Art in the spotlight

Located in the heart of Achrafieh, the duplex of the architect Robert Micaelian is a haven of tranquility and charm, where furniture and antique and modern decorative objects blend harmoniously.

Pleasant atmosphere

The chic and modern duplex, which covers an indoor area of 300 square meters with ceiling heights of 5 meters, has a terrace that extends over 150 square meters, bringing a nice overall breeze. There are also large windows that rise from the floor to the ceiling. The premises offer a peaceful setting and bring a feeling of fullness thanks to the off-white colors used on the walls and the choice of upholstery that flirts with the earth colors, punctuated by small touches of color to enhance everything.

The art collector has assembled collections of mostly Persian antique carpets, paintings by famous painters, as well as antique sculptures, which he himself has worked on, from antique dealers and gallery owners in Lebanon and abroad, and some of them belonged to his family.

Refined decoration

On the floor, on the reception side, large slabs of polished classico travertino were added, and on the bedroom side, dark oak parquet with small slats, in vogue in the 80s.

In the middle of the house, there is a spiral staircase separating the lower floor where the two living rooms, the dining area, the bedrooms and the kitchen are.

In the center of the reception area, an imposing bespoke library looms from floor to ceiling and shelters, among other things, books and collections, Chinese porcelain dating from the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, mainly belonging to his parents and a Japanese theater mask bought in Kyoto from a Buddhist priest during a trip. In the center, was placed a pretty Dutch bargueño, dating from the seventeenth century.

Above one of the main sofas in the living room hangs a beautiful 17th century tapestry, from the Brussels soap factory, depicting a hunting scene; it was bought in London by his parents from an antique dealer in 1960. On the side of the sofa, on a pedestal table executed by Henry Junior Dakak (HHD) was placed a gilt lamp, also made by the HHD workshops. On the other side of the sofa, a beautiful lamp by the famous architect Borek Cipek completes the decor.

For the rest of the article, check out our October 2017 issue.