Summer in Egypt is harsh and dry, and sometimes tiring. So, it pays to capitalize on every bit of sunshine with a summer house getaway from the rigid and unstimulating urbanized life. Summer houses are the perfect safe havens from realities even if it is just for a weekend; they are traditionally referred to buildings or shelters used for relaxation in warm weather.

Imagine a place where you can plant your own plants, spend time with your family, invite guests over, organize cook-outs, and get a chance to truly relax after a long week of work. It’s a breath of fresh air with a more balanced life; being surrounded by the great outdoors, gives you the opportunity to tap into nature: sounds of birds chirping, winds whistling, and the rolls of sea waves touching your toes on the soft grainy sand.

“The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out. This is not an easy job."

-Albert Hadley

Egyptian interior designer, Karim Wally, has been creating homes since 2007, starting his own business in 2014 “The Studio”, working on several projects of all kinds that range from residential, commercial, retail administrative and hospitality. Wally shares his thoughts on summer houses and what we should start to incorporate to create a welcoming home in the midst of a sunny hot season.

The term “summerhouse” seems to have been used as an umbrella term, which subsumed more specific terms for a variety of garden structures, “summer houses offer a different atmosphere than those in the cities. Their designs should reflect freshness and spontaneity. Houses should be made more comfortable in a unique and singular manner with the use of more natural tones and light-colored hues.”

Summer homes are meant to be stylish and relaxing. Light color palettes, no-fuss furniture, and beachy patterns are just a few elements Wally often relies on to craft an inviting summer home. “I try to steer clear of manufactured materials, like HDF as it is not durable and does not work well with humidity, non humid, bacteria and salinity paints and use more reliable and natural materials like wood in all its forms, marble and if we were to use claddings cement boards could be assimilated as opposed to gypsum boards as they absorb humidity rather quickly. Porcelain is also another material I would recommend to use for kitchens and bathrooms.”

In the first stages when it comes to designing any summer house, Wally explains that in order to get a better understanding of the project knowing where exactly the house is located is essential and plays a large part in creating the perfect summer house. “As of late with many new summer houses, we face an in issue with them being located in enclosed compounds surrounded by more villas not overlooking the sea. Through my designs, I try to bring the sea and beach feeling back into the home. With extensive research done, I create livable spaces using my clients’ desired colors and hues and the materials they would like to go for.”

Not all summer houses are expansive and spacious as they once were, and with real estate prices booming, summer houses are not as affordable as they once were. In efforts to create an elusive spacious summer house for more modest-sized ones, Wally advises, “furniture pieces are recommended to be customized, to be personalized specifically for the small interior space. Use light tones colors along with pastel colors and that is generalized for all summer houses, use indirect lights in order to give more depth to the space which will ultimately give the illusion of a bigger space. For flooring, it would be best to choose materials that have reflections and to stay clear of claddings and make the interior as simple as possible with less unnecessary details.” 

“When it comes to the inside of summer homes for most clients the need for it to be comfortable exceeds any other demand. So, I always try to meet the demand of as many family members as I can depending on the number of rooms and amount of space I have to work with.” Wally explains that he prioritizes the aesthetic factor in any space just as much as its function being able to find the perfect harmony between both facets and create that appealing allure for a one-of-a-kind experience. Design with no proper function is not constituted as interior design but rather as art.

Integrating cultural interiors in summer houses is something that Wally feels very strongly about like Mediterranean culture designs, Mexican or even Nubian. By adding such a tasteful character to your home, you do not only create a home that’s unique and different from any other, but you’re responsible for bringing back memories and feelings. “Playing with more colors, patterns and textures and trying to be more adventurous through art and design is always key – with the short amount of time your client stays at their summer house. I always think of ways in which I could create a memorable design that leaves a singular impression.”

The concept of “raw” in various forms as the local nature dictates is something that Karim Wally prefers when it comes to designing summer houses, omitting the conventional materials that may be used in architecture. “If I were to use marble, I like using patterns and textures closure to matte and rough-textured marble that do not have a glassy finish. When it comes to the types of wood I use, having them in their true form and colors plays a factor. For walls, I like adding either a hint of color and effect or light-colored rough textures or even a cement textured wall could work well.”

Let’s not also forget that landscapes and gardens in summer houses are just as important in amplifying the mood and overall feel of the house, but because most summer houses are not lived in all year round landscape, maintenance becomes a real issue. Wally divulges, “the strong winter winds deter me from planting large plants of exponential heights. I create landscapes that can be able to withstand harsh climate conditions with minimal details and low maintenance; designing more lawn areas and choosing materials that can stand the test of time. When it comes to pathways, I choose corridors or outdoor stairs like marble or local Egyptian materials with rough textures that do not need that much upkeep. For swimming pools, I use less detail with fewer curves and intricate designs and offer a fresher and modern look.” 

Following the general trend of what a “should” look like is not something that the designer likes to use, “in a few years’ time, they would be out of style and unappreciated once again until the next trendy thing comes along. I like creating timeless designs that have nothing to do with what is trendy and common in this day and age especially for summerhouses since they are only used for a small time period.”

Wally describes one of his most memorable summer house projects ; one that dates two years back in Almaza Bay where the owner left him to completely do as he may, as the saying goes ‘the world was his oyster’. Having worked with the client on several projects prior to the Almaza Bay summer house, the homeowner trusted his taste and designs, “this was one of the few homes where I let my imagination run wild, and it consumed all my time to create something special, as if it were my own home. I created something that merged a boho look with Moroccan motifs telling the tale of an Arabic culture intricately placed in a modern look.”