Promotional Feature

June 23, 2025 – Published in Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2025 issue

A modern Mediterranean space with natural materials, elegant arches, and inviting atmosphere

For Jully Khamula, of Khamula Interior Design, creativity has always been second nature. From the moment she stepped into art school at just five years old, her world was infused with colour, composition, and imagination. This early passion led her to international art exhibitions in Israel, France, Spain, and Japan, where her work received widespread recognition. But art was just the beginning—her true calling awaited in the realm of interior design.

 

Jully’s academic journey began in 2006 at Minsk State Architectural College, where she studied Architecture, cultivating a deep appreciation for both form and function. Four years later, she advanced to Belarus National Technical University, balancing her studies with full-time work in the Interior Design Department of one of Minsk’s largest construction firm. She collaborated with renowned UK designers on high-profile projects, from luxury residences to expansive commercial developments there. 

In 2016, Jully embraced a new chapter in Malta, immersing herself in the local design scene and refining her expertise alongside top architects and interior designers. This experience laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial leap in 2019 when she launched her own interior design studio. Fast forward to 2024, and KHAMULA Interior Design—her rebranded studio—has become a creative force, delivering bespoke residential and commercial spaces that blend sophistication with functionality. 

With a portfolio spanning elegant villas, boutique hotels, stylish offices, and dynamic retail spaces, Jully continues to redefine interior aesthetics with a keen artistic eye and an architect’s precision. Each project is a testament to her vision: spaces that don’t just look beautiful but feel deeply personal and inspired.

When we first arrived at this restaurant for the initial site visit, the strong scent of burnt oil lingered in the air, and the space was dominated by heavy black wallpaper and dark green velvet chairs—a stark reminder of the restaurant’s previous identity. Rather than feeling discouraged, this contrast fuelled our vision to create the complete opposite: a bright, airy, and refreshing space. Our client expressed a desire for a calm and welcoming atmosphere, enriched with natural greenery, where guests could escape the fast-paced energy of St Julian’s.

We began working on the concept, and it became clear that soft, flowing forms would best translate this vision into reality. Arched walls and window cut-outs emerged as defining elements, enhancing the sense of openness while echoing the timeless elegance of Mediterranean architecture. We chose a neutral, earthy palette to establish a warm and inviting ambience, pairing it with light wood furniture and rattan chairs to introduce organic textures.

One of the most exciting moments during construction occurred when we uncovered a hidden treasure. As we began the demolition phase, removing old and dirty Armstrong ceiling plates, we discovered the original wooden beams concealed beneath them. It was an incredible find—one that instantly added character and authenticity to the space. We knew we had to preserve these elements, so we carefully restored the beams and left them exposed, allowing their rich texture and history to become a defining feature of the restaurant.

For AMORA, a modern Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, this transformation was nothing short of a complete reinvention. What was once a dark and outdated Chinese fast-food eatery was now an inviting retreat filled with light, natural elements, and a distinct sense of peace. The inclusion of olive trees throughout the interior further enhanced the Mediterranean charm, creating a seamless connection between the design and the culinary experience.

The clean lines, natural textures, and soft tones of AMORA’s new design provide a serene backdrop where guests can truly unwind. This project reflects our studio’s ability to reimagine and transform spaces, blending Mediterranean elegance with modern functionality while embracing unexpected discoveries along the way. The result is a sophisticated yet welcoming dining environment that perfectly complements the restaurant’s fresh and vibrant cuisine. 

The AMORA Restaurant is located in St Julian’s, Malta, and the 122-square-metre commercial property was styled in a modern Mediterranean aesthetic in 2024.