HRH Princess Anoud Reveals One of Her Favourite Home Projects

Detailed with soothing patterns and a simple colour base, a tranquil home in Riyadh, designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Anoud Khalid Mishaal bin Saud, is an exemplar of understated luxury

Just outside Riyadh, in the quiet Dhahrat Laban district atop a wadi, rests a palatial home reminiscent of a bygone era, but with modern influences.

A creamy beige is the reigning hue inside, with hints of gold throughout the space. The regal property has been designed by the founder of Saudi-based interior studio, A Interiors, Her Royal Highness Princess Anoud Khalid Mishaal bin Saud, over the course of two years with the aim of making it a comfortable and entertainment-friendly home.

The downstairs living room features bespoke furniture by Karageorgiou and interiors and artworks by Sami Savatlı

“It’s one of my favourite projects because I had full design freedom and flexibility,” Princess Anoud tells Bazaar Saudi. “I wanted to create something that was comfortable but at the same time, looked really good and had an Arabesque feel to it.”

Enabling free expression through design and authenticity is a philosophy Her Highness knows too well, and is the driving force behind A Interiors.

The impressive dining table is custom-made, seating more than 20 guests

“Don’t try to imitate or look at what other designers are doing,” she urges. “Ask yourself, what makes you comfortable? What makes you happy? Because if it makes you happy, it’s probably going to make your clients happy too.”

Often visiting furniture shops and flea markets in the Kingdom and beyond during much of her childhood, Princess Anoud was well aware of her passion for interior design from an early age. After her first freelance project, it was clear that she needed to launch her own firm.

All furniture has been tailor-made by Karageorgiou Interiors

“I just didn’t want to do freelancing projects anymore and then the idea of A Interiors was born,” she smiles. Marrying her love for global travel and art, A Interiors is constantly evolving, merging traditional elements with modern minimalism and applying an open-minded approach to every project.

“My favourite projects are the ones where the client gives me full flexibility and trust,” she says.

Faux plants are used to inject character into the room, adding an element of nature

“And with this home in Riyadh, I had the ability to be very creative.” Geometric designs recalling traditional Islamic calligraphy fill the home in the form of artworks, design sculptures and even shapes on doors, cupboards and ceilings, welcoming beautiful daylight patterns to fall on the sofas and flooring.

The furniture has been manufactured by a family-owned business in Greece called Karageorgiou Interiors, chosen for embracing the same design values as A Interiors.

There are tomes placed on the coffee tables as art pieces on their own, with one detailing the oeuvre of interior-architect Gert Voorjans, who is famed for breathing life into spaces though the use of bold colours.

Small antiques collected from vintage dealers during Princess Anoud’s travels have inspired each room’s aesthetic. “I find things that are really special,” she says.

The outdoor pool area is designed to resemble a beach resort

“Then I start styling with those pieces in mind and it just grows from there. These travel pieces were the main inspiration for each room and everything just fell into place.” She laughs, “And I have attachment issues with all these pieces.”

A nod to the homeowner’s affinity with the art world and co-curated by Saudi art advisor Raneem Farsi, large-scale works by Korean artist Cha Seung hang on several walls.

A view of the bespoke contemporary blue powder room with traditional touches

“I gave Raneem photos of the rooms and she sent me different options, so we selected the artworks together,” says Princess Anoud.

“She’s really amazing and a good friend.” The designer’s love for vintage style stems from fond memories of collecting items with her mother during travels abroad.

The downstairs living room

“I was very influenced by my mother – she loves antique and vintage items,” she shares. “And it’s something we always used to do together as an activity. In saying that, I don’t have a certain style or an era that I’m attached to. It’s all about the connection with a piece that I simply feel really attracted to.”

Beyond its impressive designs and subtle-luxury ethos, perhaps it’s the meditative ambience that makes this space truly extraordinary.

Arches and geometric patterns are combined with soft greys for a regal aesthetic

The warm, muted base palette of the home exudes a tranquil energy which fills the entire space, and pops of colour inject a distinct mood into each room. “Throughout the entire home, I didn’t want to have too many finishes or make it too busy,” says Princess Anoud.

“So we kept a unifying colour and then in certain spaces, we added some touches to give each space its own character.”

Bespoke furniture is paired with a vintage chandelier for a look that’s luxurious yet subtle

Her personal favourite area is the living room downstairs, rich in textural layers and design. “I really like this room because it’s so eclectic. Each piece is completely different than the other and reflects a completely different style.”

While the abode has a personality of its own, the aura of the homeowner can be sensed even without their presence.

Walls designed by A Interiors and Georgia Ezra of Tiles of Ezra to reinterpret traditional zellige mosaic; Marble door frames

“As a designer, no matter what you do, it’s not the same until someone actually moves in,” expresses Her Highness.

“I think it’s their energy. I don’t know how to explain it, but you feel like the house has a new life. I think having accessories and plants always give the space a homey feel, but what makes a home warm is the people that are in the space and what they bring.”

For more information, please visit ainteriors.com

Photography by Tamara Hamad

From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Summer Issue 2021