With the help of interior designer Alamira Noor Bani Hashim, Lebanese singer Dana Hourani turned her home into a permanent staycation destination – with music always playing in the background
Top, jumpsuit, belt, Bouguessa; earrings, Saint laurent; shoes, stylist’s own. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
The axiom about good things coming to those who wait has never been truer than for singer Dana Hourani and her search for her perfect abode. Born in Sharjah, she was raised in Beirut but has called Dubai home since 2008. It wasn’t until last July, however, that she finally moved into her actual home with her husband, Zeid, and their nine-year-old daughter, Zoe Ray. The process required three long years of patience and dedication. “Most of what I found was either too old and needed a ton of work, too small, or didn’t have enough outdoor space,” she shares. “I wanted to be surrounded by nature – waking up to see greenery and having a place to watch the sunset every day was important to me.” After some perseverance, Hourani ultimately landed on what she was looking for. “I could see the potential to flip, renovate, and landscape it into the home I’ve always dreamed of.”
The main hallway showcases two paintings created by Hourani’s mother. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Originally built about 10 years ago in a modern style with clean lines, the three-bedroom house located in Al Barsha 2 – a suburban area in the heart of the city, just a short drive from the beach – features a bright white exterior with contrasting black accents from the big window frames and front door. “The overall design is simple and minimalist, but the single-story layout and tall palm trees give it a personality and charm that’s hard to find in Dubai,” Hourani points out.
In the main living room, a handcrafted silk print from China adds a touch of artistry. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
The property, which sits on a 15 000sqm plot, has an expansive front garden. A large pool is situated on the right, while on the left, a spacious pergola and outdoor living and dining area make for an idyllic alfresco setting. “There’s also a large back yard, where I’m hoping to eventually start my own organic garden,” says Hourani. To achieve the result she envisioned, she teamed up with her close friend Alamira Noor Bani Hashim. “She is one of the most talented interior designers in the region,” says Hourani. “I’ve watched her design spaces over the years and have always been in awe of her work. We’d been talking about working together for so long, it was so exciting when the moment finally arrived, and we were able to make it happen.” In the UAE, Bani Hashim previously worked on multiple private projects for the royal family, as well as the current design of her Abu Dhabi eatery, No. FiftySeven Boutique Cafe.
The dining area has a sleek custom buffet table against the wall, with piping detail as handles. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Dana Hourani wears blazer, tights, shoes, earrings, Saint Laurent. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Unlike the lengthy undertaking of finding the property, renovating it was a much smoother process, with everything falling into place in just under three months. “Dana and I have a similar aesthetic,” says Bani Hashim. “She trusted my vision and I don’t think I’ve ever had a project move faster than hers. It was such an incredible experience. Something about Dana’s energy and ease made it pleasant and effortless.” The designer understood completely why a serene interior was so important to her client: “Dana’s life is busy, and she needed a space of zen,” Bani Hashim explains. “Her home has a sense of calm, where nothing feels too precious, but everything feels unique, special, and curated.”
The kitchen features shelves with stackable plates for easy access and style. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
To cultivate this tranquil atmosphere, the home is primarily adorned in earth tones that have a timeless appeal and are mixed with rich antique browns throughout. “I didn’t want it to have that fresh-out-of-the-box, overly polished look,” remarks Hourani.
“Instead, I was going for a vibe that feels like it’s been lived in, with a bit of history and character woven into every corner, so we leaned into materials that have a raw, natural, and aged quality.” Linens and suedes provide softness, while oak, stone, and ceramics ground the space. Raw textures on the walls and furniture with a timeworn finish also contribute to the cozy aesthetic.
A vanity corner in the master bedroom. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
The main bedroom was transformed to include a living area, a TV room, and a walk-in closet, while the third bedroom was reimagined as a versatile space that functions as an office, music room, and guest room. “We wanted to capture the vibe of a holiday getaway, to feel like we’re on a permanent vacation,” says Hourani, who enjoys having tunes playing in the background all day. “It is part of the whole mood here. Every room has something music-related, whether it’s my vinyl collection, a record player, my guitars, or a built-in DJ setup, since my husband loves to DJ whenever he can. Music is a big part of our life, so we’ve made it a big part of our home, too.” The main inspiration, however, came from Hourani’s ongoing pursuit of a pared-down approach. “I’m always making sure we only own what we truly need,” she says. “I don’t believe in having many options or excessive storage. When we set out to create this space, I drew heavily from the Japanese way of life – specifically, the Danshari philosophy, which focuses on decluttering and simplifying one’s life.” The goal? To create a more peaceful, intentional living environment and lifestyle by reducing physical and mental clutter.
Vintage records from the 60s and 70s. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
A spacious glass-enclosed rain shower in the master bedroom. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Minimalism, however, hasn’t always come naturally to the singer, who recalls laughing with Bani Hashim about how the lingering influence of her Lebanese upbringing compelled her to “fill every empty space.” Still, the designer succeeded in showing Hourani that a bare wall is not necessarily a bad wall. “We’d joke that it’s a cultural thing, something we picked up from our parents – the need to always have enough at home and be prepared. It was fascinating to realize just how deeply ingrained that habit was, even for me as a minimalist.”
With a layout thoughtfully designed to feel open, airy, and comfortable, Hourani’s home has become both her refuge and a space for creativity and entertaining. “I spend a lot of time at home; it’s my hub for everything,” she says. “In the mornings, I usually work by the window – I love being able to glance outside and see nature in the garden. Once my daughter gets home from school, I switch gears to spend time with her.” In the evenings, the house transforms into what the owner calls “a bit of a social hub.” She adds, “We’re big on hosting, so at least five nights a week, we have friends over, and it’s always a great time.”
Dress, belt, tights, shoes, earrings, Saint Laurent. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Addressing the needs of the young family, the thoughtfully planned renovation resulted in a home that supports balance in every aspect of Hourani’s life, no matter the moment or situation. “I envisioned a place where you could make lasting memories without feeling the need to switch up the scene,” she concludes, adding, “where you could easily lose track of time because you’re so relaxed.”
Below, more pictures from Dana Hourani’s home.
Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
In the guest bathroom, light bulbs create a sunset effect. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Style: Mohammad Hazem Rezq
Hair and makeup: Ivan Kuz
Production: Ankita Chandra
Originally published in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Vogue Living Arabia
