Soulful Style: Inside Eman Bani Hashim’s Enchanting Abu Dhabi Home

by Ayesha S. Shehmir February 17, 2022February 17, 2022

Contemporary with a nod to minimalism, the Emirati tastemaker’s villa in Abu Dhabi blurs the lines between fashion and interior design

Taking cue from her muse Ralph Lauren’s principles of simplicity and elegance, Eman Bani Hashim (better known as Mama Hepburn) has styled her home inside and out with a black, white and wooden colour palette, with a focus on open, airy spaces and nature. Classic with modern touches – and just as chic as she is – the abode beautifully expresses Eman’s zest for life.

*A view of the main guest salon, styled with contemporary paintings, sculptures, books and low lamps. The statement table was sourced from THE One*

“I think that the relationship between fashion and interior design is that they both allow us to express ourselves and our styles freely,” says the Emirati mama of two, who you wouldn’t guess is in her late 50s. “I’m a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of two kids.” Her daughters, Alamira Reem and Alamira Noor, came up with the name Mama Hepburn, in honour of the late actress Audrey Hepburn. “In their eyes, I look like her in my early years!” smiles Eman.

*A compilation of animal sculptures collected over the years, displayed downstairs*

After retiring last year from over two decades of work in the diplomatic and academic sectors, Eman found herself infatuated with the world of style – whether it meant completely redecorating her home, changing up her dress sense or simply designing her Instagram feed.

*The hanging lighting fixture, custom-made in China, leads to a glimpse of the downstairs piano area. The white, spiral staircase was redesigned by Eman using gypsum boards*

“God blessed me with a love of interior decoration, cooking and fashion,” says the self-professed shoe addict. In 2014 she moved into her new home in Abu Dhabi, making it her very own passion project. “Home is where the heart is,” she expresses. “I love to pour my soul into designing a house and making sure it reflects who we are and is a safe haven for everyone.”

Eman’s office space showcases her daughters’ many achievements on the wall

Bathed in natural sunlight, the three-storey space has married old with new, lending a timeless charm akin to Eman’s philosophy that, really, age is only a number. The soft colour palette of the villa is coupled with hints of black, exuding a warm, comforting ambience which aptly reflects Eman’s graceful character and her own mother’s seamless approach to style.

*The main guest salon features sofas from THE One and a smaller coffee table from Crate & Barrel*

“My inspiration doesn’t come from one particular person,” she reflects. “Rather, I get inspired from nature, travel, things I see on TV, window dressings and magazines. I also like to come up with my own ideas by experimenting at home. After all, nothing is permanent so it’s nice to have fun.”

*A cosy corner of the home enlivened by photos and artworks*

Most of the furniture has been sourced from Marina Home, THE One, Pottery Barn and Zara Home, while the cement-built coffee tables, modified TV stand, vases and extra shelves are bespoke.

*Eman sits in the contemporary guest salon. Behind her hangs an artwork by her husband, Taha Bani Hashim*

Natural elements such as wood are used to bring the outdoors in, merging the surroundings with the décor. The walls are enlivened with various contemporary artworks by Eman’s husband, Taha Bani Hashim, who paints as a hobby.

*The guest bedroom features a brown, nature-inspired colour palette and bed frame from IKEA*

Books on fashion and architecture such as Fendi Baguette and Ken Tate Architect are placed atop a dark, three-legged coffee table from Crate & Barrel in the living room, complementing the surrounding art sculptures and a collection of ancient vases. The vases, housed within an old black cabinet, were bought from travels abroad in Spain, London and the US.

*In the dining room hangs a statement artwork by Eman’s husband, Taha Bani Hashim*

Perhaps the most alluring feature of the home is the central white staircase, which offers a glimpse of the downstairs grand piano and a statement, hanging light installation which was custom-made in China. Originally crafted in iron, Eman redesigned the spiral staircase seven years later by covering and reshaping it with gypsum boards.

*Eman’s eldest daughter’s bathroom notes inspiration from warm colours and earthy textures*

The downstairs living room is the couple’s favourite space – they’ll often be found here watching Netflix or chatting away to family over the phone. “Our guests normally feel warm and at ease when they visit,” shares Eman.

*A view from a white-themed bedroom with plenty of sunlight seeping in through the arched window*

“In fact, their visits last longer than probably planned as they enjoy the relaxing atmosphere here.” We can vouch for that. “Creativity and simplicity are the keys for attractive interior design.”

*The guest bathroom features a striking artwork made by Eman*

The fashionista leaves us with her go-to motto: “Go for simplicity! You can invest in reupholstery, unique pieces of furniture that are not necessarily expensive, and the use of a decent and limited number of colours.”

*Eman Bani Hashim stands in her downstairs living room, adorned with family photo frames and bathed in natural sunlight*

A delicate fusion of ideas in fashion and design which blend traditional with modern, every piece of furniture, book, artwork and decoration item in this home has been purposefully handpicked to mirror a precise theme – one that does justice to the three words Mama Hepburn lives by: Simple, fashionable, and ageless.

Photography By Aasiya Jagadeesh

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2021 issue

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