At home in Damascus with Dania D

Hyperlocal first encountered Dania Douaidari, the acclaimed Syrian interior designer, during Dubai Design Week, where her handcrafted creations stood out like poetry carved in wood and brass. We were captivated—not just by the beauty of her designs, but by the soul that echoed through them. Every pattern, every material seemed to whisper a story from the cobbled alleys of Old Damascus, where she was born and raised. Her work is an ode to the past, but her spirit? Entirely forward-thinking.

Through the lens of Dania, Damascus isn’t merely a city—it’s a living, breathing muse. 

Her guide to the city feels like flipping through the pages of a treasured family album, rich with memories, textures, and heart.

Dania's Top Spots in Damascus

Umayyad Mosque

View place | Mosque in Damascus

"It’s one of the most important mosques in the world, ranked very high in Islamic history. What makes it even more powerful is its layered story—it began as a temple, then a synagogue, a church, and finally a mosque. For almost a thousand years, Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted here, each praying on their sacred day. You feel the energy in the walls—like standing in the heartbeat of centuries."

Dania remembers being brought here as a child by her grandmother, who would whisper stories of prophets and poets as they walked the ancient courtyards. It's where she first felt the power of sacred space—a feeling that continues to guide her design philosophy.

Mustafa Ali Gallery

View place | Art Gallery in Damascus

"Damascus overflows with art, but this gallery is something special. Tucked away in the heart of the old city, it's not just a gallery—it’s an immersive conversation between modern Syrian artists and their cultural lineage. A must-visit for anyone who believes in the power of creative resistance."

On weekends, Dania often finds herself here, losing track of time between canvases and sculptures. It's also where she met one of her closest collaborators—a ceramicist whose works now adorn her studio.

Tikiyya Handicraft Market

View place | Traditional Market in Damascus

"Not far from the chaos of the grand Souk, Tikiyya is like a calm breath. Here you’ll find delicate Damascene handicrafts—wood inlay, brassware, embroidery—all handmade, each piece with a soul. It's where I go when I need to reconnect with the heart of Syrian craft."

As a teenager, Dania would come here with her father, who’d buy gifts for friends and family from the artisans. It's the place where she learned the value of the handmade—the stories etched into every curve, stitch, and brushstroke.

Old Damascus

View place | Neighborhood in Damascus

"The oldest continuously inhabited city in the world—can you imagine? This place feels like time folded in on itself. Stone alleyways, whispering balconies, the scent of jasmine floating from hidden courtyards. It’s not just history—it’s a heartbeat, and it's home."

Dania often strolls these alleys at dusk, the golden light bouncing off centuries-old walls. Sometimes she sketches right on the street, letting the echoes of the past guide her pencil.

Beit Al Wali Hotel

View place | Hotel in Damascus

"If you want to feel the spirit of old Damascus in comfort, this is your place. Elegant, warm, and deeply authentic. The hospitality is unmatched—it feels like staying in a beautifully preserved Damascene house, with all the comfort of modern design."

Dania has hosted design clients here from abroad, always proud to show them the grace and elegance of Syrian architecture wrapped in the warmth of local culture.

Naranj

View place | Restaurant in Damascus

"A favourite among locals and visitors alike. The food is incredible—think fresh mezze, grilled meats, and spices that sing. But more than that, it’s where I go with my family. I used to bring my kids here, take the cable car nearby, and just enjoy the simple pleasures of the city."

Over lunch, she often dreams up new patterns or sketches ideas on napkins—some of her most iconic designs were born here between bites of hummus and laughter.

Featuring Dania Douaidari

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Renowned Syrian Designer

Dania Douaidari is the creative force behind Dania D Designs, a brand that breathes life into furniture and home accessories by fusing Syrian heritage with Mediterranean minimalism. Based in Damascus, she continues to redefine contemporary design with every handcrafted piece—each one steeped in tradition, love, and resilience.