The luminous dome-shaped window, reminiscent of a crystal, which opens up endless possibilities for natural light to flow, plays a pivotal role in transforming the attic space HG-31 in the heart of Oslo into a true architectural gem. This unique renovation project is the result of the joint efforts of the development company Predio and the Ukrainian architectural firm IK-architects.
One of the main goals of the project team was to create a functional and cosy space that would allow residents to infuse their personal elements into the interior. Through carefully thought-out planning, the lower level of the apartment is divided into two main zones: the public zone (with a foyer and a kitchen-living area) and the private zone (with two bedrooms and a bathroom). In the central part of the upper level, there is a mezzanine - a relaxation area and an open terrace, perfect for barbecues and relaxation with incredible views of the city and the fjord.
However, the main highlight of the apartment is the polygonal window, which became a key architectural element. Its crystal-like form not only adds uniqueness and sophistication to the space but also allows abundant natural light to enter, giving the living space a distinctive character. Moreover, this window opens up breathtaking views of the historic part of the city and the modern residential quarter.
In the HG-31 project, a strong emphasis was placed on using natural materials such as parquet flooring and wooden decorative elements. These details add warmth and a natural feel to the apartment, as well as unify all the rooms into a single, organic space.
This project serves as a shining example of collaboration between two outstanding teams - Predio and IK-architects - who have combined their knowledge and creative talents to create a modern, stylish, and functional living space in the historic heart of Oslo. This realisation is not only a testament to high quality but also an embodiment of the aspiration to improve the quality of life in cities through sustainable development and the enhancement of design and functionality in real estate.
Development company Predio focuses on loft conversions in Oslo. The capital's best locations are selected for new developments, and luxury apartments, penthouses and townhouses that are outstanding property investments are built with design, specification and purpose in mind.
Predio aims to improve the quality of life in cities through sustainable development, through deep knowledge and experience in residential and commercial real estate development.
The Ukrainian architectural bureau IK-architects has been developing design projects for more than 10 years. Key stylistic trends: Scandinavian design, minimalism, eclectic combination of current styles and trends. IK-architects has been cooperating with Predio for several years. The HG-31 project was created in collaboration between leading Predio architects and IK-architects designers.
Developer company Predio Svein Stokke, Andrii Soloviov, Andriy Ponomarenko
Interior design by IK-architects Kateryna Yarova, Khrystyna Stavytska
Furniture manufacturing Lachma Construction physics - COWI
Year: 2022 Location Oslo, Norway Area: 87 m2. The year of construction is 1988
About IK-architects Good design is not visible, good architecture is imperceptible – it's just a comfortable state and space for the user; but this is a colossal effort and knowledge for the designer.
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Mansfield House, our recent installation for a wonderful repeat client in Berkshire.
The clients wanted a contemporary and unique new kitchen to replace the traditional shaker style kitchen they inherited when they moved into their beautiful home, an old coach house with stunning views over a lake.
Everyone thought they were mad to take out the perfectly fine existing kitchen, cream shaker with granite worktops and Miele appliances, but the clients really wanted the kitchen to wow and work for them and their young family.
Having worked with the clients on their previous 2 kitchen projects we knew they were open to ideas and really wanted a much more contemporary cutting-edge space. The scheme had to look individual and stunning with cutting edge Gaggenau appliances throughout, for the keen cook in the house.
We teamed our sleek Italian handle less furniture units in dark soft grey with the stunning tropical storm granite wall cladding, its beautiful organic veining and iridescent properties just shine through and bring a unique, individual element to the project.
Then uber practical Quartz Rokface Luna textured worktops were used on the 5-metre island and hob run add depth and texture to the scheme. Brass accents finish off the look, featuring bespoke artisan painted bronze wall units with a pitted, aged antique brass finish and patinated brass Quooker tap and Dowsing & Reynolds handles on the larder unit to compliment the brass flashes. Gaggenau appliances were the only choice for this discerning client, we went all out with the with the 400 series used throughout, a coffee machine, warming drawer, oven, steam oven, Vario Cool fridge freezer and flex induction hob.
