Modern Penthouse in Beirut: A Cosmopolitan Retreat

In Beirut’s Achrafieh district, MARIAGROUP designed a modern penthouse with panoramic views and an eclectic art collection, blending sophistication and city charm.

This stunning modern penthouse spanning 6,250-square-foot was designed by the duo Georges Maria and Michèle Chaya. This residence maximizes breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Beirut’s main mosque, and Saint George Maronite Cathedral, encapsulating the city’s essence.

Owner Mohamed Maktabi, also a co-founder of a family rug business, envisioned this modern penthouse to not only showcased the apartment’s stunning views but also highlighted his exquisite art collection.

The design achieves this through floor-to-ceiling windows and strategically placed low-slung furniture, ensuring uninterrupted sightlines. A dark gray accent wall in the living area further enhances the interior’s sophistication while drawing attention outward.

The main bedroom deviates slightly from this design philosophy, as it lacks a direct city view. However, Maktabi finds this inconsequential since he only uses the room for sleep.

Maktabi’s modern penthouse is a testament to his eclectic taste in art and furnishings. His collection includes works by Nabil Nahas, a sea-inspired series of paintings, a Mark Rothko-esque piece by Helen Khal, and a George Condo line drawing. Furniture ranges from an antique Damascene table to a 1950s Ico Parisi desk, which effectively divides the living space.

Within the main living room of this contemporary residence, bespoke pieces alongside vintage and modern designs, such as Karen Chekerdjian’s Hiroshima lamp, May Daouk-designed sofas, and a mid-1970s Pia Manu coffee table. The upper floor exudes a more relaxed ambiance, with lighter palettes and a rustic limewash finish.

A whimsical wicker chair by Chris Wolston and a Push stool by Omar Chakil add character, while the upper sitting room, opening onto a outdoor terrace, serves as a serene retreat.

The journey of the apartment has not been without challenges. The Beirut port explosion in August 2020 caused extensive damage, but miraculously, most of the artwork survived. The subsequent restoration of this modern penthouse by MARIAGROUP returned the apartment to its original splendor, reflecting both the resilience of the design and Maktabi’s attachment to it.

Next, discover the projects Maria and Chaya have brought to life.

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Entryway

The entrance area of the apartment exudes an eclectic and vibrant ambiance. A striking “Psychedelic Construction” mask by Los Angeles-based sculptor Thomas Houseago sets a tone of contemporary artistry. Nearby is a glazed-ceramic Japanese vase from the 1950s atop a vintage Ado Chale console table.

A colorful canvas by the late Belgian artist Jo Delahaut adds a dynamic splash of color and modern abstract expression. Moving further into the living room of the modern penthouse, the space continues to showcase a blend of artistic elements: a commanding painting of a king by José Lerma commands attention, while a raku totem by Hala Matta offers a sculptural presence.

Balancing the artistic flair, a chair crafted from natural fibers from Marni’s Zooteric furniture collection complements the eclectic mix, contributing to an entrance that seamlessly blends contemporary art, vintage elegance, and artistic diversity.

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Dining Room

In a sophisticated corner of the main living room, bespoke luxury meets refined design. A Pentelic marble table by MARIAGROUP commands attention, surrounded by iconic Pigreco chairs from Afra and Tobia Scarpa, reissued by Tacchini.

A versatile wall unit, designed to adapt to different artworks and objects over time, complements the space. Noteworthy pieces include an orange Mark Rothko-style painting by Helen Khal and a moody portrait by Canadian painter Paul P., adding a personal touch to the curated ensemble.

Together, these elements create a sophisticated living room environment that harmonizes bespoke craftsmanship with iconic design pieces and a carefully curated art collection, showcasing a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary artistic expression.

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Living Room

In this space, an ICO PARISI rosewood desk from 1958 serves as a stylish partition, delineating the area with elegance. Atop the desk, a Hiroshima lamp designed by Karen Chekerdjian adds a contemporary touch.

A Reza Aramesh photograph commands attention as a striking focal point in the seating area beyond. This area features sofas designed by May Daouk, complemented by a 19th-century rug from northwest Persia that adds a timeless aesthetic.

Mid-1970s coffee tables by Belgian designer Pia Manu enhance the setting with their distinctive vintage appeal. In the corner, an Angelo Lelli Triennale floor lamp, named after its debut at the Milan Design Fair in 1947, provides both illumination and a nod to mid-century modern design sensibilities.

This modern penthouse establishes an atmosphere that seamlessly integrates classic design with artistic flair, ensuring the space is both inviting and aesthetically compelling.

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Main Bedroom

In the main bedroom, vintage sophistication meets contemporary artistry. A Philippe Hiquily Coque armchair in hammered brass complements a Kyle Dunn painting on one wall. Behind the bed, a Louis Barthélemy artwork crafted with khayamiya technique adds cultural flair.

The modern penthouse space features a striped blanket from Orient 499, a Luc Ramael Glam collection lamp for Prandina, and a rug from David/Nicolas’ Disoriented collection for Iwan Maktabi. Above, a 1960s Seguso Murano glass and brass chandelier adds a touch of opulence, creating a bedroom that blends vintage elegance with modern artistic sensibilities.

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Outdoor Terrace

On the terrace, a tranquil atmosphere invites relaxation and social gatherings. A pergola provides shade, overlooking a small swimming pool that enhances the area’s appeal. In the foreground, bamboo tables and benches sourced from Southeast Asia create a natural and rustic seating arrangement.

Adorning the space are handwoven cotton tablecloths, a Moroccan coffee table, and a striped straw African basket, all curated from Orient 499, adding cultural richness and texture to the outdoor setting.

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This modern penthouse in Beirut epitomizes a blend of mid-century elegance and contemporary flair, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and a passion for timeless aesthetics.
The space serves as both a testament to refined taste and a source of inspiration for those looking to elevate their interiors with curated sophistication.

For more insights into luxurious interior design, explore our article “Above the Clouds – The Ultimate Luxury Penthouse in Manhattan.“