This project is very close to my heart. It’s our family home in Lebanon, where we always gather under one roof, no matter when or why.

We nestled the contemporary, minimalist house into a serene pine forest so it would feel truly at one with nature. One standout feature we introduced is the U-shaped courtyard sitting at the heart of the home, framed by two living areas. It draws in abundant daylight and lush greenery, while slim sliding glass doors blur the line between indoors and out for effortless entertaining.

We designed the entrance to deliver drama from the moment you arrive: a deep charcoal main door swings open into a double-height foyer that hints at the surprises ahead. From there, you’re guided into a beautifully furnished living space, a vibrant kitchen, or down a grand hallway that unfolds the rest of the home.

The kitchen is where we all congregate. I specified a large marble island as our gathering point—perfect for dining, spontaneous chats, and laughter. Furnishing the villa took time and curiosity. We mixed contemporary sofas with vintage armchairs, sourced a solid teak dining table, and selected genuine leather chairs that marry comfort with sculptural form. Every piece, from the statement mirror I leaned against the main wall to the concrete and glass bar with brass accents, was carefully curated or custom designed to layer character and cohesion.

I also wanted the staircase to feel like art in motion. We created an angled sawtooth design with leaning iron balustrades for a dramatic yet fluid ascent, and I hand-sketched a spiral loop at the base to add an organic, handcrafted flourish.

Each room was planned to open onto the surrounding gardens so that even on the chilliest days, you breathe in the scent of pine and feel the sun’s glow. We extended that seamless indoor-outdoor connection to the lower grounds: a sleek pool nestled against the forest edge, surrounded by lounge and dining areas shaded by dancing pines. It’s where luxury meets nature—and a little dash of cheeky fun.