Art Deco house designs don't just refer to grand designs in the modern era. Middle Eastern house designs, from the Ottoman Empire to the Arabian Peninsula, show an impressive variety of impressive Art Deco designs. The classic Mediterranean village houses of the Ottoman Empire, with their whitewashed walls and bright shutters, still enjoy a prominent place in popular culture, as seen in films and television shows like Attack of the Clones. The massive city walls, intricate stone decorations, and Islamic-influenced architecture of Middle Eastern cities also offer Art Deco fans plenty of inspiration. Middle Eastern House Designs
Middle Eastern House Designs
As Art Deco fans move outside the city walls, their inspiration leads them to the ever-changing desert landscape. Bedouin-style camping tents have long been associated with the desert, and it is not difficult to translate their aesthetic into an Art Deco-inspired house. Such designs incorporate the wind-sculpted curves of the desert with modern materials and an eye-catching shape. Additionally, Babylonian and Iraqi designs offer plenty of Art Deco inspiration.Desert House Designs
Desert House Designs
Travelers to destinations like San Remo or Marseille will find a veritable playground for the creative Art Deco architect. Europe has always embraced the Mediterranean style of building, and it is easy to find intriguing Porticos, elaborate Haciendas, and soaring Cathedrals. The Napoleonic-era designs of Europe also bring plenty of Art Deco charm and sophistication. As with other regions, Mediterranean house designs also incorporate natural features to make the most of the environment while protecting the building from it.Traditional Mediterranean House Designs
Traditional Mediterranean House Designs
The Middle East is evolving quickly, and a look at some of its major cities reveals the future of Art Deco. From Riyadh to Dubai, modern Arabian house designs are a mix of modern technology and ancient artistry. Mechanical elevators, solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances add functionality to the mix. Along with that, massive stone columns, stained glass windows, and other Arabic elements add a unique flavor to the designs.Modern Arabian House Designs
Modern Arabian House Designs
Arabian and Moroccan house designs incorporate the same elements of structure and decoration that can be seen in Middle Eastern cityscapes. Elaborate mosaics, ornamental stone blocks, and vivid colors give these designs the character of a city from the 8th century while still holding their own against modern Art Deco building standards. Islamic and Middle Eastern house designs blend together classic design elements and modern materials, creating a unique and entirely original look.Islamic and Middle Eastern House Designs
Islamic and Middle Eastern House Designs
For a truly exotic take on Art Deco, look no further than the shores of the Persian Gulf, where Omani house designs blend desert landscapes and leisurely seafront views into a sumptuous display of complexity. These designs come alive with their intricate stone staircases, spires reaching to the sky, and arched doorways mapping out the coast like a storybook's illustrations. Omani house designs are also characterized by the typical Omani barasti, or palm-frond roofs.Omani House Designs
Omani House Designs
Modern Arabian house designs go far beyond the limits of tradition, though not without taking small liberties with established designs. Architects in the Middle East now have the ability to integrate complex geometric patterns into their designs, giving them a contemporary feel. Unconventional shapes and modern materials are also part of their repertoire, and with the help of computer-aided design (CAD) systems, Arab architects can almost any design they can imagine.Modern and Traditional Arabian House Designs
Modern and Traditional Arabian House Designs
Gulf house designs, like those in Oman, display a lot of the same features as Middle Eastern designs, but with a more pronounced emphasis on maritime motifs and stylistic elements. Gulf houses often include Islamic decorations like mosaics and stone blocks blend with the modern touch of intricate steelwork and modern appliances, like those found in a modern day beachfront paradise. Old-fashioned sailing boat curves and colours dominate, and are emphasised with wood cladding and Balinese-style courtyards.Modern and Traditional Gulf House Designs
Modern and Traditional Gulf House Designs
These designs, originating in Yemen near the Gulf of Aden, tend to differ from other Middle Eastern or Arabian designs in that they feature a unique combination of materials. Unlike some other Islamic countries, Yemen increasingly uses stone rather than clay-fired or other traditional building materials. This helps to bring out the country's unique atmosphere, as well as to create an ultra-modern look that stands out among the region's more traditionally-inspired house designs.Modern and Traditional Yemeni House Designs
Modern and Traditional Yemeni House Designs
Despite its rapid economic growth, modern Jordan and the Levant still have much to offer in terms of Art Deco house designs. Jordan's shapes and structures never fail to surprise the eye. Its open-air towers reflect its position as a cultural center of the region, with gargoyles and animals of all kinds on each inlay. An elegant blend of minarets, domes, and gables can be found in traditional Jordanian Art Deco house designs.Traditional Jordanian House Designs
Traditional Jordanian House Designs
The traditional city of Tunis is a showcase of Art Deco decadence, and Tunisian house designs are no different. They allow architects to give their projects a contemporary look by combining modern materials and bold colors with classic Islamic motifs. For example, Tunisian house designs incorporate the Islamic arch with a modern flair— giving the interior of a home an open and airy yet eye-catching ambiance. Tunisian House Designs
Tunisian House Designs
Modern Adaptations of Traditional Arab House Design
One of the most attractive aspects of traditional Arab house designs is their adaptation potential. New construction methods, materials, and interior designs can easily be integrated into existing buildings in order to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. In the Middle East, this has been evident for centuries, where traditional and modern elements have blended together to create a unique style.
For example, in
modern learning spaces
, traditional designs are often adapted to create an atmosphere that is both intellectual and atmospheric. Carved wooden panels, traditionally seen in morocco, can be adapted into the walls of learning spaces to introduce texture and visual interest. Similarly, elaborate detailing on windows and doorways similar to those seen in traditional Arab palace design can be applied in academic settings. These accents create a sense of peace and serenity which can be conducive to study and research.
Even in terms of decor, traditional elements have been adapted to a modern, western look. For instance, the
tiled fountain
of the Mughal era has been transformed into a beautiful functional sink which is often seen in modern interior designs. Similarly, designs like geometric zigzag patterns, known as the Saharan rugs, can be seen on the walls of modern living rooms today. The incorporation of these patterns in interior designs helps to create a unique atmosphere in any room.
In addition, furniture pieces can be found that borrow traditional elements but adapt them to achieve a modern look. For instance, an intricately-carved wooden chair with a velvet cushion on the seat can add an element of luxury and sophistication to any interior. Similarly, intricately woven hanging lanterns, reminiscent of the ones seen in Mansoura in Egypt, can bring a warm, inviting atmosphere to any living or dining room.
Architecture is also changing to incorporate traditional elements into modern designs. For instance, a contemporary residence in Dubai combines traditional Islamic "maq’ad" seating with modern viewing balconies, allowing for a blending of cultures and styles.
Incorporating Nature into Arab House Design
Furthermore, traditional Arab house designs also often focus on incorporating nature in various ways. For instance, the traditional courtyard layout, which surrounds homes in various countries, allows for natural sunlight to enter the home while also providing a private area for gatherings. Similarly, courtyards often feature lush vegetation and a water feature that help create a tranquil atmosphere.
And in terms of décor, terracotta or ceramic accents, often seen in Arabic designs, often create an earthy, natural atmosphere. Adding patterns inspired by plants to the walls or using natural materials like rattan for furniture also help bring the outdoors in.
When properly adapted, traditional Arab house designs can bring unique cultural elements and modern functionality together to create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. As more people explore how to incorporate traditional elements into modern designs, incorporating the best of both worlds is increasingly achievable.
