Project: Modern Duplex Family House
Interior Design: Askdeco
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Area: 700m²
Year: 2018
Photography: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
With a global portfolio of completed projects including luxurious homes, private yachts and commercial environments, Askdeco, a full-service design firm based in Lebanon, is proud to showcase its One Oak 3&4 B2 residential project in the dynamic heart of downtown Beirut, a city home to world-renowned fashion designers, art galleries, performing arts venues and trendy bistros and cafés.
“One Oak 3&4 B2 is a 700m² modern duplex family house owned by a young couple with a baby,” says Nisrine Nasr, co-founder and interior designer at Askdeco. “When we first met with the client, their vision was of an industrial style of home but, over the course of the project, that idea collaboratively evolved into a vision of a more refined and livable space.”
Embracing human nature
With more than 17 years of interior design behind the firm, Askdeco has worked with clients of all ages and multicultural backgrounds, from couples and young families, to single individuals. Experts in creativity and knowledgeable about different eras, styles, fabrics and spatial relationships, the firm recognizes that the art and science of understanding human behavior is the key to creating optimally functional spaces for their clients.
“Our clients often come to us armed with ideas to spur the design process, but they are not really sure of what they ultimately want,” says Nasr. “Once we work things out on paper, devise plans and provide them with 3D views, it gives life to a vision of what they can actually have in their home.”
Infusing warmth
In the case of One Oak 3&4 B2, the process began with Askdeco presenting the client with plans for an industrial feel with a luxurious twist. In making their case, Askdeco was able to create two parallel 3D models of the space, presenting both the client’s original vision and the firm’s altered vision. Earth colors, concrete textured walls, gunmetal finishes, Mediterranean grey marble flooring and brown wood bring the industrial design elements into play. While maintaining the industrial elements embraced by the client, Askdeco infused a cozier design into its core, substituting wood and metal in some instances to produce a homier effect. The 3D modelling provided the client with a better understanding of the designer’s proposed vision, which they eagerly embraced.
“By encouraging a client to become engaged in the decision-making process, it develops a very pleasant and functional working relationship,” explains Nasr. “Additionally, it ensures that time is well managed and, consequently, that the client’s financial resources are well spent.”
Home sweet home
With breathtaking vistas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and ancient Roman ruins on one side, and the vibrancy of downtown Beirut’s colourful streets on the other, One Oak 3&4 B2 succeeds in achieving a harmonious balance between the muted and monotone colour palettes of hard architecture and random bursts of vibrant colour. Carefully selected works of art, eclectic furniture and unique accessories add life to the space’s industrial design elements, and to the modern furnishings selected from Askdeco’s repertoire of international brand suppliers.
The space was divided into two very distinct atmospheres, including a public space on the upper level and a more private space on the lower floor. One Oak 3&4 B2’s upper floor is designed for fun and relaxation, reflecting the client’s lifestyle, with a reception area capable of hosting gatherings away from the bedroom areas. The upper level features a cigar lounge, a bar and an activity room, with the latter featuring a high-end Toulet billiard table and contemporary football table designed by Teckell.
Connecting the two levels, a magnificent cage-like spiral staircase serves as a transition, descending to a decidedly more intimate space featuring bedrooms designed with Flou bedding, a contemporary Alno kitchen and a family living room featuring comforts such as a Minotti sofa and Poltrona Frau daybed. The space’s lower level also features a main bathroom that is far from ordinary, with Palazzani glass bathtub Avi and free-standing Fantini bathtub mixer that serve as the centerpiece of an ambiance designed for total relaxation.
“Well-designed spaces function effortlessly and enhance the quality of life of those who occupy them,” explains Nasr. “Our firm has worked on numerous commercial projects, but the added reward of seeing people feel truly at home in their newly designed space makes working for private clients very special.”
