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Stepping into this villa located in the historical town of Muharraq – which was Bahrain’s capital until 1932 – is like immersing yourself in an elevated sanctuary resplendent with floral motifs and warm, welcoming interiors. The effect is rich, layered and visually captivating. Achieving this result, however, required a true understanding of the dwellers and their aspirations. Through a personal recommendation and after seeing the architect’s work featured in the media, the creative family of five that lives in this home reached out to Mohamed Al Qari, founder of Qreative Design. “This was our first time working together, but we clicked from day one,” Al Qari recalls about his encounter with Mr Jassim Darwish – who works for one of Bahrain’s biggest companies, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (GPIC) – his wife and daughters Haya, Hind and Fatima. “The chemistry was amazing and it made the whole process collaborative and effortless.”
As a starting point, the architect explored the family’s house in Busaiteen, a coastal neighbourhood town on Muharraq Island. “Although built in 2001, the villa embraces traditional Bahraini architectural features like the danchal (decorative beams), wall recesses and parapet design,” Alqari describes. “These details, along with a practical layout, reflect the simple charm of classic Bahraini homes that were designed to evolve with the family over time.” His responsibility with remodelling comprised creating a fresh look to elevate the property’s identity through refined materials, carefully curated design elements and subtle nods to its local character. The original ground floor spans 290 square metres, while the partially existing first floor is about 240 square metres. A new addition, the 315-square-metre second level, comprises the living room, a fully reimagined main suite and a lush conservatory designed from a previously unused terrace. The top floor now hosts two bedrooms and a painting room.
“The family is close-knit, so even though the daughters now have bedrooms on a different floor, it was important to keep the house feeling connected,” says Alqari. “The new double-height conservatory allows a direct line of sight between floors, making it feel open, social and always tied together no matter where each family member is.” One of the highlights of the makeover, this light-filled garden room features a fresh and airy palette of blue and white to evoke the vibe of a classic orangery.
“The mother loves rich floral patterns, reds and timeless textures, so the main suite became a reflection of her taste.” Sourced from Papiers de Paris during a recent trip to France, the bespoke wallpaper complements the textured wall finish by Reach Paints. Lighting fixtures from Jim Lawrence, an antique gilt French Pier mirror (circa 1880), a desk chair upholstered in Ralph Lauren fabrics and a custom-designed bed create an atmosphere that is both serene and vibrant. In the main bathroom, green marble accents subtly complement the floral motifs, adding a layer of sophistication.
“The daughters’ rooms were completely shaped around their personalities,” shares Alqari. “For example, Haya loves horses, so we added subtle equestrian touches woven into the green and beige palette, and small nods like her desk and artworks tie that story together. Hind’s room feels like a modern fairytale with soft blues, touches of pink and whimsical patterns that reflect her love of stories and imagination, including a wallpaper by Andrew Martin in collaboration with Kit Kemp Design Studio that pairs with flora- and fauna-inspired fabrics.
Born and raised in Bahrain, Alqari graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Bahrain before completing his master’s in Architecture Heritage Conservation and Preservation at the University of Minnesota, United States, as a Fulbright scholar. He readily admits that his background shapes how he sees homes: “layered, welcoming and crafted to hold memories,” he describes. “My travels around the Middle East – cities like Beirut in particular – have deeply influenced my love for spaces with an old-world character. I’ve always been inspired by the region’s subtle glamour and rich, textural approach to design, intricate craftsmanship, warm hospitality and spaces that feel timeless yet welcoming.”
The layered aesthetics, imbued with nostalgic emotions, is exactly what he achieved through this project. “The conservatory, for example, was inspired by the traditional hosh (courtyard) that old Bahraini homes often had, with windows overlooking it and liwans (vaulted corridors) that wrapped around it, creating pockets of shade and connection,” he explains. “My master’s degree focused on heritage conservation, so reimagining small gestures from old Bahraini houses — the sense of flow, intimacy and cultural richness — is always close to my heart.”
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Adding to the challenge of creating a home full of quiet glamour where heirlooms mix with antique finds and bespoke pieces, the architect had to complete the project while the family continued residing in the villa. “I found beauty in imperfection and pieces with stories that connect deeply to the family living there,” the architect reflects. “In this project, that’s seen in the antique mirrors paired with custom furnishings, the fabrics from different eras and the feeling that every corner has been gently curated over time, rather than styled overnight. It’s these collected combinations that make the house feel soulful and lived in.” The homeowners couldn’t agree more: “Mohamed has reimagined our home with a delicate balance of charm and character, capturing the essence of who we are in every detail,” they say. “Each space now radiates warmth, comfort and luxury, making it a true reflection of us.”
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