in dramatic fashion is the Horus II Suspension lamp. 

Taking a sombre turn is the service bathroom, classically influenced as evidenced by the exquisite boiserie, silver chandelier and detailed ceiling work. Its grey walls are uplifted with pops of navy blue in the abstract painting and cracked flooring along with striking gold touches, especially the intricate golden frame behind the mirror and the golden crack from the theatrical Lapiaz Freestanding by Maison Valentina.

Swept in white once again, the master bedroom encapsulates the balance between classic architecture and contemporary furniture; however, the latter opts for a black-and-white colour palette to imbue a touch of elegant contrast. For example, the Chateau Bed from Luxxu pairs well with the cream ottoman, sharing a similarity in geometric patterns for a modern feel. The traditionally detailed fireplace frame and modern D. Dinis Fragmented Mirror is another form of period intermingling done right. 

The master bathroom employs an all-black background that allows the light-hued but flamboyant pieces, such as Maison Valentina’s Diamond Bathtub and Symphony Washbasin with refined golden tubes, to take centre stage. Providing a final touch of finesse is the Matheny Round Suspension Lamp from DelightFULL, a true statement of luxury. 

Going the exact opposite route in the interpretation of soothing and calm is the guest bedroom, shrouded in black to make a statement. Organic shapes and patterns soften the space while boldly standing out in design via the Hera Suspension Lamp from Boca do Lobo and the Cell Rug from Rug’Society. Brabbu’s Colosseum II Console achieves the same effect but through a more discreet and functional approach

Feminine and ethereal, the little girl’s bedroom is a dreamy retreat inspired by the enchanted forest. Whimsical white details from Circu elevate the space into another realm, starting with the cloud bed and suspension lamp to the butterfly chair and white peacock decor. Staying loyal to the theme while injecting colour is the deep blue round rug, depicting a magical night sky. 

A true work of art, the office-cum-library is a masterclass in fierce design. Immediately capturing the eye is the golden chandelier, enormous back-lit bookcase and zebra-like rug with gold hued detailing that compliments the mustard yellow armchairs. Speaking of which, the soft upholstery of the armchairs is the perfect antonym for the harshness of the black marble Nougat desk by Caffe Latte. 

Grand but welcoming, this splendiferous sanctuary exemplifies the divine marriage between the classic and the contemporary, not to mention the decadent but convivial atmosphere associated with Middle Eastern culture – talk about the best of both worlds.

For more information, please visit www.studiovyde.com & www.covethouse.eu