A waterfront apartment overlooking Bahrain Bay offers more than just scenic views, thanks to the visionary work of architect and interior designer Mohamed Alqari. This project epitomizes the modern elegance of waterfront apartment style. Nestled within the Four Seasons Private Residences at Bahrain Bay, this contemporary shell designed by Gensler lacked personality before Alqari’s transformative touch. His mission: to craft a retreat that feels inviting and vibrant.
Spanning 1,937 square feet, the vacation home draws inspiration from its surroundings without relying on clichéd coastal motifs. Alqari, founder of Qreative Design, integrates the sea and skyline’s essence through innovative use of color and form. “The project interprets the colors and atmosphere of the sea, sunlight, sand, and horizon through materiality, artwork, and form,” he explains.
Curved elements, mirroring the fluid motion of waves, soften the structure’s rigid lines, from rounded seating to uniquely shaped rugs. The Matera dining table by Sebastiano Tosi for Mogg, resembling water-smoothed pebbles, enhances the space’s relaxed and artistic character without uniformity. These choices create a seamless blend of drama, glamour, and art.
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Apartment Design and Natural Materials
Alqari employs a variety of natural and tactile materials to evoke warmth and understated luxury. Rich walnut paneling contrasts with the lively furnishings, while a palette of creamy whites, sandy beiges, and selective pops of turquoise, deep blue, and yellow mimic a beachside aesthetic. This design leaves room for striking artworks and views.
Central to the apartment’s allure are artworks like Bahraini artist Jamal Al Yousif’s sculptures and Martin Berger’s “Flow.” Iconic 1970s Wassily chairs from 1stDibs sit alongside bespoke pieces crafted locally and imported from Italy, France, India, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Morocco, showcasing a well-curated global collection.
From Shell to Sanctuary in Bahrain Bay
Alqari’s approach involved an open, gallery-like layout that integrates living, dining, and kitchen areas with waterfront views. Art and furniture thrive in this space, celebrated as the owner moves through the apartment. Additional features include a primary suite with a dressing room, a guest bedroom, a nanny suite, and a balcony off the main living spaces, illustrating creative brilliance.
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The transformation primarily hinged on thoughtful details like walnut paneling and the placement of sculptures. Initiated during the building’s finishing phase, the project took approximately a year and a half. “For me, design should feel emotional and inviting rather than overly rigid or purely minimal,” notes Alqari about his architectural style.
With its artful curation and bespoke interiors, the apartment transcends its coastal location, emerging as a distinctive sanctuary that feels uniquely its own, a testament to thoughtful apartment design.
Sources & Links
Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the transformation of the Bahrain Bay apartment?
The transformation of the Bahrain Bay apartment was designed by architect and interior designer Mohamed Alqari.
What is the inspiration behind the apartment’s design?
The design draws inspiration from the sea and skyline, using colors and forms to reflect the essence of the sea, sunlight, sand, and horizon.
What materials and colors are used in the apartment?
Rich walnut paneling contrasts with furnishings featuring creamy whites, sandy beiges, and pops of turquoise, deep blue, and yellow, evoking a beachside aesthetic.