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July 12, 2022
Arabian architecture is a blend of several influences that have steadily evolved from the 8th century to the present-day. It represents a rich mosaic of artistic experiences extending from Spain and Portugal to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and the states that comprise today’s Middle East.
Horse-shoe arches mounted onto door fronts and interior gardens symmetrically divided into four sections are emblematic of this school of architectural thought. So are surface decorations using repeated leaf patterns, simple lines, squares, and circles, at times overlapping and, at certain times, interlacing.
Art in Arabian Architecture
The magically radiating star motif gracing roofs and floors is an unmissable hallmark of Arabian design. Stucco is lavishly employed by this school as a decorative finish. Tiles are cut and shaped into geometric pieces and further spread in an ordered series over roofs, floors, walls, and tabletops to create a mesmerising effect. These tiles are derived from a range of materials like ceramic, stone, metal, baked clay and even glass. Arabian architecture lays stress on adopting and adapting local practices while retaining its time-honoured and distinguishing characteristics. This building tradition gives a wide berth to figurative images.
Exteriors of Arabian Home Design
Arabian exteriors often sport pale, soft, yet mood-uplifting colours such as off-white, beige, light yellow or brown. Muted exteriors look neat, elegant and welcoming while two-colour combinations on the outside (e.g., light blue/yellow with ivory, eggshell, or vanilla) provide a more blissful experience and add some variety. Muted exteriors carry a touch of minimalist elegance and look more open and inviting. Simplicity is the new sophistication in this building style. On a pragmatic note, light exteriors, shorn off trappings, tend to reflect heat and keep the house cooler in summer. They also reduce heat exchange within the home, which means less work for the AC system and savings on energy bills.
Thick outer walls insulate the insides in a comforting way from the harsh weather outside. Large projecting upper-storey windows provide natural ventilation and an overhead perspective of the adjoining street. Their carved wood lattice work enclosures represent a happy union of great functionality and oriental beauty with intricate geometric or vegetal patterns and tiny repetitive motifs on outside surfaces to make the house recognisable and important, albeit in a very restrained way.
Interiors of Arabian Home Design
The appearance and colouring of floors can enhance the feeling of tranquil personal space in more ways than one. The soothing texture of fine-grained chevron-patterned limestone, red mandana sandstone, yellow-grey/ high-polished/ brown-polished/ blue rough stone calms the mind and quiets the thought process. Unlike some of the strong hues, soothing colours work on the occupants without overpowering their senses. Just in case there is a need to liven up the living space a bit more, you’ll find an accent wall of flaming medium-dark orange or a deep raspberry red. Alternatively, a deep colour texture paint can is applied as a border to certain parts of the interior walls to perk up the mood. Textured wall paper works just as well.
The generally subdued exteriors and flooring belie the warm and strong cultural artefacts lining Arabian interiors, often resplendent in flaming red, orange, and yellow. Earthy persian rugs, accent pillows, decorative cushions, bright valance drapes, and Oriental silk fabric - Raspberry red, burgundy, dark chocolate, metallic gold, rich rust, dark blue, and the like. Chair and sofa coverings and paddings in cherry red, brownish orange, deep red, midnight blue or olive are all part of the look. Think of all the ostentatious colours, lovely patterns, and spirited motifs that in your mind’s eye stands for happiness, vivacity and all-consuming energy. The only limiting factor here is our own imagination.
Add a punch of colour, a glossy wooden art washbasin, turkish faucets and the bathrooms are perked up. A marble topped washstand, rich terracotta, and ornate lighting fixtures impart a more immersive Arabian experience and provide just the right dose of opulence as well.
No true-blue Arabian-style home is complete without a chandelier, preferably a golden-painted one with plenty of intricate details, beautiful curves, and lattice work. It should be large enough to be able to throw little sparkles of light and shade to the farthest corners of the living space. Shadowy spaces are also lit up with Moroccan metal lanterns.
Arabian décor is a growing trend. In this age of fusion, this long-respected architectural tradition is commingling with contemporary cutting-edge design techniques to produce living spaces that recall the past, but are built with the future in mind.
No matter what kind of décor you have in mind for your dream home, we can weave it dexterously into your new-home design. Our experts will work with you, managing timelines, contractors, and budgets, exactly as per the home design you desire.
With JSW One Homes, you are totally in control of your home construction. You can track the progress of the project every step of the way and see your dream home come to life. Our transparent pricing model provides the assurance and comfort for all your home design plans to come to life.