A wine room really ties the space to the dining and living areas and the clients absolutely love the space that reflects their family, as individual as they are.
About Elementi Cucina LTD
Here at Elementi Cucina we create beautiful bespoke Interiors for your private residence, development, retail space or show home. Working with the finest kitchen, bedroom and lifestyle furniture manufactures, we can create timeless interior solutions for your home. Renowned worldwide for their design flair we believe that luxury Italian furniture & kitchen brands have it all. Flexibility in manufacturing, colour palette, veneers and high end quality. As designers, this gives us the ability to create truly unique spaces. As an addition to this Elementi Cucina has its own Taylor Made solutions made in the UK. By working closely with our design team and our highly skilled craftsmen/women we can produce one off creations for your space.
The client envisioned various future uses for the apartment, be it for potential sale or lease. With this in mind, the team crafted a versatile and timeless interior design. They curated a selection of art pieces meticulously, aiming to infuse the space with both visual charm and individuality, ensuring its appeal in the real estate market.
Balancing an attractive design with the need for comfort in a diverse living environment presented a significant challenge. Designing a rental apartment project to suit various tenants' needs demands careful attention to detail and foresight for future adaptability.
The core idea behind this design approach was to combine the simplicity of minimalism with the allure of vibrant elements seamlessly. The aim was to strike a delicate balance where clean lines, spaciousness, and neutral colours peacefully complemented bold and captivating decorative features.
The lively and understated interior features eye-catching Mad burgundy chairs and highlights a Poliform carpet with a deep blue gradient. Meghan floor lamps, designed by Nataly Bolshakova and strategically placed near the chest of drawers, create mesmerising patterns of light. Chic Poliform sofas are complemented by decorative pillows from Hermes, while indoor sculptures by Nazar Bilyk add to the ambiance, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The Poliform kitchen features beige and glossy surfaces, complemented by grey Sitland bar stools. Above the Poliform dining table hangs a pendant lamp with a sleek design from Artemide. Adding to the interior's charm is an impressive painting by Anatoly Krivolap.
The luxurious style of the Delavega light bed is elevated by the Contardi curved lamps. A Lora Piano terracotta blanket adds a striking accent beside the Poliform Sara mirror, while the soft carpet's edging from Lora Piano brings cohesion to the space. The bedroom's symmetry and volume are accentuated by a mirrored chest of drawers with distinct features and dark Poliform sideboards.
The bathroom presents a striking contrast with its black and white colour scheme, featuring distinctive marble-textured tiles sourced from Atlas Concorde. Modern lamps from SLV and fixtures from Paffoni further enhance the space.
For this space, Bolshakova Interiors has incorporated Poliform furniture in dark wood and leather. Poliform armchairs, upholstered in Lora Piano fabric, are positioned near the window. The Meghan table lamp, designed by Nataly Bolshakova, provides subtle lighting for the desk area. The office is designed with a minimalist ethos, removing unnecessary distractions to cultivate a focused environment for work and reading.
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine Total Area: 285.5 sq.m Team: Nataly Bolshakova, Anna Denisenko, Alyona Grigorenko, Julia Artyukh, Marina Senko
About Bolshakova Interiors
Bolshakova Interiors is an international interior design studio that specializes in exclusive private residences worldwide. The team comprises experienced interior designers, architects, and project managers. Offering a bespoke service, it provides unparalleled expertise from the design concept to the selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories. The result is an exciting design journey that is fully customized to meet each client’s wishes, delivering exceptional results.
"Snidanishna" is a new story of Ukrainian cuisine in the centre of Kharkiv, which was opened in March 2024. The interior design of "Snidanishna" was realised by the team of the Ukrainian architectural bureau IK-architects.
Snidanishna is a story about the gastronomic, cultural, and ethnographic traditions of Ukraine in a modern interpretation. The project aims to popularise Ukrainian culture and enhance Ukrainian flavour in interior design. This is a unique space, which includes a café, bakery, and souvenir shops of local goods. By researching and analysing the traditions of multiple different regions of Ukraine, the IK-architects team found interesting solutions for an environmentally aware interior that cherishes traditions.
