Arabic interior design is a rich and vibrant style found across the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this blog post, we explore the defining features of this fascinating interior design style, as well as the historical roots and influences upon other styles.
Defining Arabic Interior Design
The Islamic interior design style can be traced back to the 7th century when the first mosques were built – incorporating intricate calligraphy, Arab inspired motifs, and colourful accents.
During the 8th to the 14th century (known as the Golden Age of Islam), the construction of beautiful mosques, palaces, and madrasas saw the rise of key features that we still see reoccurring in modern Islamic interior design, including: muqarnas (honeycomb vaulting), riwaq (a portico structure, open on at least one side), mashrabiya (lattice screens) and zellige (mosaic tiles).
Key features of Arabic Interior Design
Arabic interior design typically incorporates five key features - each working together to create unique, spiritually rich environments.
Calligraphy
Arabic interior design often incorporates calligraphy into wall art and home decor pieces. These art pieces often incorporate spiritual messages, verses from the Quran, and prayers – providing a beautiful representation of these important messages, perfect for decorating interior spaces. Calligraphy is often also incorporated into architectural features, including doors, walls, and other architectural aspects of a space.
Arches & Domes
Arches and domes are iconic architectural features incorporated into Arabic interior spaces, drawing inspiration from mosques and palaces. Arches create a sense of grandeur, while domes are often placed above a sprayer space or communal area.
Plush Fabrics
Plush fabrics such as velvet, silk, and wool are often used in Arabic interior design to create a luxurious and opulent ambience, particularly inside communal spaces like the majlis – inviting guests to sit and relax with warm Arab hospitality. Plush fabrics may also be used for wall hangings, incorporate rich colours and textures for a visually stunning space.
Intricate Woodwork
Intricate woodwork is a common feature of Arabic interior design – often used to decorate doors, windows, and other architectural features. These carvings are often inspired by Islamic motifs and calligraphy with a focus on the craftsmanship and fine attention to detail of this craft.
Lanterns
Lanterns are a popular feature of Arabic interiors, used to create a warm and inviting ambience. Traditionally, lanterns are made from colourful glass and intricate metal, found suspended from ceilings or placed on tables. The shadows cast by these lanterns add depth to a space while encouraging a cosy, relaxing atmosphere.
The Evolution of Arabic interior design
Over time, Arabic interior design has evolved across cultures and traditions – producing beautiful, vibrant interiors.
Islamic Interiors
The Islamic interior design style involves strict geometry, careful layouts, and open spaces with the sole purpose of displaying Islamic architecture in a grand and majestic way. These spaces take direct inspiration from mosques, palaces, and Islamic prayer rooms – conveying the values and beliefs of the community.
Moroccan Interiors
Moroccan interiors are the fusion of Arabic, Berber, and European interior design styles – known for rich textures, vibrant colours, and intricate tiles. This design ethos often features ornate mirrors, patterned rugs, and lush greenery to complete the vision.
Mediterranean Interiors
Mediterranean interiors are inspired by the coastal regions of the Middle East and North Africa, often incorporating whitewashed walls, terracotta, and other natural materials.
Modern Interiors
The modern Arabic interior design style has evolved over time to present a style that flawlessly blends luxurious high-end interior design with the classic features of traditional Arabic interior design. Think a variety of organic neutral tones with modern LED lighting and downlighters placed strategically to curate the warm, welcoming ambience of traditional Arabic interiors, updated for modern tastes.
Modern interiors lean towards clean lines and minimalist accents, often incorporating a mix of Eastern and Western design styles to create a truly global interior design style.
Arabic interior design is a rich and vibrant style that has been shaped by centuries of history, culture, and artistic expression. From beautiful calligraphy to majestic arches and domes, every element of Arabic interiors contributes to a sense of opulence, spirituality, and warm, welcoming hospitality.
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