A stunning four-bedroom Spanish Revival bungalow in Dubai's verdant Green Community West neighborhood showcases the refined aesthetic vision of its owner-designer, Amna Chaudhry, founder of Amna Chaudhry Interiors. The home's sophisticated design began with two key inspiration pieces: a deep navy blue Ilve range and purple-veined Breccia Capraia marble tiles, which set the tone for an interior that masterfully balances gentle cream tones with bold navy accents.
Chaudhry was initially drawn to the property's Mediterranean character, which features classic Spanish Revival elements including terracotta roof tiles, stucco exterior walls, and a charming vaulted loggia at the front entrance. "The property has characteristic elements of the neo-Spanish style that give it a warm and timeless character," explains the architect. "We were looking for a house with solid architecture that we could customize, and I saw rare potential here in Dubai. I also knew the architecture perfectly matched our aesthetic tastes."
The designer implemented several strategic structural modifications that completely transformed the property's flow and functionality. She improved the previously compartmentalized layout by removing several partition walls, expanded the kitchen, and installed multiple folding doors throughout the home. Now every room opens onto the gardens, taking full advantage of the enviable 10,760-square-foot lot. "We also added steel-framed doors throughout the house to improve brightness and connection between rooms," adds the owner. "When you move through the house, you are surrounded by views of tall, lush trees. This creates a constant feeling of calm and connection with nature."
One of the most dramatic discoveries came during renovation when the team uncovered hidden architectural potential. "During the renovation work, we discovered that the 8-foot ceiling in the hallway was actually a false ceiling built to conceal air conditioning ducts," Chaudhry recalls. "When we opened it up, we realized the actual ceiling height was nearly 15 feet. I immediately called our contractor to ask if it was possible to modify the duct routing to recover the full height." These adjustments created a spectacular double-height space that makes the entrance much more imposing, complete with larger entrance doors. "The space feels twice as big," she enthuses.
Drawing from her New York origins, Chaudhry brought diverse design influences to the project, particularly admiring the classic style of Parisian architect Joseph Dirand and the traditional yet modern taste of Los Angeles-based designer Jake Arnold. "I was also inspired by the house's vaulted exterior, introducing gentle curves throughout the interior to echo this detail," she explains. The emphasis on natural materials such as marble, linen, unlacquered brass, and wood gave the house a timeless appearance. "I'm always drawn to materials that have a sense of history, and I believe natural finishes develop character over time that synthetic finishes simply don't have."
The color palette serves as a masterclass in contrast, perfectly complementing Dubai's light-bathed landscape. A warm white base highlights the home's open and airy spaces, while darker tones, particularly intense navy blue, are used to create atmosphere in specific areas. This darker choice draws inspiration from the kitchen's purple-veined marble and appears in the powder room and pantry. "These smaller spaces allowed us to create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere," explains Chaudhry. The other rooms remain light, with subtle accents of beige, rust, and red in the furniture and artwork. "These are colors I naturally gravitate toward. Fall has always been my favorite season, so this palette feels familiar and personal to me."
Chaudhry personally designed many of the custom furniture pieces, including the curved beige living room sofa, a simple wooden dining table (paired with Crate and Barrel chairs), the hallway's checkered tile pattern, and the master bedroom's king-size bed with scalloped headboard. To these contemporary pieces, she added antique Turkish rugs, vintage lighting fixtures, and artwork collected during travels to India, Pakistan, and France. "We deliberately avoided anything that seemed too new or too modern," she notes. "I wanted to design a house that feels like it has been lived in for a long time."
The project presented unique challenges in Dubai's design landscape, as many suppliers in the city are accustomed to contemporary style. It took considerable time for Chaudhry to find adequate craftsmen to create the custom moldings and millwork. However, this difficulty allowed her to build a trusted network that she can rely on for future projects, establishing valuable relationships with artisans who understand her vision for timeless, character-rich interiors.