Snidanishna is an example of a combination of historical traditions and their modern use. The project is located in a picturesque area of the city of Kharkiv in the east of Ukraine — it is an example of stability, faith, and love for one's country.
"We followed the principles of traditional Ukrainian house design — with a central entrance, a meeting area and two large rooms-halls on both sides," says Kateryna Yarova, chief architect of IK-architects, who worked with the team on the interior of the facility.
The interior of “Snidanishna” is a collective image of Ukrainian culture, which treats heritage with care and respect, integrating traditions into modernity. Emphasis is placed on changing the functions of using traditional Ukrainian materials. That is how the shingle, the material of the roof, turned into an art object with an oblique cut, and the reed found a second life in the central panel measuring 2 x 1.5 metres. The design was followed by the principles of traditional Ukrainian house design — with a central entrance, a meeting area, and two large rooms-halls on both sides.
Ukrainian colour traditions, such as red and cool-toned green, are intertwined with the latest global colour trends in design. Ukrainian modern minimalism with ethnic elements: a combination of simple, linear forms with traditional Ukrainian colours, motifs, and patterns — our own national identity — we create a modern, high-quality, Ukrainian space in which you want to live and work.
The geography of the institution's interior items stretches from the East to the West of Ukraine. The reeds for the large panel were taken from Stryi, the tapestry with Zmiyevsky cliffs from the Kharkiv region, the dishes for serving dishes were hand-crafted in Opishnya, Poltava region, and the furniture was made by Ukrainian industrial designers.
“I am proud that more than 90% of our interior was made by Ukrainian craftsmen,” says Kateryna Yarova.
Design studio, Bolshakova Interiors, looked to a world of famous legends and iconic book characters when designing the new office for the international gamedev (game development) company AB Games.
“We wanted to break the stereotype of a teenage style office design in the gaming industry and show how a creative spirit can reside in a sophisticated grown-up design”, - said Nataly Bolshakova, founder and lead designer at Bolshakova Interiors.
The primary objective of the studio's project for designers was to craft a vibrant space conducive to the creation of virtual worlds, ensuring utmost comfort for the workers. The client sought a contemporary interior with a restrained yet playful and imaginative essence, reflecting the creative DNA of the AB Games team throughout every corner.
“Our solution was to pick a dark colour theme as a canvas on which some interior areas are highlighted with the help of deep blue, red, or yellow. We also left tones of space and white walls for AB Games workers so they would inhabit and fulfil it with their own creativity,” – comments Nataly Bolshakova.
AB Games advocates for a flexible work environment, empowering employees to choose when and where they work. In alignment with this ethos, architects allocated a significant portion of the 2,800 square metre space to social interaction areas, including a canteen, library, bar, kitchen, several spacious terraces, and communal rooms. These social spaces, designed with an open layout, are interspersed with secluded areas dedicated to focused and uninterrupted work. A distinctive red corridor, illuminated with LED backlighting, serves as a transition zone between the formal work areas and informal communal spaces, symbolising a shift between relaxation and productivity.
A beloved feature of the office is the "DoubleWin" built-in bar, where a skilled barista brews fresh coffee each morning, transitioning to offering homemade cocktails for late-night workers. The "Katleta" kitchen, named after traditional Ukrainian meat patties, is strategically separated from the canteen to prevent mingling food aromas. The library, housing a diverse array of comics and fantasy books, serves as a serene haven for employees seeking inspiration for new games. Restrooms feature inventive door indicators inspired by Star Wars characters, conceived and developed by AB Games' award-winning in-house design team.
The CEO's office exudes a distinctive style compared to the rest of the office interior, characterised by a neutral beige color scheme, refined solid wood accents, and a minimalist atmosphere. Notable design elements include a bespoke table crafted by Bertolotto from solid walnut with a unique pattern, a sleek suspension lamp by Flos, luxurious armchairs by Poltrona Frau, and a special edition wallpaper by Hermes featuring a city silhouette.
