Crinkly stucco walls and lightweight lilac curtains take centre stage in this mid-century-style Dubai apartment, renovated by local studio Bone.
Located in the Emirati city’s Al Barari living community, the 150-square-metre apartment was reconfigured by Bone to introduce more space and add mid-century interior influences.
“The mood is warm, soulful, and tactile – a sanctuary designed around natural light, spatial flow and material richness,” studio co-founder Natalie Mahakian told Dezeen.
Central to the renovation was the addition of a raised wood-clad circulation path, which connects the living area to the main en-suite bathroom and bedroom and creates “subtle topography” within the home.
Set within the open-plan en suite, a striking brushed stainless-steel cylindrical volume houses a pink bespoke shower-bathtub in veiny marble.
Behind the volume, Bone placed a chunky double vanity with deep-set sinks finished in the same nude-hued Portuguese stone.
The toilet is also separate from these facilities, in a deliberate move to deconstruct the bathroom into sculptural standalone objects.
“This move allowed us to treat the bathroom not as a back-of-house function, but as a feature moment within the apartment,” explained Mahakian.
“The idea was to create a spatial experience where the tub feels immersive and architectural, rather than typical or recessed,” she added.
Throughout the apartment, nut-toned cork flooring and lime-based stucco walls create a textural backdrop for colourful accents, including in the main kitchen, dining and living space.
Floor-to-ceiling lilac curtains by Danish brand Kvadrat hang from a metallic rail fitted above the sleek timber kitchen unit.
Running the length of one of the walls, the unit and its appliances can be easily concealed by the delicate drapes when necessary.
A handcrafted, curved stainless steel island separates spaces within the open-plan room and nods to the look and feel of the bathroom, which also features lightweight jade-green curtains.
“The island’s soft curves and pared-back detailing intentionally break away from the rigidity often associated with kitchen design,” considered Mahakian. “It feels more like a sculptural piece of furniture than a heavy, functional block.”
Tubular cantilevered dining chairs were paired with a smooth wooden dining table, illuminated by a crumpled paper pendant light.
Similar eclectic elements feature across the apartment’s other rooms, including an iridescent flower-shaped bedside table and glazed olive-green tiles.
“This project reflects a continued exploration of space as a living entity,” added Mahakian. “One that evolves with its inhabitants and engages all the senses.”
Mahakian founded Bone in 2018 with Achraf Mzily. Elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates, the studio designed a minimalist cafe in Ras Al Khaimah called Hoof that was created to recall horse stalls.
Dubai is known for its ever-expanding architectural skyline. In April, British studio RSHP revealed plans for Peninsula Dubai, a group of 10 interconnected buildings containing a hotel and residences overlooking the water in Jumeirah.
The photography is by Oculis Project.
