Maria Abou Khalife’s Stylish Blend of Minimalism and Glamour
Step into the world of Maria Abou Khalife, a linguist with a penchant for elegance and a multicultural background that has shaped her unique style. Nestled within a Victorian property, Maria and her husband, John, embarked on a transformative journey, blending sleek Scandinavian influences with the opulent touch of interior designer Suzie McAdam. This remarkable fusion resulted in a truly captivating living space that seamlessly combines modern aesthetics with traditional elements.
The Glamorous Jewel Box: Maria’s heart was instantly captured by the glamorous drawing room, which she fondly describes as a jewel box within their home. With meticulous attention to detail, the high ceiling’s intricate cornicing and a distinctive stained glass window set the stage for this breathtaking space. Standing at its center is an impressive Il Pezzo Mancante chandelier, accompanied by matching wall lights that playfully contrast with the room’s traditional features. The unique stained glass window, boasting a rare bird design, holds sentimental value as it was a wedding present received by the original owner.
Scandinavian Influence: Although born and raised in Beirut, Maria’s time spent living in Copenhagen left an indelible mark on her design sensibilities. The couple’s relocation to Dublin and subsequent return after their Danish adventure prompted them to infuse their home with the clean lines and functional elegance of Scandinavian design.
Navigating Challenges with ODKM Architects: To bring their vision to life, Maria and John enlisted the expertise of ODKM architects, who adeptly tackled the challenges posed by Victorian home layouts. The main bedroom suite underwent a remarkable transformation, with the bathroom expanded to create a spacious en suite. The placement of the bed against the window was a strategic decision due to the presence of a fireplace on one side, resulting in a striking and visually appealing layout.
Functional Spaces: In their quest for functional living spaces, compromises were made. The need for an en suite meant sacrificing storage space, which was ingeniously resolved by opening up the smaller room and commissioning Goodwood Designs to craft bespoke wardrobes. Downstairs, an open-plan area was created by knocking through walls and completely renovating the kitchen space, elevating it to the status of the most important room in the house—ideal for family life and entertaining.
Minimalistic Elegance: Maria’s distaste for clutter influenced the design of the kitchen, which showcases a seamless and minimalistic style. Dean Cooper & Company brought her vision to fruition, creating a kitchen that blends effortlessly into the surrounding space. Muted tones and carefully selected colors imbue the bespoke kitchen with timeless appeal. Gustavo Bittencourt dining chairs, adorned with Dedar fabric, and a CTO pendant infuse the space with refined glamour.
Preserving History: One of the highlights of Maria and John’s renovation journey was the restoration of the distinctive stained-glass window in the drawing room. This cherished feature, admired by Maria’s husband, John, was unexpectedly discovered in a book on Victorian Dublin by John’s godfather. The colors from this window served as inspiration for the room’s interior design, weaving a harmonious thread throughout the space.
Conclusion: The fusion of Maria Abou Khalife’s multicultural background, Scandinavian design influences, and the expert touch of interior designer Suzie McAdam has resulted in a truly remarkable Victorian home transformation. From the glamorous drawing room to the functional and elegant kitchen, every corner of this residence reflects the homeowners’ meticulous attention to detail and their commitment to creating a harmonious living space. With its multilingual blend of styles, this home serves as a testament to the power of design to transcend boundaries and create spaces that truly resonate with the soul