An ennobled oasis is a symbol of life and the main joy of a person living in a desert area. How you sometimes want to be in such an amazing garden to enjoy the lush greenery, dizzying aromas of bright exotic flowers, and feel the pleasant coolness of fountains sparkling in the sun and smoothly running streams. Gardens in the Moorish style are direct descendants of the famous gardens of the ancient East. A striking representative of such natural places, described in the Koran and created in the likeness of heavenly places, are the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which belong to one of the wonders of the world.
The peculiarity of gardens in the Moorish style is luxury, pomp and a lush riot of colors.
Moorish gardens are characterized by a desire for maximum lushness against the backdrop of the need to save life-giving moisture
Principle #1 – adherence to the laws of geometry
Moorish gardens also differ in their specific layout. The Moorish style arose in the 19th century and is essentially a type of Muslim garden, the layout of which is based on the origins of the Muslim religion. The layout of the garden involves dividing the territory into so-called “chor-bagh”, translated from Arabic meaning “four gardens”.
Symbolically, the “four gardens” represent the elements: air and fire, water and earth. Geometrically, they are represented by four sections, decorated in the Moorish style - cozy corners lush with greenery.
Externally, the garden areas resemble open rooms, the walls of which are covered with wonderful flowers and vines
Small areas decorated with lined fancy patterns mosaics, are somewhat similar to the exquisite galleries located on outdoors. When arranging a garden on a site with a slope, the main elements are designed in the form of geometrically regular terraces.
But unlike regular style in Moorish gardens, a precise geometric plan is successfully combined with a natural riot of vegetation, creating a stunning picturesque picture. The clear lines that the human hand gave to the garden are brightened by a riot of lushly flowering plants.
Principle #2 – Water is Sacred
Water in Muslim philosophy is of paramount importance. She is sacred because she gives life to everything. Thus, the Garden of Eden described in the Koran is divided into four sections by four rivers. In Moorish gardens created in its likeness, they try to place water sources so that the water flows through specially created channels along the four sides of the garden.
The central place in the garden is occupied by a fountain, and the water flowing from it in directed streams divides the territory into four equal squares
The jets of water in the fountain do not burst with pressure, but gurgle quietly and flow smoothly over the sides. After all, water is a sacred gift from heaven and should not be wasted. A pool or pond also does small sizes, trying to save the consumption of life-giving moisture.
It is possible to place fountains inside each of the four courtyards. But even in this case, the sources are positioned so that a view of the water opens from every corner of the garden, and the streams flow smoothly to four different directions of the world. The fountain can be in the shape of a bowl, jug or vase.
The bottom of the reservoir is decorated with multi-colored tiles, drawing attention to the “heart” of the garden, and the outer walls are decorated with a mosaic of Muslim stars
The ponds are framed with wide stone borders or boardwalks, on which you can comfortably sit and enjoy the cool moisture.
Principle #3 – Having a patio
An essential element of a Moorish-style garden is patio. And it doesn’t matter whether it is adjacent to the house or located in the very center of the garden. The main thing is that it is closed and opaque to prying eyes, so that only the owners of the house and their guests can enjoy harmony with nature. The role of fencing the site can be performed by densely planted tall shrubs and trees.
Such a garden looks especially impressive against the backdrop of a house, the walls of which have a slightly rough structure, and exterior decoration made in light colors
The hot climate forced people to create shade curtains, pavilions and gazebos that provided coolness in the scorching heat. A spacious tent with a domed roof made of light fabric in “oriental” colors can be placed on the open area, under the arches of which garden furniture is placed.
A sofa installed under an awning, decorated with motley and colorful pillows, will highlight the color and luxury of the Moorish garden.
Marble benches framed ornamental shrubs, conducive to pleasant relaxation and philosophical reflection.
Free areas of the patio are filled with paving made of multi-colored tiles and stones. draw up tree trunk circles trees, arches with climbing plants And flower beds, making them look more advantageous and picturesque.
In such a garden you will never see statues with animal figures and human faces - they are prohibited by the Muslim religion.