AB Games office is located on the 10th floor of a newly constructed building, overlooking the historical hills. According to the legend, the city of Kyiv was established on this place in the 5th century by three brothers, Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and their sister Lybid. They were so fascinated with the natural beauty of the hilly green shores of the Dnipro river that they immediately decided to found there a great city for Slavic tribes. The name Kyiv was given after Kyi, the eldest of the brothers.
“It is a place where the story of Ukraine’s capital begins, the origin of all great legends we have in our history. Therefore, we feel that it is really inspiring to be here and spread our passion for beautiful virtual places around the world” – Anton Bolshakov, founder of the AB Games.
The Bolshakova Interiors team meticulously addressed the specific technical requirements and intricate details for each department. For instance, every meeting room features a sound isolation system for both the floor and walls, while the open space area is equipped with transparent shelf partitions. In the designer's room, blackout curtains and a diffuse reflection lighting system were installed to prevent any shadows that might distort the colours of drawings.
The interior style is characterised by sophisticated minimalism, prioritising both comfort and functionality. Among the notable design brands featured in the project are upholstery furniture from B&B and Poltrona Frau, wallpapers by Hermes, suspension lighting from Luce&Light and Flos, the Mesh lamp designed by Francisco Gomez Paz for Luceplan, and the iconic Magic Spun chair by Thomas Heatherwick for Herman Miller, among others.
Project name – AB Games Kyiv studio Location – historical center of Kyiv, Ukraine Project space – 2800 sq. m. Design studio - Bolshakova Interiors Team members: Nataly Bolshakova, Julia Artyh, Nataliia Pavlova, Olga Boiko Photographer - Andrey Avdeenko Project completion date - December 2021
Basement spaces exude cosiness and charm, but subterranean living is not without risk, as this family in St John’s Wood sadly discovered when their home suffered a flood. Happily, they turned the disaster into an opportunity and enlisted the help of Charlie Smallbone from Ledbury Studio to give new life to their cooking, eating and living space.
For this project, Charlie created a new open-plan kitchen-living-media room, along with a utility and a master ensuite bathroom. Pale oak, illuminated quartzite and brass accents are just a few of the materials Charlie used to bring light into this basement space. Here, he elaborates on how the designs came together.
I designed the kitchen area to take advantage of the sun, which slants down through the windows in the morning. The family can sit at the breakfast bar and enjoy it while sipping a coffee. The working area of the kitchen is separated from the more formal dining area by a peninsula, the back of which forms the upholstered bench seating. This not only provides a comfortable solution for longer dinner parties, but also maximises the space available.
We selected a classic oak for the cupboards, which was sanded back to expose the grain and then coated with a pale pigmented wash. This treatment allows the natural beauty of the Ember - which is book matched across the furniture - to shine through while keeping the overall look of the cupboards light. To achieve a contemporary aesthetic, the base cabinets are handleless and the wall cupboards feature on-trend ribbed glass. Additionally, the wall cupboards have patinated brass handles that match the brass surrounds and kick plate on the base cupboards.
A notable feature is the sink, crafted from hardwearing Diamond quartzite. Not only does it have a stunning appearance, but it also catches the morning sunlight. We used the same material for the worktops, which we edged in patinated brass and underlit. This, together with LED lighting above and below the cupboards, adds real wow factor after nightfall.
The media room is an extension of the kitchen-dining space, so I continued the design of the furniture here to create a visual connection. I’ve used the same pale-washed oak to create fitted alcove drawers and cupboards. Additionally, there is a fireplace surround made from Diamond quartzite and patinated brass, along with a built-in TV. For the cupboard doors, we chose a sophisticated opaque bronze glass, which is illuminated by warm lighting to showcase the interior.
To maximise the use of the compact utility room, we installed oak cupboards that match the finish of the kitchen. These cupboards extend all the way to the ceiling and are illuminated at the top to create the illusion of height and provide practical light in this otherwise dark space. The furniture was custom designed to accommodate the washing machine, dryer, large fridge, and freezer. We also included tall pull-out cupboards for additional storage, ensuring that everything has its place. Additionally, we utilised the space under the window by installing a small sink for added convenience.
