Doha: The Mediterranean-style interiors of the first 10 towers to be built around Porto Arabia, the main marina of The Pearl-Qatar, the $2.5bn island being reclaimed off the coast of Doha were unveiled recently.
The luxury interiors, designed by Seattle's Callison Architecture Inc, reflect what will be Porto Arabia's traditional lifestyle. "This will embody the essence of old-world craftsmanship while embracing the advantages of modern living," said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director of The Pearl-Qatar. "Behind graceful, solid entry doors lies a living space touched at every corner by different materials the world has to offer. The interior designs are firmly aligned with The Pearl-Qatar's unique positioning as the Riviera Arabia and live up to our purchase promise of delivering quality," he added.
The interiors vary to differentiate the imaginative town homes, fashionable apartments and elegant penthouse offerings. Luxury apartments reveal European-style porcelain flooring with handcrafted mosaic marble borders surrounded by a field of tumbled Byzantine-style gold marble mosaic squares. The intricate detail extends to door handles and cabinet pulls which are forged of hand-rubbed bronze and wrought bronze light fixtures. Terraces are paved with the richest tones of hand-formed terracotta.
The kitchens are fashioned from custom cabinetry, available in three designs. Countertops are made from deep espresso-brown granite slab with dark stone flickering and internal golden highlights. European-style stainless steel appliances blend the best of beauty and technology. "Bathrooms reflect total luxury with designs virtually turning them into a private spa," said Bashkiroff.
Town home interiors reflect a modern, chic lifestyle. Walls are clean, while door handles and cabinet pulls feature brushed stainless steel with European-style lighting in brushed nickel, stained glass and crisp linen. The town home kitchens are contemporary with custom cabinetry again available in three finishes. Luminous polished slabs of granite create striking countertops edging brushed stainless steel appliances.
Town home bathrooms are zen-like retreats with clean lines and pure shapes creating an air of tranquillity. Artisan-designed fixtures provide a modernist backdrop to porcelain floors, sea-coloured granite counters and tile surrounds.
"Gracious panelled double doors give entry to elegant, multi-storey living spaces," said Bashkiroff, adding, "floors are tiled throughout in native Middle Eastern honed limestone, and foyers have sweeping sea views." Penthouse kitchens are studies in top-of-the-line design. Customised, solid wood cabinetry reflect a choice from modern to classic transitional, highlighting the best Europe has to offer.
Spa-like bathrooms showcase the highest quality and modern, vessel-style lavatories, graceful arching fixtures in polished chrome and a vast, oversized soaking tub with bubble-jets for ultimate relaxation.
© The Peninsula 2005
