We Spent 24 Hours With Interior Designer Nathalie Khouri To Find Out All Her Favourite Things

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

04-06-2025

The founder of boutique interior design firm, Ralee, likes relaxed tailoring for work, Tashas to fuel her day, and a homecooked family meal (and Netflix) in the evening
5:00AM I won't pretend I'm bright-eyed at 5am – there's definitely a snooze or two involved. But by 5:30am, I'm up and easing into the day with a warm mug of bone broth (I know, very wellness-girl of me). It's my quiet moment before the house wakes up – just 10 minutes of calm before the beautiful chaos. I gave up coffee two years ago – I was a total addict, but I've found so much more balance without the crashes and jitters. Never thought I'd say it, but I don't miss it.
6:00AM It's gym time. I either go for a strength training session or Reformer Pilates depending on my mood (and soreness level!). I go to Seven religiously. Fitness has been such a huge part of my journey these past two years. I've lost a lot of weight along the way but, more importantly, I've gained energy to keep up with my life. Quick shower, skincare (I'm obsessed with Dr. Barbara Sturm), and a generous amount of Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint – and I'm ready to go.
7:00AM I get dressed depending on the kind of day I have – site visits call for something comfortable but polished, like The Frankie Shop sets or COS' linen co-ords. Office days? Maybe a silk shirt and wide-leg pants. I'm all about low effort, high impact. And always a chunky earring or layered necklace – because I need to be prepared if I'm being photographed for social media!
9:00AM I drop the kids off at school (non-negotiable!) and make my way to our gorgeous new studio in Al Wasl, tucked inside the beautiful Mattar Bin Lahej art gallery. It's a creative haven filled with materials, stone samples and too many coffee cups. The team is usually already buzzing – there are five incredibly talented designers on board who are the heart of Ralee.
10:00AM The real madness begins. I'm bouncing between client calls, team catch-ups and supplier WhatsApp groups. There's always a project (or three) on the go. Right now, we're deep into a dreamy Art Deco- inspired beach house by Kite Beach – think curves, brass and ocean views. We're also working on a Mid-Century luxury villa in Jubail Islands, Abu Dhabi – the kind of home that makes you want to move in the second you step inside. And then there's a sleek, clean-lined townhouse in Tilal Al Ghaf that's all about natural tones and smart, functional design. Each one is very different, which keeps things exciting and creatively fulfilling.
1:00PM Lunch is usually a quick bite from Tashas at Galleria Mall (I'm obsessed with the St. Francis scrambled eggs with sun dried tomatoes and sourdough bread), or I bring something from home – which I've been trying to do more often because, let's be real, I'm saving up for our next crazy family vacation. I'll eat at my desk or in our little studio courtyard if the weather's nice, usually while catching up on messages or moodboard edits between bites.
2:30PM Afternoons are all about deep work – approving moodboards, editing furniture selections, or sketching new custom furniture pieces (my secret love). I also squeeze in quick meetings with the team – both in Dubai and our amazing designers in Beirut who help bring the vision to life behind the scenes. Whether it's joinery drawings or sourcing that one perfect light fixture, it's a true cross-city collaboration.
4:00PM Site visits and lots of them. From reviewing marble slabs in Al Quoz to walking through an almost-finished space, I try to be present on site as much as I can. Clients appreciate it and I love seeing our ideas come to life.
5:30PM I usually leave the studio by 5.30pm – but 'leave work' is a stretch. I'm often still on calls or responding to team messages until I get home. If I'm lucky, I'll squeeze in some time with my kids, do homework with them, or hear about their drama (my 8-year-old is hilarious).
8:00PM Home is my sacred place, and I love being in it. Evenings are all about winding down with my husband and the kids. We cook something comforting, like butter chicken, or moloukhiye, which is a Lebanese dish that we love and is a bit of our heritage. I'd rather eat at home than anywhere else. Then, I'll either watch Netflix (I love real-estate shows like The Parisian Agency or Selling The OC) or read a few pages of my book, which is currently Zero to One by Peter Thiel. It's not always glamorous, but it's exactly what I need after a non-stop day.
10:00PM My bedtime routine is simple but sacred. I do a full skincare reset – my current obsession is Korean sheet masks (I stockpile them like gold). Then it's some scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, catching up on what's trending or what other designers are up to. I also use this quiet moment to stay in touch with my family back home in Montreal – they're just starting their day, and it's my little way of feeling close despite the distance. Then it's lights out… unless something on Netflix lures me back in.
Nathalie's Picks