To maintain design continuity throughout the house, we carried key materials into the master ensuite bathroom. For the double vanity, we used pale-washed oak and Diamond quartzite, incorporating both open and drawer storage. The vanity also features patinated brass handles, adding a touch of elegance. A stunning point of difference, however, are the hand-painted mirrored panels in the cupboards placed either side of the mirror, which were designed to pick out the colours of the beautiful basins.
Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.
About Ledbury Studio Ltd
Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.
A modernised country house, embracing integrity and harmony with its surroundings as core design principles. The client's foremost requirement was ample space, a contrast to the confined living spaces of their city apartments. As this was the family's inaugural country residence, the client was brimming with ideas, making the project both emotionally charged and thrilling.
In order to maintain tranquility and blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, architects ingeniously integrated the house into the existing terrain.
Upon entering through the main door, one is greeted by the first floor, housing four bedrooms. The ground floor encompasses a shared space comprising the kitchen, dining area, and living room. At the core of this level lies the "heart of the house" – a welcoming fireplace that encapsulates the dreams of all family members. "I always wanted to have a large living room so that we could gather together in the evenings by the fireplace," – admits a client. However, the central feature on the ground floor is the staircase, boasting wooden steps, transparent glass railings, and handrails clad in leather. Every space is meticulously arranged with discreet elegance, tailored to its specific function.
The house's design carefully considers the movement patterns of its occupants, eliminating unnecessary elements like corridors and cramped passages. Its architecture features clean lines complemented by the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. With windows oriented towards the garden, each room offers picturesque views of the verdant surroundings. To preserve a tree on the porch, architects ingeniously integrated it into the roof structure, creating a unique opening to accommodate its crown.
In this house, the interior design revolves around the use of natural, tactile materials such as marble, quartzite, wood, textiles, glass, and leather. With a focus on simplicity and minimalism, dark finishes were predominantly chosen to create a space devoid of unnecessary clutter. "I really like contrasting solutions, especially if the light interior is diluted with opposite shades," - says Nataly Bolshakova, founder and head of the studio Bolshakova Interiors.
At the heart of the living room stands a spacious modular U-shaped sofa, serving as the focal point of the space. Flanking the fireplace are two exquisite floor lamps, custom-designed by Natalya Bolshakova for this project. The milky-wood hue dominates the living room, complemented by a smoky blue carpet. In the guest bathroom, a palette of black and white marble sets the tone, while teak accents are incorporated to add warmth and soften the contrast.
The dining area is elegantly minimalist, centered around a large table accompanied by chairs, comfortably seating eight individuals. Warm diffused light emanates from a horizontal lamp overhead. Setting the tone for the dining room is an abstract urbanist panel titled "Day," a component of the triptych "A Walk in the City," envisioned by Northern Irish illustrator Nigel Peek for the House of Hermès. The vibrant colours and geometric shapes of the panels extend their influence into the living room, expertly transformed by the designer into a focal point of the entire interior.
Situated within the interior, the kitchen area is visually distinguished from the dining room by employing different flooring materials. To prevent the sense of confinement, glass panels were seamlessly integrated into the storage system facades, enveloping one entire wall. Through clever use of reflections, the illusion of additional windows was ingeniously created. The kitchen island, adorned with quartzite and seemingly floating above the floor, stands as the centrepiece and the most formidable challenge of the project. Achieving the illusion of absolute weightlessness demanded exceptional expertise and close collaboration between the designer and construction teams.
Design brands included: furniture – Poliform, chandelier – Flos, bathroom unit – Gessi, wallpaper - GLAMORA S.r.l, lighting – Penta, Lladró, S.A., Santa & Cole, lounge furniture – Röshults, flooring - Atlas Concorde, tiles – Margres, rug - Designers Guild.
