This Chic Bahrain Villa Is a Chocolate-Toned Cocoon in a Crowded City

Step inside a Bahrain villa, where elegance is expressed in fine silverware, vintage crystal and velvet nooks for reading and hosting.

Relocating from Dubai to Hamala, Bahrain, a family of four began their next chapter in a contemporary home of generous proportions and clean architectural lines. “The architecture provides a strong structural framework, with expansive rooms and clear spatial connections between the main living areas,” says Anu Kewalram, founder and principal designer of her namesake firm.

The property’s quiet setting — a well-established residential neighbourhood with easy access to schools and local amenities — offered the ideal backdrop for crafting nuanced rooms centred on comfort and wellness. “Our approach was to complement the modern structure by introducing carefully selected materials and architectural detailing,” explains Kewalram. “Layered interiors bring character and a sense of visual richness to the spaces.”

Despite the grand scale of this two-level Bahrain villa—spanning approximately 15,000 square feet including the outdoor living areas—every corner prioritises subtlety over boldness. “What appealed to me most was the opportunity to shape a large home in a way that still felt thoughtful and intimate,” notes Kewalram. “Large spaces can feel impersonal, so we gave careful attention to proportion, lighting, and material layering to ensure the rooms feel balanced and inviting.”

Arched entryways are framed with low furniture so as not to take away the height of the villa.

Centred on warm neutrals with subtle tonal variations, the colour scheme creates a calm, cohesive ambiance. This palette allows the richness of the materials, custom furniture, and curated artworks to stand out while maintaining harmony throughout. “The material palette was chosen to complement the contemporary architecture,” says Kewalram, who opted for walnut finishes for the doors and wall paneling. Walnut mouldings also frame the entrances between rooms, subtly defining transitions while preserving the layout's airy openness. A tactile composition of stone, marble, and brass accents combined with velvet, bouclé, and linen completes the refined interior.

Art frames bigger pieces like this mirror and velvet bench.

“Projects outside my primary base often involve an additional layer of planning and coordination, which I find particularly rewarding,” confesses the Singapore-born, Dubai-based designer. “It allows us to explore the local context, collaborate with different craftsmen and suppliers and carefully source elements that contribute to the overall character of the home.”

Mirrored walls reflect the chandelier and light and dark fabrics making the room feel and look bigger.

Velvet armchairs are placed in almost every passage and room in the villa, welcoming guests to rest whenever and wherever.

Curvaceous furniture incorporates gentle shapes that balance the sharp architectural lines, while textured rugs anchor the more expansive rooms. “The design evolved from a dialogue between the architecture of the house and the lifestyle of the family who lives there,” says Kewalram. “Artworks are thoughtfully placed throughout the home, with mirrors positioned so that these pieces are reflected across different spaces. Entertaining was also a key consideration, leading to the creation of a bespoke bar and a custom dining unit featuring velvet-lined drawers for flatware and silverware.” Kewalram achieved a true tour de force: rendering a majestic residence intimate through discreet refinement rather than showy gestures that might be expected in a Bahrain villa.

The centre of the home, between levels is given equal adornment.