How to Design Your Dream Villa

You’re browsing the web for inspiration, trying to get ideas for your future villa… but the more you see, the more lost you feel!

Sound familiar? Then this guide is for you.

From finding the perfect location to finishing your home to your taste, our tips will help you navigate the design process – and get you one step closer to moving into a villa that truly feels like home.

Where, oh where: location

The regions of Malta that contain villas are many. So, the good news is you’re not limited to any particular part of the island. Prices vary among localities, though. For example, Santa Maria Estate in Mellieha and Madliena in Swieqi remain two of the most sought-after spots.

If neither one is up your alley, fear not. There are lots of other options further afield across a range of price points. Some worthy contenders include San Gwann, Naxxar, Gharghur, Mosta, Attard, Rabat, Ta’ Xbiex, Marsascala and Zejtun.

Welcome home: the exterior  

How do you want to be greeted as you pull up to your front door? Do you want a winding driveway, a well-manicured front garden, or a towering multi-level mansion?

If you fancy a contemporary vibe, incorporate concrete, glass, steel or rusted metal elements into the façade. If you prefer the traditional look, yellow Maltese limestone will imbue your villa with timeless charm.

Either way, make sure the impression your home creates on the outside flows seamlessly indoors too.

Grand tour: the interior

What do you envision seeing once you’re inside? Is it a bright, open-plan space that combines the kitchen, living and dining room? Or perhaps an entryway that leads to different rooms through separate doors and arches?

If you like having clear-cut boundaries that signal different uses for different rooms, make sure the layout of your walls matches your vision. A floorplan that feels like it flows naturally is fundamental to creating a space you will cherish and love being in.

Living in the 2020s: the home office

A home study may not have been a priority before 2020. Enter Covid-19 though, and office space has become a must in every house.

Now that you’re planning your villa, you can do better than a makeshift desk in a dull corner of your kitchen or bedroom.

If you’re into the idea, go for a full-blown, designated office complete with a comfortable desk, built-in storage and filing cabinets.

If you’d rather not spoil your sanctuary with a corporate look, find some smart-design, multi-functional furniture that could suit any space. Wow visitors with folding desks that double as high-end art or mirrors, as well as sleek panels that hide cables and electronics.

Please your heart… and belly: the kitchen

Do you want the beating heart of your home to actually be at the heart of your home? A hub of activity where your children do their homework and the family gathers to watch TV while dinner’s being prepared?

Or is your ideal kitchen tucked away in a corner of the house where meal prep can go uninterrupted?

Whichever you prefer, nowhere in the house is layout more important than in the kitchen.

Your other kitchen design decisions will include colour scheme, countertops, backsplash, cabinetry, appliances, and other hardware. Bonus points if you can have a massive pantry for food storage that turns organisation into pleasure rather than pain.

And why not level things up with a serving bar to entertain guests, or a cosy breakfast nook with all-around seating?

Bliss of privacy: the bathroom

Turn your bathroom into a private spa worthy of a villa. Go all out with a free-standing tub for a luxurious soak, or a spacious walk-in shower (with rainfall showerhead!) for the ultimate bathing experience.

If you can spare the space, opt for a double vanity. And further personalise it with elegant taps, mirrors and striking tiles.

Remember: the right lighting works wonders for mood-setting – whether that’s wall sconces, track lights or mirror lights, you’ll never want to leave your bathroom!

World beyond: the outdoors

Home isn’t just behind closed doors. Make the most of your outdoor space by treating it as an extension of your homely interior.

Choose stylish and comfortable outdoor furniture that transforms your backyard into a lounge fit for cocktail parties. And a gorgeous pool certainly wouldn’t go amiss: your welcome refuge in the hotter months.

What’s more, whether you have a fully-fledged garden, a green wall, or a few plants in beautiful ceramic pots, give nature the space it needs to shine through.

Your special spot

Your home should reflect your personality, so don’t feel restricted by sticking to a single style if that is not what your heart wants. A villa gives you plenty of room to play around with, so why not style rooms in different themes? Create a unique ‘jewel box’ effect with colours, patterns and materials that will make each room stand out.

Alternatively, you may want to devote one room to a specific pastime. Say hello to your floor-to-ceiling library, home cinema, gym, workshop, craft room, or boutique-style walk-in wardrobe.

Whatever you decide, your villa is your chance to turn fantasy into reality!Ready to design the villa of your dreams? We can help! Get in touch with the RE/MAX team today at www.remax-malta.com