Total Area — 350m2 m2 Team — Nataly Bolshakova, Anna Denisenko, Alena Grigorenko Photo — Andrey Avdeenko
Awards and Prize: The DNA Paris Design Awards 2022 — Winner The DNA Paris Design Awards 2022 — Honorable Mention The International Design Awards 2022 — Honorable Mention SBID International Design Awards 2021 — shortlisted London International Creative Competition – Official Selection
Who doesn’t love a converted barn set in the middle of the country fields where you can see a herd of deer run across the back garden?
Katie Malik's clients purchased this stunning property back in 2016 and struggled to set the right vibe for their open plan living area and mezzanine level room. Our clients aspired to create a harmonious open plan that had better storage, more custom-made furniture that was crafted to fit the space and the style. They wanted to live in a home that spoke quiet luxury and had strong preferences for warm greys with strong navy blues, accents of orange and copper hues. We’ve integrated all these colours in joinery, furniture and soft furnishings. Audio integration was another very important component as our client is an audio expert. In order to achieve the best integration we worked together with Chardome Bespoke Furniture to create a perfect joinery layout for these very special speakers.
The clients played a pivotal role in setting the direction for this design. They wanted to turn the mezzanine into a music room, which proposed a challenge considering it’s an open plan. It’s hard to believe this space used to work mainly as storage for books, vinyl records and artwork, a it is now a perfectly curated music lounge, where our clients enjoy listening to their beautiful collection of music. To help with the noise we picked a wall covering with acoustic properties from Arte Walls. This wall covering has a beautiful relief with a chenille fabric finish that gives it a three-dimensional effect.
To create a contemporary feel in originally a very non-contemporary space, we needed to incorporate many clean lines, and as you can see, this is how the joinery has been crafted. The main sitting area joinery features our clients’ bespoke speakers that you can also have custom made to fit your space the sound that comes out of them is absolutely brilliant - you can find all technical details on the Unity Audio website.
Since we had to incorporate a lot of audio equipment to create that perfectly balanced audio experience, we felt leaving the top part of the joinery open to display beautiful objects (among the speakers) was the right direction to go. We think the effect is absolutely stunning.
The dining area cabinets are one of my favourite pieces – they have stunning colours inside, a mix of Shale and Montana Agate from Benjamin Moore that tie in with the colour scheme and have a perfect mix of open and closed storage - all of it hidden behind the sliding doors that are a great space saver, ideal for the dining area. Watch the video of the cabinet internals on our Youtube channel.
On the mezzanine level, we have opted for more blended in joinery that houses our clients’ vinyl record collections. The cabinets were crafted to envelop the existing beams, and although none of the walls in the barn is straight, the bespoke joinery looks as if they have always been there. Another piece of bespoke joinery crafted for the space was the area under the stairs – one cupboard is for coats, and another one for shoes - since this area is located so close to the main entrance it was an obvious choice.
Glass balustrade has helped us also add a touch of contemporary appeal to the space – the glass clean lines and transparency really help bounce the light and help view the space as much larger. We recovered the steps in a thick, boucle like carpet to soften the sharp lines of the glass.
This space wouldn’t be same without a completely new lighting plan. I never stop emphasising the integral role of lighting in creating a cohesive design. Even if you design the most beautiful joinery and create the most perfect space layout, if you underestimate the role of lighting, all of that hard work will go to waste.
The previous lighting layout was insufficient, and this was the main trigger for our clients to reach out to interior designers to redesign the space so it catered for that aspect of design. Together with Studio EG, we worked to create a perfect lighting scheme- we have added over 30 mini spotlights to light the space and highlight stunning beams that were kept from the original barn. We also placed linear LEDs on the top of a few beams. We found a perfect lighting feature above the dining room from Visual Comfort, and added both linear LEDs and spotlights in the joinery. I’m very proud of our stunning tubes joinery feature that incorporates mini spotlights from Phos. It also incorporates a non-bespoke shelf from Nordic Home- and this proves how a good design can beautifully marry both bespoke and non-bespoke items.
