Know Your Style: Modern Islamic Chic is Cultured and Cool
If you like geometry and natural materials, your personal style may be modern Islamic
Moroccan style reflects the geography of the country, blending the influences Europe and Africa into a unique style. In turn, Moroccan style helped shape a new interior style – modern Islamic chic – which fits perfectly into Asian homes.
“Islamic civilisations historically ruled over many countries around the world,” explains Wan Ismail from Fatema Design Studio, a Singapore interior firm known for Islamic Chic interiors.
This historic reach explains the similarities in interior design trends in countries as separate as southern Spain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, India, some island communities in the Pacific and of course, Singapore.
Islam forbids the depiction of living things like humans and animals, which is why there is a heavy use of intricate geometric designs in these countries.
“These are the guidelines we work within,” explains Wan Ismail. “Culture is more than skin deep and you cannot change history, hence you either adapt, emulate or evolve with the times.”
Modern Islamic style is modern; it is something that is not fazed by trends.”
“These are the guidelines we work within,” explains Wan Ismail. “Culture is more than skin deep and you cannot change history, hence you either adapt, emulate or evolve with the times.”
Modern Islamic style is modern; it is something that is not fazed by trends.”
According to him, the term ‘modern Islamic’ is preferred since the concept is based on a globally-accepted group requirements, that have been reinterpreted by the various cultures.
These cultural differences account for the variations in different types of modern Islamic styles that can be seen around the world. For example, Indian homes use more timber and colours; glamorous materials are common in high-rise dominated Dubai and Saudi Arabia where wood is also less available.
These cultural differences account for the variations in different types of modern Islamic styles that can be seen around the world. For example, Indian homes use more timber and colours; glamorous materials are common in high-rise dominated Dubai and Saudi Arabia where wood is also less available.
What’s at the core of this style?
The core components of the modern Islamic style are clean lines, natural timber, stone, modular furniture and a touch of gold, says Wan Ismail.
Another major component is the use of geometric patterns and latticework in either timber or metal.
The core components of the modern Islamic style are clean lines, natural timber, stone, modular furniture and a touch of gold, says Wan Ismail.
Another major component is the use of geometric patterns and latticework in either timber or metal.
He observes that the style is becoming more popular in Singapore. There are a number of places to shop for pieces in this style, like Maghrebi By Sheenaz Fazreen, small shops along Arab Street, and Taylor B.
Get the look: Bring the look across with subtle referencing to Islamic motifs.
Get the look: This Singapore home features tropical wood and geometric tiles.
Get the look: White marble and colour offset ornate carvings.
Get the look: Tea-drinking is an important aspect of Arabian culture and a sitting area away from the heat is perfect for entertaining visitors.
Get the look: Lashings of gold and lanterns make a stunning statement.
Get the look: Pair one or two traditional Islamic accent pieces into a contemporary room.
Get the look: Layers of richly-coloured and textured soft furnishings bring cosiness to an otherwise non-distinct space.
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TELL US
Are you interested in the new modern Islamic interior style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.