Dubai Dream Home: Step into gorgeous Barbie-esque pastel paradise in UAE's iconic Lakes

Mariam was clear about one thing. She did not want her villa to resemble a typical home in that neighbourhood. “I didn’t want to just build a house—I wanted to build a mood,” says Mariam, who was involved in every tile, texture, and tone. “This home is not just designed—it’s felt.” She tore down the interiors and built it up from scratch.

As you enter her palatial villa, you realise that every piece is unique. “I made sure each and every corner gives me happiness," Mariam told Gulf News. In this picture, she ditched the idea of traditional chandeliers for a ceiling-to-floor white and blue handmade crystal wall piece. "Even the lighting was deliberate. I didn’t want something typical in the entrance ... The chandelier is handmade, and the shape—it resembles a maple leaf.”

Her home also welcomes you with a striking centrepiece—her grand white piano. But for Mariam, it’s more than just a statement piece. “God is in each and every detail… that’s what gives peace to the house.”

“I made sure each and every corner gives me happiness,” said Mariam. Here's a look at her casual living room. She has around three of them on the ground floor, and another casual lounge on her first floor. “When I come home after a long day at work, I feel satisfied to be here.”

Mariam believes that lighter colours make you instantly happy. "It's scientifically proven ... My earlier home was in black and gold and it didn't work for me," said Mariam. Here's a look at her formal living room. But it's not gender-coded. Her home is all welcoming her guests and making them feel at home instantly.

Mariam reveals that every piece of art in her Lakes villa was chosen with care—and a clear vision. “Even before working on my own home, I was thinking—what kind of art piece would I put where,” she explains. “I could have just gone to a top gallery and picked things, but no. I sat with an amazing painter and told him what kind of artwork I wanted in which area. Some pieces took months.” From eccentric sculptures to bold originals, her collection is as deeply personal as it is visually striking.

Mariam, who lives with her two children in her Lakes villa, loves to host her friends and family. She believes that hosting is an art—and her dining table is the canvas. “Inside, it seats 12. Outside? 14,” she says with a grin. “I love having people over. I love having an open house.” Between the gleaming surfaces and the warm vibe, it’s less “pass the salt” and more pass the compliments.

Mariam loves to keep it real—especially when it comes to kids and chaos. “I have kids, and their friends come over all the time,” she says. “So the less formal area is for them. The formal space is for adults.” And when it comes to home design? She doesn’t mince words: “It’s not the bigger, the better. It’s the classier, the better.”

We asked Mariam to pick her favourite spot in the house—and no, it’s not the pool or patio. “It would be upstairs, our main living area,” she says. “That’s where I sit with my girls after a long day. We chill, snack, giggle, talk… it’s our time.” A dream home isn’t about chandeliers—it’s about connection.

Mariam proves that marble can be both majestic and meaningful. “It’s a single slab,” she says of her stunning island dining table, carved from uninterrupted marble. “This is where I sit with my girls every day—we eat, we laugh, we catch up.” Who said design and daily life cannot intermingle?

Here's a look at her most tranquil corner of her villa—her white ceramic, antique-style bathtub with dull gold taps. “That’s my me-time zone,” she says. “It’s where I unwind, disconnect, and just breathe. It’s classic, clean, and completely mine.” Proof that luxury isn’t loud—it’s a quiet soak in a beautiful tub. And did we tell you that you can watch Netflix on that giant glass facing the tub. Think this is truly heaven.

Mariam's master bedroom is a study in balance and quiet luxury. “The wallpaper is Japanese,” she shares, pointing to the delicate design that envelopes the room in calm. A copy of the book Ikigai rests nearby—because even in her sleep sanctuary, purpose and peace take centre stage. "I have a very busy life with work and kids. So my home is my oasis of calm and peace. This bedroom instantly calms me down," she said

Mariam shows us that style and function can coexist—even in a kid’s room. “It’s bright—yellow and blue,” she says of her daughter’s space. “She loves basketball, so there’s a bunk bed and a bookshelf lined with all her favourite reads.” It’s cheerful, sporty, and smart—just like its young occupant.

Mariam shows us that true luxury lies in the details—and in making people feel at home. “I love having people over,” she says. “My parents visit often, and I always want my guests to feel relaxed and welcome.”

Her guest kitchenette is proof—fully stocked with a red high-end designer fridge, matching kettle, and coffee machine. Comfort meets style, down to the last espresso shot.

Mariam's older daughter proves that teenage doesn’t have to mean chaos. “It’s simpler, more neutral—less colourful than her sister’s,” Maryam says. There’s still a bunk bed, a piano, and all the essentials, just minus the noise. Clean lines, clear vibes, and one very chill teenager. Honestly? We’re taking notes.

Mariam's wardrobe isn’t just storage—it’s her happy place. “My girls, when they enter my wardrobe, they’re like—‘your wardrobe is bigger than our own room,’” she laughs. It's where I truly exercise my OCD traits. “I love everything in my wardrobe. I don’t have a stylist—I wear for myself. The most enjoyable part of my day is when I finish my gym, have my shower, and start dressing up for the day.” Organised, oversized, and always on point.

Mariam's pool is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s practically a private blue sanctuary. “There are stools inside the pool so you can sit, have a drink or a snack—there’s even a counter,” she says. But when asked how often it’s used? “To be honest, not as much as I should. But when I do, I enjoy it to the max.” Luxury that doesn’t beg for attention—it just waits for the perfect day.

Mariam also gets real about what truly matters beyond the marble, hand-made Italian chandeliers, and high ceilings. “If your health is not right, nothing is worth it—no home, no wealth, no fun,” she says. “About a year and a half ago, I had a health issue. I was in the hospital for nine days, and during that time, I reflected on life. I promised myself that when I come out, I would prioritise health.” And she’s kept that promise—hitting her in-house gym every single day.

Mariam's love for the outdoors is written all over her dreamy garden and patio space. “I do like, in the good weather, to stay out a lot—to be totally honest,” she says. “So I tried my maximum, ultimate best to have something that’s soothing in the garden area—with the seating, the pool, even seating inside the pool.” Resort vibes, right in the backyard.

In this final Dubai Dream Home Series moment, Mariam gives us the truth, served hot: “I’m not a fan of cooking myself—yes, somebody… but I’m very good at eating,” she says with a laugh. Still, her home is guest-ready at all times. “I love having people over. I love having an open house.” In short: she doesn’t chef, but she sure does serve.