The finish of these tubes matched to the legs of the custom-made sofa made by Linea Luxe - the L shape of the sofa was a clear choice for the space as it helps to zone the sitting part of the open space plan. Our clients were a bit wary of too many strong patterns, so we only introduced them in small quantities in the bespoke cushions and wallpapers – if you look closely, the patterns are very subtly similar and vary in sizes – that’s the secret to keep the scheme well-balanced. In addition, you do need plains and textures, but the space here already offered plenty of textured beams, so we mainly focused on adding plains and patterns.
The project started in September 2023 and was completed just in time for Christmas the same year. Although the space looked absolutely magical with a large Christmas Tree, I feel it still does, even without it.
About Katie Malik Studio Ltd.
Established in 2014, we are a multi award-winning Cambridge based interior design studio. We work globally, specialising in luxurious private residential interiors. We create exceptional designs, taking a holistic approach to the way spaces will be used and enjoyed. Through detailed visual package, attention to the smallest details paired with the professionalism & toughness to handle large projects from start to finish, we turn an otherwise overwhelming process into an exciting and deeply satisfying experience.
Nestled under a perpetually starlit sky, a remarkable embodiment of Italian elegance unfolds within the luxurious precincts of Palm Jumeirah - Dorchester Collection, Dubai. This tale, however, is not solely about architectural finesse or interior design marvels. It's a narrative deeply rooted in the tradition, innovation, and unmatched craftsmanship that Palazzo Morelli brings to one of the most coveted addresses in the world. As the chosen fit-out contractor and bespoke furniture specialist for this ambitious project, Palazzo Morelli's journey in crafting this modern apartment's interior is a testament to the ethos of Italian elegance, seamlessly merged with the avant-garde of design.
The mission was clear yet formidable: to conceive and execute the interior design of a private two-level, 900 square meter apartment in just six months. The vision, spearheaded by the architectural prowess of Studio D73, was to infuse the space with an elegant yet relaxing ambiance, communicating an instant sense of timeless tranquility. Studio D73, renowned for its distinctive Italian style, chose to collaborate with Palazzo Morelli, entrusting us with the significant responsibility of turning their conceptual pillars into reality.
The first step in our journey was a bold chromatic evolution. We undertook the lightening of the original dark flooring by manually removing the surface color layer, repainting doors, and technical wardrobe fronts, thereby advocating for a more sustainable and ecologically sensitive approach. This initiative set the tone for the project, emphasizing our commitment to not just aesthetic beauty but environmental responsibility.
Central to our ethos is the belief that true luxury lies in customization. The living spaces, particularly the grand double-height living room, became a canvas for our craftsmanship. Introducing a new volume to demarcate the dining and kitchen area from the living space, we incorporated iconic design elements like the Q2 chandelier by Baxter, which mirrored the urban luminescence of Dubai's skyline. Our choice of white marble for the dining table, coffee table, and kitchen island underscored our dedication to materials that epitomize luxury and longevity.
This project allowed us to inject bespoke furniture solutions that resonate with modern Italian design across the apartment. From the dynamic dining area lit by Sicis suspensions to the sculptural staircase that bridges the public and private realms of the apartment, Palazzo Morelli's signature is evident in every detail. The master bedrooms, with their luxurious finishes and advanced technological features, showcase our capacity to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs.
Our role extended beyond furniture into transforming spaces to evoke elegance and movement. The corridor leading to the living areas was reimagined with decorative panels, Rubelli wallpaper, and custom mirrors, illustrating our holistic approach to interior design. Each guest room and communal space was treated as a unique opportunity to showcase innovation, functionality, and aesthetic coherence.
The second living area, with its Sampei floor lamps by Davide Groppi, highlights the architectural volumes, while the integration of sophisticated lighting solutions ensures that attention remains on the meticulously designed interiors. Our intervention in the kitchen area, illuminated by nearly invisible Shanghai suspensions, speaks to our dedication to subtlety and efficiency.
The terraces of the apartment presented a unique challenge, bridging indoor elegance with the natural beauty of Dubai. Our redesign focused on creating distinct areas for conviviality and rest, utilizing teak furniture from Roda and a modernized jacuzzi, all under a newly conceived lighting scheme that enhances functionality and atmosphere.
