This sun-drenched vacation home in Abu Dhabi harnesses the power of blue to create a coastal oasis for a family seeking respite from the heat. 

"Blue is one of my favourite colours," notes Ksenia Mezentseva, the creative mind behind this soothing Abu Dhabi abode. "It's cool, calming, relaxing – a very complex colour."

Located on the serene Saadiyat Island, the home, envisioned by Mezentseva and Nina Moskalenko from KM Interior Design, is blessed with stunning ocean views and a beautiful white-sanded beach nearby. "We were mostly inspired by the beautiful nature and landscape," Mezentseva says of the calming colour woven throughout. "Blue is considered relatively conservative and safe, so it is also good to use in projects where clients want to add colour but are cautious."

The 50 shades of blue are accompanied by pops of green that reflect renewal and growth, channeling a sense of vibrancy reminiscent of the island's natural palette. “Green symbolises new life and growth, evoking the essence of trees, grass, and flowers,” says the designer. “While these natural elements aren't abundant in the UAE, incorporating green into the interior design brings a refreshing touch and recreates a natural palette of the sea, greenery, and sand.”  

Natural materials such as wood veneer elevate the space while reinforcing the home's connection to nature.  “Originally our clients come from a cold climate and there, the use of wood is very widespread to ‘warm up’ houses visually," notes Mezentseva. "We used wooden floors and joinery to add a little bit of home-away-from-home feeling."

The design team blends textures and shapes to create a visually dynamic yet balanced space. Glossy stone surfaces play against the warmth of wood, while matte boucle fabrics on armchairs find harmony with a shimmering silk carpet.

Rounded shapes, particularly in furniture and the home's prominent arches, imbue the space with a sense of completeness and flow. This sense of serenity is further enhanced by the seamless connection Mezentseva creates between the interior and the breathtaking ocean views. The strategic use of blue blurs the lines between indoors and out, making the home feel like an extension of the seascape itself.

“With breathtaking views surrounding the property, our design aimed to seamlessly integrate these beautiful exteriors into the interior spaces. It was a smooth process.”  

Photo courtesy of Sergey Krasyuk