Words by Allegra Salvadori | Photography courtesy of E Plus A Atelier
What began as a modest redesign soon unfolded into a profound journey of self-renewal—one that reshaped not only the architecture of a home, but also the emotional world of its owner.
At the heart of Villa 5 is a young mother of two who, emerging from back-to-back pregnancies, felt an urgent desire to reclaim her space, her spirit, and her sense of identity. Once filled with generic furniture and unused corners, the home has been re-envisioned by E Plus A Atelier as a luminous sanctuary of modern home decor, layered with art, texture, and meaning.
The project began with a simple wish—to bring warmth and individuality into a residence that had long felt impersonal. Yet, as the process unfolded, it evolved into something deeper: a holistic transformation where personal art, and emotional storytelling merged into one harmonious narrative.
Art became the guiding language. Introduced to curators and interior designer influencers, the homeowner discovered new artistic voices and began curating a collection that mirrors her personal growth. A romantic wall art painting by Behrang Samadzadegan, depicting a softly blurred Persian garden, became the visual and emotional centerpiece of the living room—more dreamscape than décor.
The living room itself, envisioned as an indoor garden, embodies the home’s soul. A lush Jan Kath rug unfurls like an ancient carpet overtaken by moss and memory, while natural tones mingle with sculptural glass pieces and handcrafted objects. Built-in wooden shelving softly illuminated from within showcases the homeowner’s evolving art collection. Here, a modern coffee table, paired with curated decorative mirrors and a vintage mirror find, introduces depth and reflection—both literal and symbolic. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in light, and sliding lattice screens create privacy without losing poetry.
Beyond the interior, the garden terrace defies Dubai’s minimalist norms. Instead of beige restraint, it celebrates color and whimsy: French-designed seating upholstered in Chinoiserie-inspired prints sits beneath manicured greenery. It’s a setting for laughter, tea rituals, and children’s stories told beneath the afternoon sun—proof that decor ideas can be joyful and unrestrained, even outdoors.
The children’s rooms extend this dialogue between design and emotion. Custom joinery in pale wood incorporates arched cutouts, softly lit niches, and playful shelving. In one room, a mint-green arch frames a modern bed design that feels lifted from a storybook; in another, a padded reading alcove invites quiet play. Each space is functional yet imaginative—proof that even the smallest corners can nurture creativity through thoughtful modern wardrobe design and built-in storage that feels sculptural rather than standard.
The kitchen and dining area, meanwhile, speaks to elegant functionality. Ivory tones and warm walnut are accented with brushed brass, creating a restrained yet inviting atmosphere. A sculptural marble dining table anchors the space, surrounded by plush chairs for both intimate dinners and lively family gatherings. The kitchen, with its sleek cabinetry and brass fixtures, offers a timeless reference for kitchen decor—where beauty meets practicality.
Throughout Villa 5, what might have been a simple exercise in aesthetics became a deeper meditation on belonging. Each piece, from a framed painting to a mirror catching late-afternoon light, reflects the homeowner’s rediscovery of herself through space.
Here, decor ideas are not trends but affirmations of self. The result is a living, breathing portrait of a woman rebuilding her world—layer by layer, light by light, room by room.
