To channel a laid-back feeling befitting the island, the main house features a minimal colour palette that reflects its bright white facade, which is typical of Ibizan homes. A pared-down colour scheme throughout the three-bedroom property ensures that the “walls, ceilings and floors are rendered invisible so that the individual pieces of furniture, art and the landscape become the focus” of the abode.

“We wanted the house and interior to be calm and connected with nature, and introduced natural materials reflecting the location,” explains Griem. The team layered materials such as linen and jute with cotton rugs throughout the home, while wooden elements are paired with rugged textures; these include exposed metals that are left to oxidise naturally to create patinated finishes, as well as the local stone varieties selected for the facade and flooring.

“(One of my) favourite aspects is the use of locally sourced materials,” says the designer. “(These include the) orange-tinged rough stone warmed by the Mediterranean sun, the uneven undulating surfaces of the white render reflecting the sunlight, and the dark rusty metal of the entrance door.”

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The villa’s idyllic charm is further highlighted by the open-plan living area, which features a large fireplace as its focal point. Here, a massive sofa further contributes to the symmetrical composition, while creating an inviting space that the family and their guests can gather around.

“It was important to give the living room a sense of belonging and identity; it needed to have its place against the surrounding landscape,” says Griem. “A room you want to be in when the scorching heat is too much to bear; a snuggly place when the cold draws you in, and you want to gather by the fire.”

The artworks that line the walls were brought in by the clients, who wanted to pepper the home with the art they had kept in storage in their London residence. The only exception is a black-and-white photo that hangs in the living room; the gleaming disco balls pay homage to the party capital.

To the side of this living area is a cosy nook that used to house a bread oven many years ago. Once employed as a storage space by the home’s previous owner, the designer saw its potential and decided to transform it into a reading nook; yellow windows and a playful array of accent cushions add visual interest to this space. 

A dining area is located at the other end of this sprawling, open-plan zone; it’s furnished with a large wooden table and a pair of benches. The old kitchen was demolished to make way for a sleek replacement. Black granite countertops and a mirrored backsplash form a pleasing contrast with the white walls, while flame-red bar stools by the kitchen island create a stylish breakfast spot. Gaggenau appliances add a modern touch.

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As with the rest of the abode, the bedrooms within the main house were designed to offer a sense of calm. “The bedroom is the refuge of every house, and particularly in a holiday house where the clients will have guests more often than in their main residence. Here, the bedrooms needed to be as calming as possible—the focus was peacefulness and rejuvenation,” says the designer.

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The synergy between the outdoor and indoor spaces is amplified by extending the villa’s natural palette outdoors. Working with a local landscape designer and gardener, Griem sought to maximise the verdant views.

“Inspired by nature, the floor finishes are either smooth or rugged; cemented pebbles meet smooth local limestone and textured wooden flooring,” he says. “The furniture was made locally with rugged hardwood and linen upholstery. The outdoor areas are decked with textured materials and feature modern furniture.”

The secondary buildings in this estate allow the owners to host more guests; looking out to the lush foliage of the pine forest, the atmosphere in these rustic structures differs completely from the main residential building. One cottage, nicknamed the Bali house, is a hit with both the owners and the design team; it exudes a rustic charm with exposed wood, natural stone, and rattan furnishings.

“Our client inherited the cabin from the previous owners, who actually imported it from Bali and shipped it to Ibiza in a container,” Griem shares. “We loved the look but it missed (a sense of) warmth and luxury. So we used African-inspired wallcoverings, upholstery fabrics, artefacts, furnishings, cushions and throws to add comfort and character to this cabin.” 

While the project wasn’t without its challenges, primarily wrought by the rain during the island’s winter season, Griem and his team managed to deftly complete the home’s transformation within a year. The clients, who formed a trusting relationship with the designer and only visited the villa after it was completed, were immensely happy with the final look as well.

“Our philosophy is that good design is a combination of function and style,” says Griem. “(In this home), we created a relaxed space for city dwellers to unwind and enjoy nature.”

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