Beirut Apartment: A Masterpiece of Light and Shadow
Harmony in Contrasts: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
The Art of Illumination: Balancing Radiance and Depth
Light is a precious commodity in interior design, yet its optimal use lies not in abundance, but in balance. This Beirut residence, situated in the city's lively Clemenceau district, exemplifies a chiaroscuro aesthetic, masterfully blending illumination and shade to craft contrasting yet cohesive environments.
A Bespoke Transformation: Crafting a Sanctuary for a World Traveler
Elie Riachi, an architect based in Beirut and London, undertook the redesign of this four-bedroom apartment for a businessman whose life is defined by constant travel. Riachi describes the project as a “facelift” that revitalized outdated elements without altering the foundational layout. The renovation involved removing all existing bathrooms and old carpentry, along with false ceilings in many areas. However, the original tiled limestone floors were preserved, serving as a neutral foundation for Riachi’s vision. The client’s extensive collection of regional artworks and discerning taste in design were central to Riachi’s creative process.
Inspiration from the City: Embracing Beirut’s Vibrant Energy
The owner sought an interior that felt rich and lived-in, reflecting his global journeys. This aspiration, combined with the apartment’s prime location on the first floor of an early-2000s building with garden views near Beirut’s famous Corniche, deeply influenced Riachi’s concept. He notes how “the energy of the city flows past you like a television screen” from within the apartment.
Layering and Texture: A Brutalist and Mid-Century Influence
Riachi, whose background is in architecture, intuitively embraces contrasts. “I’ve come to appreciate the importance of layering,” he reflects. His design philosophy draws heavily from Brutalist architecture and mid-century aesthetics, which celebrate the intrinsic beauty of materials, spaces, and objects. This layering journey commences in the entry hall, a space that required meticulous attention due to its inherent darkness and lower ceiling. Riachi enhanced its shadowed character by incorporating American walnut paneling and perforated screens. Chosen for its timeless richness, the walnut, framed by travertine, creates dynamic patterns of dappled light when illuminated by the sun. These screens are a modern homage to traditional Arabic Mashrabiya, designed to “create an intriguing dance” and pique curiosity about what lies beyond.
The Living Spaces: A Symphony of Neutrals and Custom Details
The expansive living area echoes the material language of the entrance, albeit with an open and airy feel. Riachi designed a custom travertine fireplace with a walnut surround, featuring vertical openings and linear alabaster wall sconces that subtly reference the entrance screens. A silk-and-wool rug by Nalbandian, with its delicate striated pattern, complements a custom ivory fabric sofa with a ribbed walnut base. A built-in bar, crafted from walnut and travertine, borders the dining area, further integrating these core materials.
Curated Furnishings: A Dialogue Between Eras
Understanding the homeowner’s rotating art collection, Riachi maintained a palette of earthy neutrals and opted for a matte finish on all timber and stone surfaces, underscoring their enduring quality. The apartment is adorned with rare furnishings, many of which Riachi discovered in Parisian and London flea markets and galleries. Mid-century masterpieces, such as a 1950s ivory Cleopatra daybed by Dick Cordemeijer and a 1960s walnut desk by Silvio Coppola for Bernini, coexist harmoniously with contemporary pieces like a brass-and-zinc coffee table by Marko and Edoardo Lietti’s Sedia Tonda chair, which subtly references the apartment’s perforated screens.
Thoughtful Design: Comfort and Personal Expression
Alongside thoughtfully selected artworks, including Léo Pacha’s patinated metal sculpture “The Hiker,” the layered narrative envisioned by Riachi comes to life. A distinct contrast emerges between the public and private areas; while the living room features a palette of ivory, “greige,” brown, and black, the bedrooms and bathrooms introduce subtle color variations. Riachi notes that the custom curved headboards draw inspiration from the foliage visible from the apartment’s balconies, and he chose French linen for the wardrobe doors to create a softer ambiance. Despite the presence of exceptional art and design, Riachi successfully ensures that the spaces he creates feel “comfortable and effortless.”