Studio Reimagined

The Brief

Our client, a young professional relocating to Dubai, approached us with a compact 45-square-metre studio apartment in Jumeirah Lakes Towers that felt cramped and outdated. The space, built in the early 2000s, featured worn laminate flooring, a basic kitchenette with chipped cabinets, and a bathroom plagued by leaks. They sought a complete transformation into a sleek, modern haven that maximised natural light and storage while accommodating a minimalist lifestyle. Key requirements included an open-plan layout, energy-efficient appliances, and luxury finishes to elevate the property's resale value. With a strict budget of AED 78,000 and a five-week timeline to align with their visa arrival, we committed to delivering a turnkey renovation without compromising on quality or deadlines.

Scope & Materials

We executed a full-scale renovation, stripping the apartment back to its core and rebuilding with premium, durable materials sourced from trusted European and Middle Eastern suppliers. The project encompassed structural modifications, electrical upgrades, and bespoke joinery to create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic.

• Complete demolition and removal of existing partitions, flooring, and fixtures, including disposal of 1.2 tonnes of waste in compliance with Dubai Municipality regulations.
• Installation of Italian porcelain tiles (60x60cm, matte finish from Marazzi) across 35 square metres of living space, paired with underfloor heating in the bathroom for year-round comfort.
• Kitchen remodel featuring custom flat-pack cabinets in oak veneer, a 20mm-thick quartz worktop from Caesarstone in a neutral Calacatta mimic, and integrated Bosch appliances including a 60cm induction hob and slimline fridge.
• Bathroom overhaul with a frameless glass shower enclosure, Grohe rain showerhead and thermostatic mixer, and large-format wall tiles in polished chrome accents; vanity unit crafted from wet-rated MDF with a vessel sink from Villeroy & Boch.
• Electrical and lighting upgrades: Recessed LED downlights (3000K warm white, 12 units) controlled via a Philips Hue smart system, plus USB-integrated power sockets throughout; full rewiring to meet DEWA standards with energy-efficient cabling.
• Wall finishes using Dulux heritage paint in soft greys and whites (two coats, low-VOC formula), acoustic panelling in the sleeping alcove for soundproofing, and custom-built storage wardrobes with soft-close mechanisms and LED internals.
• HVAC enhancements with a split-unit Daikin air conditioner (9000 BTU) and improved ventilation to handle Dubai's humid climate, ensuring optimal air quality.

Timeline

We adhered meticulously to the five-week schedule, coordinating trades with precision to avoid delays. Our project management ensured seamless transitions between phases, completing the handover two days ahead of target.

• Week 1: Site survey, demolition, and waste clearance; structural assessments confirmed no unforeseen issues, with temporary protections installed to safeguard adjacent units.
• Week 2: Rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC; new pipework laid for the bathroom and kitchen, with all cabling routed and tested for compliance.
• Week 3: Installation of flooring, wall tiling, and joinery; porcelain tiles grouted and sealed, cabinets assembled on-site with precise levelling.
• Week 4: Finishes and fixtures fitted; appliances connected, painting completed, and smart lighting system programmed; final plumbing tests passed without leaks.
• Week 5: Final detailing, deep cleaning, and client walkthrough; minor adjustments made on-site, followed by DEWA inspection approval and keys handed over.

Before → After

Before the renovation, the studio was a dimly lit, inefficient space dominated by dark wood panelling and outdated beige tiles that amplified the sense of confinement. The kitchenette was functional at best, with limited counter space and no ventilation, while the bathroom suffered from mould-prone grout and a flickering fluorescent light. Natural light from the balcony was blocked by heavy curtains, and storage was minimal, forcing furniture to double as clutter magnets. Overall, it screamed mid-2000s mediocrity, ill-suited for modern Dubai living.

After our intervention, the apartment emerged as a bright, airy retreat with an open-plan flow that visually doubles the square footage. Floor-to-ceiling windows now flood the space with lake views, complemented by reflective quartz surfaces and neutral tones that create a serene, luxurious ambiance. The kitchen island serves as a multifunctional hub, the bathroom feels like a spa with its seamless wet room design, and smart features allow effortless control via app. The result is a premium, low-maintenance home that blends sophistication with practicality, ready for immediate occupancy or rental yield.

Client Quote

What You'd Pay

For a similar 45-square-metre studio renovation in JLT, expect to invest between AED 60,000 and AED 100,000, depending on scope and specifications. At the lower end, opting for mid-range laminates and standard appliances keeps costs around AED 60,000 for a basic refresh, while our AED 78,000 package reflects premium materials like imported tiles and quartz, plus smart integrations that add long-term value. Factors pushing towards AED 100,000 include expansive structural changes, high-end brands such as Grohe or Miele, or eco-upgrades like solar-assisted HVAC; conversely, scaling back on custom joinery or automation can trim 15-20% without sacrificing core functionality. Location premiums in JLT—due to access and regulatory hurdles—typically add 5-10% over less central areas.