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    Dubai based architect Sneha Divias crafts interiors with modern accents and autumnal colours for this expansive villa in the ritzy waterfront development of Barr Al Jissah in Oman

    OCT 31, 2019 | By Aneesha Bhadri
    The sofas, console, rug and coffee table are custom made by the interior designer, while the parchment armchairs by Kenneth Cobonpue. With shades of blue, white and grey, the rug draws inspiration from the sea. IC Light lamps designed by Michael Anastassiades from Flos sit behind the sofa; Photographs by Natelee Cocks
    The free-standing shelving unit between the dining and entertainment zones is a bespoke joinery piece by Sneha Divias Atelier that holds an assortment of books and accessories. A Tom Dixon chandelier on the far right illuminates the Cattelan Italia dining table and Minotti Creed dining chairs; Photographs by Natelee Cocks
    All the furniture in the lounge is designed by Sneha Divias Atelier; Photographs by Natelee Cocks
    Placed by the window in the living room that overlooks the Gulf of Oman are the custom made chaise longue and table; Photographs by Natelee Cocks

    On the shores of the Gulf of Oman, a short drive from Muscat’s city centre, lies an exclusive enclave set in a dramatic landscape dotted with coves and cliffs. Known for its picturesque location, Barr Al Jissah is set against a stunning backdrop of Prussian blue waters and the Al Hajar mountains.

    Part of the secluded development is this sprawling, two storeyed villa conceived by architect Sneha Divias, who realised the brief of an open plan home with hints of modern accents to encapsulate the notion of comfortable living.

    In keeping with other Sneha Divias Atelier projects, this 11,840 sq ft holiday home is a unique reflection of its owners’ personality. Divias says, “Once I met the client, it was obvious that she had a clear vision and had already bought a few furniture pieces. It was a matter of working around the existing pieces to blend the interiors seamlessly.”

    The living and lounge areas are infused with bespoke joinery items as seen in the wood panelling. The furniture is custom designed by Sneha Divias Atelier, while the floor lamp is from Flos; Photographs by Natelee Cocks

    The client’s taste for art inspired the interiors—particularly the custom Zao Khailin artwork titled Moon Shadow near the main door. Beyond the entryway lie the open plan living and dining spaces that promote socialising. “Despite the division of private and social spaces, we integrated both in a way that created fluidity and steady organisation,” says the creative.

    Bespoke lighting, finished in brass, from PS Lab highlights the free standing shelving unit near the entrance. The material palette is paired with bold niches, which contrast with the woodwork and brass detailing; Photographs by Natelee Cocks

    The segregation is achieved with the help of clever spatial planning and by introducing free standing elements such as the shelving unit between the sitting room and lounge—it holds hand picked sculptures, antiquated vases and books. Just outside, an infinity pool clad in sea blue mosaic and cosy outdoor furniture from Manutti with an oversized Umbrosa umbrella can be accessed through the lower level.

    The main door with intricate joinery details, developed by Sneha Divias Atelier, is a synchronous combination of veneer and brass; Photographs by Natelee Cocks

    The neutral colour palette in the living area incorporates streaks of autumnal shades that are complemented by accents encased in blue fabric, inspired by the seaside location. Against it, the material palette creates a glamorous look, featuring brass that juxtaposes bold finishes with woodwork and metal detailing. Glossy surfaces and coloured accents complement the use of elegant lacquer, wood and brass.

    Moon Shadow, a custom oil painting by Zao Khailin, a master of the contemporary realist oil painting movement, is mounted on the wall near the main door. Its scale is perfectly proportionate to the double heighted wall; Photographs by Natelee Cocks

    On the upper level, the private spaces include three bedrooms and the minimalistic master boudoir, bathed in natural light that streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. With soul stirring, uninterrupted views of the sea, this residence is a tranquil zone. Divias opines that luxury is not just about the aesthetics. She says, “What matters is how design makes you feel. Great design should respond to the contextual narrative and be conceptualised to be timeless. The subtle elegance of the villa—lavish without being ostentatious—is what contemporary luxury is all about.”