This Houston Home Is Like Stepping Inside a Jewelry Box — How They Got the Look

By 

Shagun Khare

Updated on 09/19/24

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Some people take things as they are—a shirt off the rack or a table from the department store is enough to satisfy us. However, for true DIYers, it can be easier—and more exciting—to see things as a project.

For designer Fariha Nasir, it was her home. The 3200-square-foot Houston abode became a canvas for her to customize, as she infused her own edge into the cookie-cutter new build. 

Soon, Nasir was adding bespoke trim work, ornate built-ins, and swirling wallpaper to the space. With each paint swatch and tile placement, the home began to look more and more like a reflection of her.

Nasir’s background as a painter is evident in the whimsy botanical prints and soothing dusty rose walls. Meanwhile, her Pakistani heritage shines through in block-printed fabrics and jewelry-like chandeliers.

Ahead, Nasir tours us around her earthy, ornate home—sharing her favorite cat-friendly rug, greatest design influences, and more.

How did you first discover your space? What about it appealed to you? 

We were looking to move out of our starter home and didn’t have a huge budget. I liked the idea of buying a cheaper new build and slowly making it my own one room at a time.

The price was honestly the biggest reason we bought it. The selections the builder had chosen were pretty inoffensive which made it a sweet deal. 

Describe the surrounding neighborhood—does your home fit in or stand out? 

Our neighborhood is your basic suburban cookie-cutter neighborhood and our house, from the outside, does not stand out at all. From the inside, however, is where you can see our personalities shine. 

How would you describe your style and approach to decorating your home? 

Organic, experimental, functional and South Asian-inspired. 

Who or what are your biggest design inspirations?

Lately I’ve been obsessed with everything Heidi Caillier does. A lot of my design inspiration comes from visiting historic places. I recently toured a 1950s mansion turned art gallery in Houston and it left a huge impact on me. 

How does your heritage inform your style?

I love bringing patterns, colors, and textiles from Pakistan into my designs. The very first wallpaper I did in my home reminds me of an Ikat pattern—a technique common in South Asia.

Whether it’s draping a hand block printed ajrak fabric on a sofa or framing a hand-woven rug, I adore decorating with pieces from my heritage. 

Any other cultures you take design notes from?

The British ruled over the Subcontinent for over 200 years and that heavily influenced South Asian culture from design to our way of speaking. I find myself drawn to European design and prints and anything historic really. 

What were the greatest finds in your home?

One of my favorite pieces in my home is the chandelier in our guest bedroom. It’s a stunning hand-poured glass chandelier with a beaded texture on it. It reminds me of Mughal jewelry or something ornate from a Pakistani wedding. 

The vintage rug in our playroom is also a gorgeous piece that I will cherish forever. It’s durable, and, most importantly, our cats don’t scratch it!

Do you have a favorite design feature or room?

My favorite room in the house is our guest bedroom—color-drenched in Sulking Room Pink by Farrow and Ball, it reminds me of a jewel box. I love the experimental use of beadboard in the room and the curved linen bed is also a favorite of mine. 

Where in your home do you spend the most time, and what are you usually doing there?

I think I spend the most time in the kitchen and living room. It’s an open-concept area where the kitchen, living room, and breakfast nook are all connected.

It’s where we all hang out as a family and I just love being around the kids and my husband. My husband and I are major chai drinkers—the tea kettle is always being used by one of us! 

Anything else we missed?

I am working on a very exciting product launch that is heavily inspired by my Pakistani heritage and I cannot wait to share more with everyone soon!

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