A shabby-chic Arabian Ranches villa

When people walk into my home I want it to feel cosy and welcoming,” says Dana Najia as we chat over cappuccinos in the living room of her Arabian Ranches villa. In a refreshing departure from the understated, modern decorating style that dominates many Dubai interiors, the Najia home is brimming with a collection of family heirlooms, mementos from holidays spent in the South of France and Greece, interesting artwork, and plenty of furniture and accessories that have been customised by Dana.

“We’re quite sentimental,” she says of her family, which includes her husband, Omar, their daughters, Carina (12), Tatiana (10) and their son, Fawaz (five). “We have a lot of pieces here that have been left to us by relatives, paintings by my sister and my mum, and knick-knacks that remind me of a certain time in my life. These are all things we have collected over the years.”

Although the Najias’ home is an eclectic assortment of prized possessions, everything has been carefully selected and fits Dana’s shabby-chic style. “The house is a work in progress,” she laughs. “It’s really a history of us, of our family. Every year we tackle another project.” The Najias’ first task was to swap the dark cherry finish on the skirting boards and door frames for a more elegant white.

Hardwood flooring by Nordic Homeworx helped to customise the decor still further, while last year a new Häcker kitchen was installed. Next on the list is to landscape the back garden and update the children’s rooms.

Original article by Anna AbouZeid

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A shabby-chic Arabian Ranches villa