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Introduction
Dubai is known for its spectacular modern architecture, with iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa dominating the skyline. However, beneath the glitzy new structures lies a rich architectural history now experiencing a resurgence.
Traditional Emirati homes, known as ‘Arish,’ date back centuries and reflect local climate and culture. These single-story dwellings had thick walls, small windows, and wind towers to cope with the desert heat. Intricate gypsum decorations, wooden doors, and internal courtyards added beauty and functionality.
In recent decades, there has been a growing trend of renovating and revamping these old Dubai homes using modern design elements. By blending the traditional with the contemporary, homeowners are transforming traditional dwellings into modern family homes while retaining their heritage and history.
The rising popularity of revamping old Dubai homes comes from an appreciation of traditional architecture and the desire for modern amenities. Homeowners want to preserve distinctive features like wind towers and courtyards while updating areas like the kitchen and bathroom. The result is a synthesis between old and new – a contemporary home with a traditional Arabian soul.
Benefits of Renovating
Renovating an old Dubai home can provide numerous benefits for homeowners. The most significant benefits include improved functionality of the house and increased property value.
Modern renovations allow homeowners to update the layout and flow of their homes to suit their lifestyle better. Knocking down walls can open interior spaces and create more open floor plans. Upgrading lighting, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and other elements improves functionality and provides a more comfortable living experience. New flooring, cabinetry, and countertops can modernize the look and functionality of kitchens and bathrooms.
Renovating also boosts a home’s resale value. Buyers are often willing to pay more for updated, modernized homes versus outdated properties. By renovating, homeowners can recoup costs and profit when selling their home. Stylish new kitchens and baths, finished basements, outdoor living spaces, and other on-trend upgrades attract buyers and enable sellers to command higher prices in Dubai’s competitive housing market. The renovated home stands out and generates more interest and better offers than dated homes.
Common Renovations
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of a home; renovating it can completely transform the space. Some popular kitchen upgrades include:
- Changing the layout to create a more open and functional cooking space. Islands, peninsulas, and open shelving help achieve a sleek look.
- Updating old appliances with new, energy-efficient models with the latest features and technology. This includes the refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, and more.
- Installing contemporary countertops made of materials like quartz, granite, or solid surfaces, which are durable and stylish.
- Adding tile or stone backsplashes provides personality through color, shape, and texture. Glass, metal, and mosaic tiles are trendy options.
Bathroom
Bathroom renovations focus on replacing the major fixtures for improved comfort and aesthetics:
- Updated sinks, faucets, and hardware in finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black exude modern styling.
- Contemporary lighting fixtures like pendant lights, sconces, and vanity lighting set the desired ambiance.
- Fresh tile in white, gray, or bold colors paired with new flooring establishes the bathroom as an updated, inviting space.
Flooring
Switching out old tile for new flooring makes a big difference in transforming the home’s look and feel:
- Hardwood with wide planks conveys warmth and timeless appeal. Different stains allow customization of color tones.
- Stone or porcelain tile mimics the beauty of natural stone while being more affordable and easier to maintain. Large format tiles create seamless expanses.
- Luxury vinyl plank provides the appeal of hardwood with added durability and moisture resistance. Advanced printing technology offers photorealistic visuals.
- Laminate flooring gives a realistic wood look as a budget-friendly option. The scratch-resistant surface holds up well to daily life.
Modern Design Elements
Many old Dubai homes can feel dark, closed in, and outdated. That’s why one of the top renovation goals is opening up and modernizing the space. Some popular modern design elements for transforming these homes include:
Open concept floor plans – Knocking down walls between rooms like the kitchen, dining room, and living room creates an open, airy feel with better flow. This makes the home feel larger and allows natural light to reach more areas. Open concept is highly desirable in modern homes.
Lots of natural light – Installing bigger windows, skylights, and glass doors allows more natural sunlight to stream in. This makes the home brighter, more inviting, and more connected to the outdoors.
Sleek/modern appliances and fixtures – Swapping out old appliances and fixtures for new stainless steel or matte black options provides a clean, contemporary look.
Minimalism – Focusing on only the essentials for furniture and decor helps create a tidy, uncluttered look. Avoid ornate detailing and choose clean lines, neutral colors, and space. This creates a calming zen atmosphere.
Blending Old and New
There are several effective strategies to achieve this fusion:
- Incorporate some traditional features like arches, mashrabiya screens, and courtyards. Arches are a classic element in Islamic architecture that can be adapted to connect modern spaces. Mashrabiya, the ornate wooden lattice screens filter light beautifully and maintain privacy. Central courtyards provide a tranquil outdoor oasis. Using these in key areas honors the original architecture.
- Modern materials can be integrated into traditional architectural styles for an updated look. For example, steel cables can form contemporary versions of mashrabiya screens. Or new stained glass window panes can brighten up existing archways. Clean lines and modular furniture with Arabic design motifs bridge old and new.
- Consider merging a modern, open-concept layout with touches of Arabic detailing. Floating shelves in place of ornate cabinetry, pendant lamps rather than chandeliers, and neutral walls with pops of color through pillows and art all allow tradition to shine through a pared-down lens.
- The most successful renovations find ways to combine the best of old and new fluidly. By adapting traditional Arabic elements with modern materials and layouts, the heritage of these old Dubai homes can be preserved while upgrading for contemporary needs.
