Open House: An Umm Al Sheif Villa

Set back from the Arabian sea, this striking contemporary villa raises the bar in modern day luxury. A rich material palette - marbles, bronze, and smoked oak - combine with fine European furnishings and handcraftsmanship to contribute to an environment that oozes old glamour with a hint of art deco influence. Every detail has been thought out. The addition of an in-home spa and multiple gourmet kitchens make this a home that enhances the day-to-day life of its inhabitants. We speak to Mirko Sala Tenna, founder of Etereo Design, the firm that contributed to this project, to discover the definitive details that set this address apart.

Mirko: This contemporary 6-bedroom villa is spread over a vast 18,000 sq. ft plot located in Umm Al Sheif, close to the Burj Al Arab and Kite Beach in Jumeirah, a peaceful area populated with cute cafes and restaurants. 

Our client was looking to create an elegant, practical and comfortable space, a custom-finished mansion that was both modern and opulent. Our challenge was to create a balance between interior and exterior while maintaining the sense of elegance, richness, purity and modernity; a typical approach to Italian design that now echoes throughout the home. 

The configuration centres around the passions of the client. A spa and grooming area were, for example, incorporated to cultivate a resort-like feeling - a home that continuously gives those inside the feeling of relaxation they absorb on vacation. 

 We translated the client's vision into interiors made up of a fresh and timeless colour palette and luxe material combinations. We wanted to establish a strong contrast between the white marble on the floor, and the warm and dark tone of the smoked oak, this helped to create a neutral backdrop that allowed the freedom to play with small accents of colour in the furnishings. In the master bedroom, for example, we contrasted the neutral walls, floors and furnishings with a bold green marble element that serves as a TV wall - it’s both timeless and modern in style.

Mirko: Quality has not been compromised anywhere in this address. 25 different types of marble flow throughout the mansion forming a thread between the various living spaces. Several types of marble were quarried in Italy while others were technologically-driven, 3D custom-printed marble. 

We reinterpreted classic elements to achieve a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic using minimal bronze profiles, elegant wallpaper and a beautiful ceiling cornice. It’s an aesthetic and approach that defies norms in the region and is as such very much appreciated in the UAE. 

Furnishings have been sourced from the leading designers of Europe including Minotti, Baxter, Flexform, Ligne Roset, Poliform and Molteni. While lighting and chandeliers came from artisans such as Brokis and Penta and accessories and fittings were sourced from Bagno Design, Gessi, Bossini and Aquaeco. 

The residence features three gourmet kitchens all fitted out with Gaggenau appliances, while Italian artisans crafted the furnishings. 

It's an address that's engineered to facilitate comfortable living as such the home features a smart home automation system and home cinema as well as a private spa and gym and a striking rooftop lounge. Outside a sweeping garden leads on towards a large swimming pool.

Update: This property is now unavailable for sale.