Arabic Style Interiors

I returned from Dubai seriously addicted to all things Arabian: hummus and babaganush, belly dancing and of course Arabic decor. Its lush, opulent furnishings remind me of One Thousand and One Night tales and can be an endless source of inspiration for creating eclectic, bohemian looks.

There are no common rules for creating Arabic inspired themes: they vary from rustic, Bedouin-style to lavish, exaggerated interiors.

Colours:

Popular colours in Arabic style interiors are terracotta pinks, indigo blues, turquoise, dark browns and greens. Another option – all in white spaces with some bright, colourful accents.

Patterns:

Arabic interiors are indispensable without intricate oriental patterns: they can be noticed on colourful textiles, mosaics on the walls and floor and carved wooden shutters on windows.

Furniture:

Wooden furniture in Arabic countries is usually embellished with intricately carved designs and inlays of precious woods or mother-of-pearl.  Instead of tables, large brass trays with foldout supports are used for serving tea and coffee.

Living rooms are usually furnished with large sofas with plenty of cushions.

Carved wood is another important element of arabic interiors: decorative panels on walls, shutters on windows and room dividers are present in almost every Arabic-themed room.

Textiles:

Textiles in Arabic style interiors include colourful rugs, decorative cushions, room dividers and curtains. They are usually decorated with intricate ornaments and colourful patterns, such as various geometric and abstract ornaments, zigzags and arabic calligraphy.

Lighting:

Lighting is the finishing touch you shouldn’t forget about when creating Arabic inspired interior. Choose the lighting fixtures that produce soft, diffused light, for example, Moroccan lanterns, brass or copper pendant lights and henna lamps.

Accessories:

Finish the look with some eastern accents: incense burners, brass or copper trays, jugs, colourful vases and bowls.