Sun, Sand, and Luxury

Bernard Interiors were asked to create a light and comfortable family residence in Marbella with a contemporary European feel, and allowed for relaxation and to host informal family and social gatherings

Photographs by Kristen McCluskie

In the lounge area, the pale grey scheme is highlighted with pops of colour, bringing the outside in. The seascape artwork was commissioned from a local artist

The terrace lounge has bright bespoke cushions, shown in Hermes, Dedar, Abbott + Boyd fabrics, a bespoke made sofa by George Smith and a bespoke outdoor rug

Jen Bernard, Founder and Managing Director of Bernard Interiors

The kitchen features custom cabinetry by Gunni & Trentino, polished marble worktops, bespoke handles by Armac Martin, and stools by Justin Van Breda

Making the most of the villa’s coastal location was paramount for the client, so the three main ground floor spaces - living, dining and kitchen - were combined and now connect to the outside terrace with views across the gardens to the sea.

The client also required a workspace that was functional and didn’t conflict with the luxurious style of the interior. Jen made clever use of the hall space and created a recessed desk with concealed cupboards. The walls were covered with lacquered wood and a cream leather inset desktop creates the perfect working space. A bespoke brass framed mirror adjacent to the desk hides a cupboard for the AV equipment.

Outside, the terrace is multi-functional and works well as an open plan social space. Comfortable seating surrounds a bespoke coffee table where family and friends can socialise or watch television. The screen is concealed in a bespoke kitchen unit with motorised lift. The space houses everything needed including a fridge, freezer and storage for crockery and glassware. The garden umbrellas were made for Bernard Interiors by Santa Barbara Designs in the US and the company also shipped bespoke outdoor furniture from the US. Jen worked with local tradesmen - the detail of the flush tile and plaster finish in the bathrooms was executed to perfection, for example.

In the dining room, a cabinet in highly glossed timber with inlaid antique brass and leather, and dining chairs upholstered in fabric by Creations Metaphores, Zimmer + Rohde, Abbott + Boyd and are some of the many pieces made to Bernard Interiors’ designs for this project. Chandelier by Villaverde

Bernard Interiors worked with a local furniture maker on pieces they had designed, using materials that included highly glossed timbers, inlaid antique brass and leather, as on a bespoke cabinet featured in the dining area. Amazingly, around 80% of the furniture, doors and cabinetry was bespoke, while the rugs were commissioned from Riviere. comfortable luxury retreat.’ But is the client happy with the final result? ‘When the project completed in October 2017 our client loved it and couldn’t wait to take the family there. We know they really enjoy living there whenever they visit and it’s become a home from home.’