The appeal of living in Dubai's Tilal Al Ghaf district is clear. This community, designed like a resort, offers a mix of new villas, townhouses, and apartments, all centered around a beautiful blue lagoon. It features nearly 500,000 square meters of parks and green spaces, along with 18 kilometers of scenic walking paths. The owner of this cozy three-bedroom townhouse, who lives here with her college-aged daughter, was drawn to its tranquil, country-like atmosphere. Darya Zheltukha, interior designer of BALCON studio, personalized the space to reflect her tastes.
This lovely Dubai home served as a great blank slate, but its small rooms needed thoughtful design to make them feel lively. The owner wanted a style that was “oriental, contemporary, and had an Arabic touch.” Designer took inspiration from her client’s bright and cheerful personality while creating the interior. “We added mashrabiya details to the rooms, which are traditional elements of Arab architecture, and used colorful accents through artworks and textiles,” designer explains. “The colors remind us of the spices in local markets, while polished brass elements evoke the desert sand. Our main goal was to reflect the local culture.”
The house showcases a blend of traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics, featuring intricate geometric patterns typical of Arabesque design, which add depth to the spaces. Luxurious materials like silk and velvet, along with detailed embroidery, enhance the furnishings, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Many colors in project’s palette are inspired by the vibrant paintings throughout the house, all created by local artists to embody Dubai’s friendly and diverse spirit. For instance, the olive and russet velvet seating in the dining room echoes the tones of a large portrait hanging on the wall, while golden-brown hues from another painting in the bedroom are reflected in the headboard and cushions. “Since the rooms are small, we used fabrics and upholstery to introduce bright color accents,” Zheltukha notes. This approach adds warmth and harmony to the cozy spaces without feeling overwhelming. The earthy tones reminiscent of the desert landscape blend beautifully with the vibrant colors of bustling markets.
To complement the color scheme, designer chose natural materials like timber veneers and ample marble. Each piece of furniture in the home was custom-designed, including a sleek veneered TV and storage wall in the living room, a charming fringed pouf in russet red, and a set of white marble tables. The mashrabiya details are a subtle theme repeated throughout the house.
“The design was sketched by us and made from wood veneer,” Zheltukha explains. “We used it for mirror frames, lighting, and partitions, creating a modern look that still pays homage to tradition.” Rugs also play an important role: the swirling design in the living room reflects the veined white marble used in the furniture, while other rugs feature latticework patterns that connect to the mashrabiya details.
The dining area, with its rich colors, serves as the centerpiece of the home. However, the owner’s favorite feature is the decorative stucco molding behind the bed in the main bedroom, accompanied by ornate brass lanterns. “She loves the combination of tradition and modern comfort,” says designer. “It’s a genuine representation of her style.” The home beautifully merges traditional lamps and decorative accents with intricate metal and woodwork alongside sleek contemporary pieces in glass and marble.
