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Contrasting Textures

Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials

Tucked within the verdant expanse of Dubai’s Al Barari, this 150-square metre apartment is a study in balance. Reimagined as a sanctuary of calm and contrast, the space was conceived around the union of mid-century charm and contemporary restraint. The design brief? To create a soulful interior where materiality, natural light and spatial flow are the guiding principles.Originally a one-bedroom layout, the apartment was thoughtfully restructured to accommodate a second bedroom and full bathroom, all without sacrificing openness. A clever reconfiguration introduced a raised circulation spine that subtly guides movement from the entrance to the master suite. This architectural intervention lends the home a gentle sense of topography by distinguishing spaces without closing them off, and allowing sightlines to stretch unbroken from the interior to the terrace.

Lime-based stucco cloaks walls and ceilings in an earthy, matte finish, offering both texture and acoustic softness. In contrast, hand-glazed green tiles flash with vibrancy, catching light and the eye in equal measure

At its heart sits the kitchen – a sculptural, social core nestled between the living and dining zones. Here, a handcrafted spinal joinery unit acts as a multifunctional backbone, weaving storage, display and gentle division into one cohesive feature. A lilac-toned curtain glides along its length, offering a soft, shifting layer of privacy and flexibility.

The kitchen serves as a sculptural, social core nestled between the living and dining zones. Here, a handcrafted spinal joinery unit acts as a multifunctional backbone, weaving storage, display and gentle division into one cohesive feature

Materiality defines mood and movement throughout the apartment. Lime-based stucco cloaks walls and ceilings in an earthy, matte finish, offering both texture and acoustic softness. In contrast, hand-glazed green tiles flash with vibrancy, catching light and the eye in equal measure. Nut-toned timber and cork flooring ground the space in natural warmth, while Kvadrat curtains in coral, green and lilac tones add chromatic rhythm.

A clever reconfiguration introduced a raised circulation spine that subtly guides movement from the entrance to the master suite

The bedrooms are finished with cork – a forgiving, quiet material that enhances the sense of calm and comfort. The bathrooms showcase bold material juxtapositions: stainless steel cladding for a custom shower-bathtub enclosure contrasts with soft-hued Portuguese stone, playing with temperature and texture in a single, sculptural gesture, forming a tactile dialogue between cold smoothness and warm ruggedness. The overall effect is a layered and sensorial living environment.

The bathrooms showcase bold material juxtapositions

Photography by Oculis Project

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