Inspired Living

• date
  June 2023
• publication
  INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY & TRAVEL
• location
  UNITED KINGDOM
• author
  SADAF SOFI
• ORIGINAL CONTENT
  EXTERNAL LINK

Inspired living blending tradition and modernity. A-Interiors unveils the Ammariya Farm Villa in Riyadh

Traditional with a twist epitomises A-Interiors’ latest project as award-winning designer Anoud Bint Khalid playfully balances modern minimalism with warm earthy textiles to create a farmhouse on the fringe of Riyadh’s desert. It is sleek without feeling stuffy and welcoming without feeling worn.

The sheer scale of the interior, light and airy as the rooms stretch both outwards and upwards, is exaggerated by the use of white on the walls and floors. This carte blanche allows every artfully selected piece to stand out in its own glory. Deep reds interwoven in carpets, reflecting the rich sands of the Sahara, draw the eye downward, inviting you to bask in their hand-made intricacy. Woven palm baskets, sourced from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the continent of Africa, along with colourful hand-crafted goods, thoughtfully occupy shelves and walls, paying tribute to the owner’s Arabic roots.

Expansive white couches create a sense of peace as the eyes find moments to rest while gliding across the rooms. Natural materials further ground the farmhouse, with deep woods, lush greens, and vintage-aged furniture and doors that serve as anchors, tipping the design from being overly bright to just right.

Hanging lanterns and basket lighting effortlessly illuminate the living and dining areas, subtly reinforcing the sense of traditionalism while maintaining the contemporary core. Crisp, clean white lines juxtapose with dark, rounded circles, proving that when executed correctly, opposites can complement rather than contradict. This clever balance extends to the guest bathrooms, where an exposed natural stone wall proudly stands next to a modern double sink.

Imposing yet delicately etched ‘mashrabiyas’ span the space, from windows to hangings, creating shadows that filter sunlight into mesmerising rays and patterns on the walls. Sadu textiles embrace cushions and delicately adorn dining chairs, further paying homage to the farmhouse’s Saudi origins.

Mirroring the fusion of contemporary and traditional, interior designer Anoud playfully brings the exterior indoors as palm trees loom to the side of the living space, cheekily providing shade in a bathroom. Inspired by the house’s location amidst nature, surrounded by mountains, palm trees, and farms, Anoud carefully respects the environment and integrates it into the design, creating a symbiotic relationship.

This continuous intertwining of opposites defines Anoud’s design ethos, and the farmhouse stands as a testament to her distinctive style—-constantly seeking to redefine the old, making it something new while enduring the test of time.