A Contemporary Villa In Bahrain With Gorgeous Distressed Details

Modern and contemporary structures and interiors are known for being super simple, minimalistic even. That however is not synonymous with being austere or lacking character. There are many different ways in which the perfect balance can be achieved.

Although simple, the house features an interesting and eye-catching architecture
Although simple, the house features an interesting and eye-catching architecture

In the case of the Amwaj Villa which was designed and built by studio MORIQ in Bahrain, that translates into a natural and organic relationship between the indoor and outdoor areas. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the architecture of the house.

Small courtyards like this one bridge the gap between the indoor and the outdoor areas
Small courtyards like this one bridge the gap between the indoor and the outdoor areas
The focal point of the dining area is a big fireplace with a distressed wall design
The focal point of the dining area is a big fireplace with a distressed wall design

From the outside it becomes apparent that although the house is very simple in overall forms and geometry, it has a lot of depth and doesn’t become linear or monotonous. The same thing can be easily said about the interior. All the spaces are organized on three levels. The ground floor is dedicated solely to the social spaces, namely the living room, kitchen and dining area which are positioned at the front and a gym and sauna at the rear of the house. The mid-level is occupied by two bedrooms and a home theater which leaves the master suite, dressing room and bathrooms on the top floor. These three levels are connected by a beautiful staircase with a log as handrail as well as by an elevator for added convenience. 

Subtle wood accents and greenery complement the neutral colors of the house
Subtle wood accents and greenery complement the neutral colors of the house
All three floors and all the rooms are spacious and enjoy natural lighting
All three floors and all the rooms are spacious and enjoy natural lighting
The house as a whole is simple and uncluttered but still very detailed
The house as a whole is simple and uncluttered but still very detailed

Throughout the house there are numerous intersection points between the indoor and the outdoor areas, often marked by small indoor gardens and courtyards with greenery and ponds. Large windows and skylights serve as connectors between these areas and also fill the house with natural light, creating a bright and sunny atmosphere. The floors covered in grey travertine and wood are complemented by beautiful accent details such as distressed wallpaper in key areas, white ceilings, a custom fireplace with a distressed design and so on. These details stand out and prevent the simplicity of the contemporary design from becoming the main defining feature of the house. 

The exterior of the house features a series of white and grey surfaces with subtle wood accents
The exterior of the house features a series of white and grey surfaces with subtle wood accents
Numerous skylights allow sunlight into the house and make the outdoor areas feel larger
Numerous skylights allow sunlight into the house and make the outdoor areas feel larger
This small courtyard brings the outdoors closer to the house without diminishing privacy
This small courtyard brings the outdoors closer to the house without diminishing privacy