Caroline Ciantar-Barbara

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Zejtun Terraced House

Earthy elegance with Parisian warmth

New build, old soul

This home was designed for a quietly stylish woman in her 30s who had recently purchased a new build in the heart of Zejtun. Although the shell was contemporary, she longed for spaces that felt classic and layered—rooted in warmth, with a romantic softness. We took inspiration from Parisian apartments and vintage countryside homes, combining those influences with practical considerations for modern living.

The colour palette plays a leading role in this project: sage greens, soft peaches, creamy whites, and warm walnut tones anchor the space, while deeper accents like ochre and moss green bring a gentle richness. We wanted the rooms to feel grounded but never heavy—calm, but never bland. Each room tells its own quiet story, but they all speak the same language.

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We made the most of every square metre by designing with airiness in mind. A rounded dining table with a custom upholstered bench allowed for a comfortable yet space-saving layout. Striped fabric gave it a playful rhythm that feels both fresh and timeless. In the bedrooms, we layered linens and velvet, working with tonal contrast rather than strong statements—think rust, stone, and olive, all softened with natural light and sheer curtains.

One of my favourite touches is how we brought in art. Classic paintings in old gold frames nod to the client’s love of antique finds.  It’s these curated, slightly nostalgic elements that break the “new build” feeling and give the home its warmth.

Even though this house is contemporary in structure, every decision was about creating softness, elegance, and a sense of permanence.

It feels lived-in, collected over time—like it could be in Provence just as easily as Malta. And most importantly, it reflects her completely.

project

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