Sustainability
Home renovations present a great opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly and energy-efficient upgrades. When revamping an old Dubai home, consider the following sustainable improvements:
Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Choose appliances with an ENERGY STAR rating and swap out old bulbs for LEDs to reduce electricity usage.
Upgrade plumbing fixtures to low-flow models. Install water-efficient toilets, faucets, and showerheads to cut water consumption.
- Add solar panels. Solar PV systems can provide clean electricity and reduce utility bills. Roof-mounted panels are ideal for harnessing Dubai’s abundant sunlight.
- Use green building materials. Choose sustainable options like bamboo flooring, recycled glass tiles, and natural linens. Avoid VOC-emitting paints and finishes.
- Incorporate smart home technology. Smart thermostats, lighting controls, and water leak sensors help manage resources efficiently.
- Improve insulation. Ensure walls, attics, and basements are adequately insulated to prevent heat transfer and reduce AC costs.
- Install energy-efficient windows and doors. Well-sealed, double-paned windows prevent cool air from escaping and hot outdoor air from entering.
Going green benefits the environment and saves money on utility bills.
Cost Analysis
Materials include flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting fixtures, appliances, paint, and more. Expect materials to account for 25-40% of the total renovation budget. Using higher-end finishes will increase costs.
Labor – Hiring contractors for demolition, structural work, installations, and finishing involves labor costs. Labor will likely be 30-50% of the total budget. Complex projects require more time and specialized skills, increasing labor costs.
Design Fees – Architects, interior designers in dubai, and other consultants can charge 10-20% of the total budget. Their expertise is valuable for large renovations.
Permits & Other Costs – Securing all the necessary permits and inspections from Dubai authorities adds additional costs, as do waste disposal fees, insurance, and project management—budget 5-10% of the total for these expenses.
Contingency Funds – A 10-20% contingency should be set aside to cover any unexpected issues or cost overruns during the renovation. Renovation projects often have surprises along the way.
Average Total Cost – Minor renovations could start around AED 300,000, while whole-home renovations often range from AED 500,000 to 5 million depending on factors like location and scope. Luxury renovations could exceed AED 10 million.
Several factors tend to increase renovation costs, including:
- Extensive structural changes
- Use of imported or rare materials
- Luxury fixtures and finishes
- Addition of new wings/floors
- Major HVAC, electrical, or plumbing work
- Complicated demolition of existing structures
- Extensive landscaping or site work
Choosing interior designer
The first step is to ensure that any potential designer has the proper licensing and credentials to operate in Dubai legally. Ask for certificates and paperwork proving they are registered with the appropriate local authorities. This helps avoid potential issues down the line.
Next, investigate their experience renovating older Dubai homes similar to yours. Look for proven expertise in transforming traditional architecture into contemporary living spaces. Ask for references from past clients with projects comparable to what you have in mind. A long track record of completing transformative renovations should give you confidence in your abilities.
Compare multiple bids and estimates. Cost is important, but be wary of unrealistically lowball offers, which could signal cutting corners. Ensure the contractor works closely with you and your interior designer in dubai to execute the vision. Communication and collaboration is key.
Vetting contractors thoroughly takes time but pays dividends in the long run. The right contractor helps ensure your ambitious home renovation in Old Dubai runs smoothly from start to finish.
Interior Design Trends
One way to transform an old Dubai home is to incorporate interior design elements that are currently trending. This allows you to give a fresh, modern look to a dated space. Some popular interior design trends for revamping old Dubai homes include:
Touches of Gold and Metallic
Metallic accents like gold, brass, and copper add warmth and luxury to a space. Consider adding metallic hardware, light fixtures, decor items, or furniture. Gold lanterns, brass cabinet knobs, a copper sink, or a gold geometric side table all make striking additions. Metallic touches give an old home a sophisticated style update.
Bold Use of Color and Pattern
Feel free to use vibrant colors and bold patterns when renovating an old Dubai home—paint walls in rich jewel tones like emerald or sapphire. Add floral wallpaper or patterned rugs. Use textiles with geometric or abstract prints. Bold punches of color and pattern add drama and modern flair.
Eclectic Mix of Old and New
Blend antique or vintage furniture pieces with new modern designs when renovating. The eclectic mix of old and new adds character and visual interest. An ornate antique console paired with a sleek modern sofa makes a compelling style statement. Mixing old and new gives a fresh take on traditional.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture is back in style. Its clean lines and retro flair add a dash of nostalgic charm to old Dubai homes. Iconic mid-century pieces like egg chairs, tulip tables, and sculptural lighting make a big impact. This trend is an easy way to merge old and new design aesthetics in Dubai renovations.
Conclusion
The influx of expats and young professionals flocking to Dubai has fueled demand for modern, stylish homes. As more vintage villas and apartments undergo contemporary renovations, Dubai’s residential architecture continues to evolve. The city has established itself as a global hub of innovative design, with sustainable building practices also gaining traction.
Integrating heritage elements into sleek, contemporary interiors may become a popular trend. This allows historic Emirati architectural styles like Barjeel wind towers to blend with modern aesthetics seamlessly. Ultimately, Dubai’s residential landscape will likely feature thoroughly updated older properties alongside new landmark developments as the city continuously reinvents itself.