Under the project leadership of Arch. Andrea Viganò and Arch. Natalia Tretyakova, and through the artistic vision of Arch. Andrea Viganò & Arch. Marco Vismara, Palazzo Morelli has not only contributed to a residence but has sculpted a living experience that stands as a beacon of Italian craftsmanship in Dubai. This project, captured beautifully by Anique Ahmed Photography, is a celebration of the collaborative spirit between Studio D73 and Palazzo Morelli, supported by an array of esteemed suppliers and artisans.
This venture into the Palm Jumeirah - Dorchester Collection is more than just a project for Palazzo Morelli; it's a milestone that underscores our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the art of Italian craftsmanship. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the essence of our mission: to bring unparalleled beauty, functionality, and innovation to every space we touch, under the starlit sky of Dubai or beyond.
About Palazzo Morelli Made in Italy Decor
Providing tailor-made contract designs that are Made in Italy. Palazzo Morelli is an Italian finishing contractor dedicated to surfaces, furniture and interior design. Founded by Alessandro Ortenzi in 2006 in the Italian medieval town of Todi, Palazzo Morelli expresses Italian finest quality, attention to details and innovative professional services for architects, interior designers and real estate developers. Palazzo Morelli is a modern and international firm that offers turn-key solutions and a complete catalogue of surfaces made in Italy. The staff is driven by a tailor-made approach to customers: bespoke solutions, custom-made surfaces and finishings.
The Abel Heywood sits proudly in the Bustling Northern Quarter of Manchester City centre and has been a popular destination since it was first developed in 2015, from a derelict and fire damaged cotton warehouse, into a stylish pub and boutique hotel. After tirelessly serving its loyal customers for the past 9 years, the site’s owners, Hydes Brewery, appointed MGI to develop and project manage a refurbishment scheme that will ensure the site will maintain its status as a landmark of the Manchester hospitality industry into the future.
The brief given by Hydes’ Managing Director was to move the site from its previous industrial leaning design toward a modern-traditional public house whilst paying tribute to the history of Hydes Brewery and to Manchester's iconic music heritage.
MGI proposed the introduction of feature wallpapers, Victorian tiling and bright heritage colours in order to create a light and airy atmosphere away from its previously scumble glazed ceilings and worn plaster effect walls. All industrial light fittings were replaced with new antique brass period lighting and industrial shelving units and back fittings removed in favour of new timber back fittings and antique Victorian wall shelving.
Much of the existing furniture was given a new lease of life through refurbishment and reupholstery, with new feature furniture introduced to compliment the proposed layout changes. Feature cast resin tables with vinyl records from Manchester`s most famous bands, or Hydes' brewery beer clips were included to provide points of interest and conversation points for visiting customers. New music and local interest themed bric a brac adorns the walls and compliments the overall finish of the site.
Layout changes to the ground floor were kept to a minimum with only the removal of existing face to face booths and introduction of new horseshoe booths and mid-height fixed seating.
The underutilised first floor of the pub was redesigned to encourage dining whilst the ground floor area remains focused on drinking and light bar snacks. The introduction of bi-fold doors to close off an area of the first floor provides a contained function room space for parties and meetings.
Feedback from the client and customers has been unanimously positive and MGI are confident that The Abel Heywood will continue its reign as king in the north(ern quarter) for years to come.
About MGI Partners
MGI Partners are an award-winning Interior design practice with decades of experience within the hospitality and commercial sectors. Our talented team have honed their skills and specialist industry knowledge to provide beautiful, commercially viable design solutions that meet our client`s specific brief and can be delivered no matter how challenging the project or budget spend is. We always put our clients first and love to work in close collaboration, to guide them through the design and construction processes to ensure we create spaces that their customers will love and want to return to again and again. With a range of services including surveying, site analysis, interior design, Visualisation, Statutory applications, branding and project management we tailor our offer to meet each client`s specific requirements.
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