Interiors

December 29, 2019 – Published in Design & Decor Winter 2019 issue

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Contemporary style with a classic touch

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​​Words Andrea Christians
Photography Cyril Sancereau

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This featured property is a ground floor apartment located in one of Malta’s most desirable residential areas and enjoys Balluta Valley view. As a new build the task of the interior design and furnishings was left to Fabulous of Valley Road Msida and exhibits a number of their exclusive fabric ranges.

The main living space is essentially open plan with a combined sitting and dining area and an adjacent kitchen. Rather than a second bedroom the owners opted for a study with a sofa bed and there are two bathrooms – one of which is en suite.

With a floor area of approximately 120 square metres one of the main challenges was the optimisation of space. With this in mind the designers were careful not to choose oversized furniture with the colour scheme taking its inspiration from an art gallery style theme with up lit original paintings and drawings adding visual interest in each room.

In the sitting room a large colourful painting by a Maltese artist takes centre stage with its composite shades of orange, yellow, pink and gold encompassing all the colours of the room and is set against an unobtrusive blue background wall.

Immediately in front one finds a classic style oak Louis XVI bench style sofa upholstered in simple cotton made by French company Signature. The cushion fabrics are by Harlequin from the English brand, Style Library, whilst the adjacent armchair in Haywood orange upholstery is by the Dutch luxury brand, Eichholtz. All brands are exclusive to Fabulous. A custom made rust coloured Spanish rug stands underfoot.

The apartment is one that plays on contrast with old against new and synthetic set against natural materials. A compact transparent occasional table and coffee table stand near the sofa whilst in the dining area transparent chairs stand along side a wood table with a classic crystal chandelier by Signature overhead – Natural wood is another material that is found in some form in every room – in this case there is also an additional wardrobe for storage at the far side. The curtains and sheers echo the colour theme whilst cut flowers and selected crockery complete the stylish composition of this room.

 The kitchen is functional and stylish and is made from a wood look material that contrasts pleasingly against the light coloured ceramic flooring. The ceramic hob has been placed in front of the window and enjoys the view and also benefits from an unusual remote controlled circular extractor above that can be lowered or heightened as desired. The antique style wrought iron tap set in this modern context is a nice touch and again reflects the theme of old and new that is found throughout. A simple steel shelf unit also adds to the semi industrial look that characterises the room.

The hall way offers a thoughtful perspective with antique mirrors adorning the fore of the photo and modern art at the far end adding colour and contrast. The compact antique wardrobe once again repeats the natural wood theme whilst providing additional storage.

The bathroom featured has a dark grey wall that complements the white subway tiles. The industrial look continues in the form of an Edison bulb mirror light and a suspended wooden washbasin cabinet. A metal ladder style towel rail and walk in shower add the finishing touches.

The master bedroom has a tranquil sage coloured wall as a backdrop. The wall behind the bed has a collection of original sketches depicting copies of work by great artists such as Michaelangelo and make an interesting aesthetic. The gold bed covered bed cover adds a striking accent colour to this room that is filed with textures. Interestingly the theme of the sketches is also repeated in the bed linens and is a thoughtful and original touch. The chest is another interesting feature and is oriental in design and melds comfortably into the surroundings.

The second bedroom is a study and has a sofa bed and an antique wooden desk again combined with an transparent chair. The ceramic bust featured is found in this room along with a .selection of traditional Maltese glass.

The hall way offers a thoughtful perspective with antique mirrors adorning the fore of the photo and modern art at the far end adding colour and contrast. The compact antique wardrobe once again repeats the natural wood theme whilst providing additional storage. The old world element combined with modern and natural materials are the three essential elements that define this property and are present in every room. Combine this with a clever use of colour, tantalising fabric combinations and, suffice to say, the end result is truly Fabulous!

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