Caroline Ciantar-Barbara

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Rabat Townhouse

A home of happy contrast and layered elegance

Colour, soul, limestone, light

This was a particularly happy design to bring to life. My client came to me with a bright spirit and a bold palette in mind—and this project quickly became a love letter to colour, softness, and character.

Set within the historic core of Rabat, this townhouse is filled with original limestone and traditional architectural rhythms, from the softly arched ceilings to the patterned cement tile floors that run like a decorative thread throughout. The home’s architecture offered us a beautifully solid canvas – but it was colour that gave it life.

The palette is unapologetically bold: warm saffrons, deep teals, magentas, forest greens, and honey-toned woods play together with purpose. Each tone feels like an extension of her personality – creative, playful, feminine. But the colour never overwhelms. It’s balanced with natural stone, neutral walls, and soft lighting that bounces gently through the rooms.

We leaned into every awkward nook and turned each one into a moment—whether a reading bench, a vignette, or a curated corner with art and texture. Built-in joinery grounds the living areas, and carefully selected contemporary pieces (like a magenta velvet sofa or a sculptural gold chair) sit confidently beside antique-inspired lighting and artworks.

This home was designed to evolve. We didn’t over-style it; we left space for future layers, future stories. It’s already beautiful, but it’s designed to be lived in—shaped by books, memories, and the passing of time.

In the end, this townhouse is more than a renovation. It’s a portrait of its owner – bright, elegant, a little unexpected, and full of soul.

project

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Transform your space with timeless design that reflects your unique style and personality. Let’s collaborate to craft a space that you’ll love for years to come.

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