Central Park Tower

A sophisticated “Sanctuary in the Sky” nestled in the bustling DIFC, this duplex combines bold design choices with refined details.

One of Dubai’s leading PR gurus, Ayman Fakoussa, turned to Styled Habitat to transform his compact duplex into a serene haven that eloquently reflects his life experiences

A man whose roots are deeply woven into Dubai’s cosmopolitan tapestry, Ayman Fakoussa, Co-founder and Partner of Dubai’s celebrated PR agency, The Qode, has lived in many homes but never a sanctuary. Ayman entrusted Styled Habitat with his compact DIFC duplex, located in the heart of Dubai’s famous financial district, with the dream of turning the 1,785 square feet into his dream space.

“Dubai has been home for me for almost 21 years now. When I moved here, I was 23, fresh out of university,” the entrepreneur reminisces. “At the time, I thought to myself I would be here for three years maximum. But I just fell in love with the place. I have lived in so many places since moving to Dubai. I have lived everywhere; I have moved around a lot. I have had roommates. I have lived alone. I’ve kind of done everything in Dubai. I like to think of it as a small villa in the sky because the space is spread over two floors with double-height ceilings.”

Infatuated by the apartment’s location and abundant sunlight, Ayman had a clear vision: “Make it feel mine. For me, the request was to focus on a few key touches. I care about simplicity, beautiful materials, and a good finish. So that was really my starting point with Styled Habitat.”

Characterised by sophisticated dark oak, complemented by boldly luminous onyx, and balanced with natural tones, the apartment radiates abundance and depth. Each choice was made to mirror Ayman’s personality and create a space that flows seamlessly. “The wooden floors coupled with the warm tones of the house really make me feel calm,” he smiles. “When I get home, I feel this sense of tranquillity, and I would say that it is like my little sanctuary. It is this little jewel of a home that I look forward to going back to.”

Rabah Saeid, Founder of Styled Habitat, adds, “Wander through the space, and you’ll discover personal touches that breathe life into every corner. A bespoke built-in bookcase delicately integrated into the wall proudly showcases the client’s travel treasures and art collection, adding character without overwhelming or cluttering the space. In essence, the built-in bookcase serves as more than just a storage solution – it’s a reflection of the client’s identity, a celebration of their passion for art and travel, and a constant reminder that home is where the heart is. Hence, the neutral backdrop walls act as a canvas for creativity and playfulness”.

To further enhance the sense of space, the staircase underwent a transformative redesign. “The staircase draws the eye upward towards the double-height ceiling,” says Rabah. “This architectural flourish not only amplifies the apartment’s verticality but also imbues it with a sense of grandeur and airiness while a contemporary suspended light from Flos adds a touch of drama after dark.”

Despite cherishing his alone-time, when asked about his favourite corner, Ayman does not hesitate before admitting that the kitchen bar is where he can often be found. “For my family, we always congregate around a bar or a counter. It is always the centrepiece of the house for us,” he says. “That is where we eat and enjoy each other’s company. We are never the formally sitting-at-the-dinner-table kind of family. We are more casual. So, the counter that we did out of onyx and backlit with LED sheets is my favourite spot in the house.”

Highly influenced by his profession as one of Dubai’s most notable public relations experts, Ayman continues to explain that maximising space and functionality were also top priorities. “I knocked out all the walls downstairs and made it into one big open space. The intention was to be able to host people. Although my life revolves around people and entertaining, throwing parties and organising events, I love doing that in my personal life as well. For me, that is how I really find joy.”

There is a beautiful harmony in the design, despite the myriad of materials and textures. Rabah explains, “The juxtaposition of dark oak against colourful accents, such as an Iwan Maktabi rug in the living room, creates a dynamic interplay of light and contrast. So does the juxtaposition of furniture selections as shown through the Apollo chair by Nakkash Gallery and the Strand sofa by Nada Debs.”