In Beirut, where the city meets the sea in a shifting dialogue of light and horizon, Saccal Design House envisioned a residence that feels both grounded and quietly expansive. Designed by founders and sisters Nour and Maysa Saccal, the project unfolds as a study in restraint, materiality and the emotional cadence of space, one that places its coastal setting at the very heart of the narrative.
From the outset, the home’s defining gesture lies in its relationship to the ocean. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing the sea to permeate daily life. “The backdrop was the main character of this home,” says Nour. “The starting point was to treat the ocean not as a backdrop, but as the primary ‘material’ of the home. Those floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t just openings; they’re living canvases that shift in colour, light, and mood throughout the day.” Maysa adds, “The walls were designed to stay intentionally restrained, allowing the view to lead while quietly amplifying its presence.” The result is an interior that does not compete with its surroundings, but instead frames and heightens them with a measured, almost architectural calm.
Within this softened envelope, the living space introduces a deliberate counterpoint. Anchored by a vivid artwork above the sofa, the room carries a sense of energy that feels both curated and instinctive. “We believe art should add life to a home; it has the power to set the emotional tone of the entire space,” Maysa continues. “While the main furniture pieces were mostly neutral and timeless in colour; the art was intended to speak to its viewers in terms of colour and stand out.” Here, art is not an accessory but a catalyst, activating the space and establishing its emotional register.
This sense of modulation continues into the dining area, where the atmosphere shifts perceptibly. While visually connected to the living space, it adopts a quieter, more introspective tone. “The dining room is an extension of the living spaces, open visually yet a bit secluded,” the designers add, explaining that the change was very much intentional. “While the living area is more vibrant, lively and where energy comes forward and invites conversation, the dining space, on the other hand, was conceived as a place of pause and focus. We leaned into a quieter, more restrained palette to support that experience.” The transition is subtle yet effective, allowing the home to accommodate both conviviality and stillness.
Furniture plays a pivotal role in shaping this balance. Sculptural low brown chairs, sourced alongside pieces from Roche Bobois, Tacchini, Minotti and Iwan Maktabi, introduce a tactile and visual richness. “While looking for furniture for this triplex, we had visited many galleries and furniture stores,” Nour shares. “The brown chairs were love at first sight for us. It was exactly what the space needed. The oak wood keeps the contemporary vibe alive while their form adds the character that we wanted the space to have. Their silhouette hugs the human body while sitting which made them comfortable.” Their presence reflects the studio’s approach, where form, comfort and narrative come together.
Cultural resonance is woven into the project with equal sensitivity. Artworks by Syrian artist Sabhan Adam introduce a layered dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression. “Embedding regional identity and storytelling is what gives a project its soul and specificity,” Maysa expresses, “Without that layer, even the most refined interiors can feel detached from their context.” The juxtaposition of Adam’s evolving styles mirrors the home’s broader interplay between vibrancy and restraint.
Ultimately, the project’s success lies in its ability to feel composed yet unforced. “We always say that furniture is the main character in an interior, and should not come as an afterthought,” the sisters enthuse.“It is the furniture that speaks to you when you walk in. The harmony between timeless pieces and the show-stoppers is what ties the space together. Instead of many competing elements, we focus on a handful of pieces with presence.”
