Overlooking the skyscrapers and the waters of the canal filled with yachts, the Dubai Marina is a coveted neighborhood that has anything a homeowner could ask for. Spread over 2,345 square feet, this three-bedroom apartment within the community occupies the Al Murjan Tower – the highest residential building in the complex of six structures named after the popular Arab gemstone. “Sometimes I think I have a very extravagant taste and I like unusual pieces of furniture,” the homeowner says. For interior stylist and decorator Natalia Contova, founder of Mizanna Designs, that one sentence was all that was needed to get her on board.
Rather than shaping a lavish space – which is what one might have expected – Contova embarked on a more subtle character-filled decor. A sense of flow prevails throughout, thanks to the open plan that comprises the living room, dining area and kitchen, which all occupy the same space. Bright and airy, the home features a pure and reduced palette that allows a few pops of colour to stand out.
“The idea was to keep the neutral backdrop and to incorporate touches of colour through furniture and accessories, as well as to add depth and warmth using a variety of dark wood tones,” says Contova. To achieve this, she opted for warm tones such as terracotta, clay, burnt orange and coral as accents, against the warm light grey and off-white main finishes.
To complement the newly installed light-grey flooring and create an overall cosy atmosphere with a welcoming mood, Contova used dark chocolate and espresso wood tones combined with black marble, off-white terrazzo and cream upholstery. Microcement finish was preferred for feature walls and wardrobe facades, adding more texture to the mix along with the gypsum artwork in the corridor. Some elements in brown leather provide drama, especially when used on large scaled furniture.
“I want to create homes that are a reflection of their owners,” confesses Contova. “Hence, my biggest inspiration for this project was this beautiful couple that trusted me and asked me to help them design their home.”
While the home reflects a tranquil feel, it also exudes elegance and modern allure immediately upon entrance. Functionality and comfort were also taken into account, as Contova wanted to ensure the family would feel at ease living their everyday lives. Trendy pieces with smooth curves and soft rounded edges effortlessly bring harmony and artistic appeal to every nook of the soothing interiors.
“The design of this apartment had to be minimal, with no clutter, but at the same time interesting and unique,” says Contova, who tackled the challenge impeccably.
Words by Karine Monié
Photography by Alina Lupu
