Emirati Entrepreneur Omaira Farooq Al Olama Invites Us Into Her Eclectic Villa
A mélange of bold prints and bursts of colour, the Dubai home of Omaira Farooq Al Olama has taken on a magical life of its own
Fashion icon and interior designer Iris Apfel once said, “More is more and less is a bore,” – a style characterised by visual richness and layers of colour, texture and pattern. Omaira Farooq Al Olama’s Dubai home may well just be the epitome of this approach.
The Emirati TED Talk-speaker and mother of three has adorned the villa with striking décor, artworks, coloured walls and vintage chandeliers, brimming with memories and celebrating culture at every turn; anything but boring.
A portrait of Omaira by Dubai-based photographer and visual artist Marta Lamovsek
Relaxed yet quirky and bold, the clashes of pattern evoke a boho-chic vibe, reminiscent of Morocco’s most eminent home. Although located in the modern neighbourhood of The Lakes, the villa recalls a bygone era. “I love this area,” smiles Omaira.
“The Lakes has always been one of my favourite locations. The dogs love it here, the kids bike and I go for a walk anytime I need to unwind.”
Alongside juggling motherhood, Omaira is the founder of ALF Administration, a company which specialises in developing and guiding the future of Emirati entrepreneurs, as well as helping widowed and divorced women get back into the workforce through life and career coaching.
The outdoor area features personalised Mosaico tiles, vintage bench which once belonged to Omaira’s grandmother and round cushion bought from the Pakistan Pavilion at Global Village
If that’s not impressive enough, she is also the brains behind the eponymous Interiors by Omaira, which first launched five years ago. “A lot of the work I have done was for friends asking me to decorate their homes after coming over and seeing mine,” she explains.
Omaira and her family moved into the new place at the start of October 2020, not leaving a single photograph or souvenir behind; all emblems of her travels and love for diverse cultures.
“I used to live in Al Barsha and after moving, I still managed to get all the furniture and create nooks and rooms, utilising all the space that was available to me in my new home. This is something guests found so interesting, and they wanted me to transform their homes as well.”
A chic CHANEL accessory by Goebel on the living room wall
Learning many lessons along the way, the ones that the design and art aficionado keeps coming back to are: doing your research, and never settling for second best. “Choose your contractor wisely,” she warns. “I usually map in my head where I want things to go, so I can see where they will fit.
Fixing things up doesn’t take that much time. It’s the essential larger jobs that take so long, so it’s crucial for people to find the right contractor. A home is where you spend most of your time and it really has to be in the best condition possible.”
Omaira’s next big tip – one that she swears by – is to play with hues and generously splash your home with personality. “I’ve always been a colourful person,” she shares. “I think colour brings happiness and for me, the more colours the better. I usually base them on where the light comes in and where the furniture is being placed.”
A cute green house made by Darwish Contracting filled with kids’ ceramics from Cafe Ceramique
This is evident throughout the kitchen, which retains a Sicilian aura through the wooden flooring, appliances and painted walls, while the space is a trove of clashing shades with warm orange being the reigning hue.
Evoking a sense of indisputable joy, the kitchen is, understandably, Omaira’s personal favourite spot in the home. “I love that there is so much light and I can see the garden from my windows,” she says.
A modern depiction of van Gogh hangs on the wall, complemented by a patterned, 18-year-old dining table, bright teacups, an old rug and pots and pans on blue, Parisian-style shelves.
The small living room just outside embraces a darker colour palette, carefully curated to create a warm, cosy vibe.Vintage furniture and lighting complete the space, comprising lamps bought from the US, an Italian Seletti rug, handcrafted acrylic vases from Australian brand Lovestarloves and Jonathan Adler pieces sourced from the UK.
The eclectic bathroom features a polka-dot cabinet bought from the United States
“If you want to try something different, start small,” she suggests. “This way, you aren’t stuck or obliged to live with something that doesn’t suit you or your taste. Also, always picture if you can look at a particular thing for a long time. If yes, then go ahead.”
Omaira’s secret to a fulfilling home? “Just be happy with what you have,” she answers. “It’s so easy to look at others and think, I wish I had this or that, but often, there are people looking at what you have and wishing they had it. So I’m always thankful.”
Imitating a contemporary art gallery, the walls showcase never-ending pieces of art and photography, boasting emerging names such as Tala Ardalan, Maria Iqbal, Marta Lamovsek and Marisol Farooq. “I love supporting homegrown talents.”
Omaira sits on the steps of her stunning staircase with an artwork by Iraqi painter Mehdi above
The curved staircase, a nod to Morocco’s narrow alleyways, displays artworks by Iraqi painter Mehdi, bought from a gallery in Kuwait. Hidden upstairs is a tiny workspace, home to photographs and certificates of Omaira’s many achievements, with Financial Times Middle East’s most inspirational woman being just one.
Injected with warmth and cosiness in every corner, it’s clear who the home belongs to. “I always try to look on the brighter side of life, even if things aren’t always rosy,” says Omaira, her bubbly nature complementing her words.
“I always teach my kids that no matter what, let’s always try to smile a bit. My home reflects this. I hope that everyone who comes over leaves a little bit happier.” alfadministration.com
Photography by Aasiya Jagdeesh, ITP Imgaes
From Harper’s Bazaar Febuary 2021 Issue