- Interior
In the green oasis of Meadows, next to Dubai's prestigious Emirates Hills residential area, stands a house that embodies the perfect harmony of modern design and traditional elements of the region. A joint project of two talented interior designers, Marina Braginskaya and Marina Baisel, this house is more than just a living space; it is a haven where art, light and airiness come together to create a serene atmosphere.
The proud owner of this house is Marina Baisel, who lives in this carefully designed home with her husband and their three children. Marina, an established art gallery owner, has integrated her own collection of paintings, sculptures and objects into the interior, making every corner of the house tell a story and invite contemplation. ‘We wanted to give the feeling that time is slowing down and create a desire to reflect,’ says Marina.
Marina Braginskaya, founder of Braginskaya & Architects, and Marina Baisel, owner of RARARES Gallery (formerly Boccara Dubai), met years ago at design school. Their first joint project led to a seamless integration of architecture and interior design. While Marina Braginskaya focused mainly on architectural aspects and furniture selection, Marina Baisel brought the house to life with a carefully curated collection of furniture, art and craft objects, several of which were designed by herself.
The house covers 252 square metres on two floors with a total of five bedrooms. The ground floor includes a spacious living room, a small lounge, a dining room, a guest room and several utility rooms. The first floor is dedicated to private spaces, including the master bedroom and children's rooms. A notable architectural feature is the double-height space in the upstairs hallway with a glass ceiling, which creates a sense of airiness and spaciousness. The interiors are inspired by the sandy hues of Dubai and exude a serene, natural atmosphere. Subtle, calming colours create a canvas of tranquillity, while natural materials such as stone, wood, linen, silk and wool add a sense of authenticity and calm. The designers also introduced contrasting and graphic elements in the common areas to energise the space. 
‘We wanted to give the feeling that time is slowing down and create a desire to think’
Each room is a testament to craftsmanship and artistic dedication. Handmade pieces, paintings and sculptures fill the space and add to the warm and inviting atmosphere. From a tapestry by LeLin Studio, created from sketches by Marina Baisel, to sculptures by Evelyne Brader-Frank, each element in the house has been carefully chosen to tell a unique story. The family composition played a crucial role in the design of the house. The 14-year-old son immediately chose a separate room, while the two daughters aged 11 and 9 decided to share a room, resulting in the creation of a study instead of an extra bedroom. These choices reflect the flexibility and adaptability of the design, which meets the needs of the family both aesthetically and functionally. 
The house, a joint creation of Marina Braginskaya and Marina Baisel, is a masterpiece of modern and traditional elements, filled with natural light and serene colours. It is a place where art and life come together seamlessly, a haven where time seems to slow down and every corner invites contemplation and admiration. In this carefully curated home, the soul is nourished by the beauty of art and the tranquillity of natural elements, making it a true oasis in the heart of Dubai.
Interior design by Braginskaya & Architects And Marina Baisel
Photography by Sergey Krasyuk
Text by Celien Hemelaer