To design transitions from various parts the garden uses trellises, pergolas and arches entwined with the greenery of climbing plants
The perspectives leading from the center of the composition are completed by gates, vaulted niches or semicircular arches.
Principle #4 – specific rules for landscaping
Presence in the garden helps create a special atmosphere in which even the most fastidious people feel comfortable exotic plants. Bushes and trees are not trimmed unless absolutely necessary, allowing them to fill the space between ponds and paths.
- the main decoration of the Moorish garden. When choosing flowers for a rose garden Special attention attention is paid not only to the color, but also to the aroma of the blooming buds, creating a charming fragrant ensemble in the “paradise”.
Rose gardens are located in close proximity to bodies of water, creating unique compositions of dizzying aromas
The springs are also decorated with graceful water lilies and spectacular climbing plants.
Figs and pomegranates are symbols of the oriental garden. They decorate the entrance to the site, plant them along the paths, along the perimeter of the sites. An alternative to these trees can be magnolias, peaches and almonds, which are not inferior in decorative qualities to exotic trees, but feel more comfortable in our latitudes. Vertical landmarks in the garden will be created by cherries, apricots and apple trees.
Fragrant citrus fruits planted in floor containers will bring the necessary oriental atmosphere to the site.
When choosing trees for garden design, preference is given to varieties with a round and pyramidal crown shape.
It is impossible to imagine landscaping a Moorish garden without. Poppies, crocuses, daffodils, lilies, lavender and others are perfect for its arrangement. Beautiful flowering plants. They are selected in such a way as to ensure continuity of flowering throughout the season. They will also find their place in the flower garden. spices, which often decorate oriental gardens.
Well, how can we do without the famous Moorish lawn, which looks like a Persian patterned carpet?
An elegant decoration of the Moorish lawn are fragrant herbs and colorful wildflowers: marigolds, flax, pyrethrum, cornflowers, small daisies, nemesia. Most of the plants included in lawn mixtures attract butterflies and bees with their aroma, bringing a special oriental flavor to the area.
Rules for creating a Moorish garden
In our latitudes, the arrangement of Moorish gardens has become a fairly popular area of landscape design.
A piece of paradise can be created even on a plot with small area, choosing for its decoration flowering plants that can grow in the garden as naturally as possible, without requiring mandatory trimming
Mauritanian landscape style, created on the basis of the Islamic religion, has its own philosophy. There are no strict requirements for the basic landscape, but when creating a garden it is advisable to adhere to a number of basic rules:
- Garden geometry. The layout of the garden involves dividing it into zones and using shapes that have the correct geometric shape when arranging the territory.
- Availability of a water source. The central place in the garden is given to a fountain or a small pond. The source should be positioned so that the water is visible from any corner of the garden.
- Selection and combination of plants. To decorate the garden, plants with beautiful foliage and lush flowers are selected. Plants in the plots are planted in small groups, forming “living” oriental patterns from them.
- Paving paths. Free areas of the garden are filled with paving made of tiles laid in a checkerboard pattern. Quite often, paths and paths are laid out with a mosaic of oriental motifs.
Having created a picturesque “oasis” with flowering trees in your area, you will bring the delightful multicolor of the East into your everyday life.
It is difficult to confuse the Moorish style in the interior with any other, since in itself it is very original and extremely closed. This destination is definitely not for everyone. Only connoisseurs of Islamic culture can understand it. Room design in in this case looks more like a tent; photo examples are replete with ornaments, columns, and vaults.
In the seventh century, Islamic countries united into a powerful empire. A massive synthesis of cultural traditions led to the formation of a separate bright design. Contemporaries nicknamed it “Saracen style.” The Moorish style, as we know it, gained popularity during the time of Bonaparte and bears a significant Egyptian imprint. Brought by Napoleon to France, it took root in the prevailing Empire style at that time, and from there it spread throughout Europe and, admittedly, was well received.
When using a rare style in the design of your home, you should consider its main character traits to preserve the authenticity of the painting. The photographs are full of different colors, domes and arches.
Moorish design is characterized by the abundant use of floral patterns and carvings in wall decoration. This decor flows smoothly into traditional Islamic carpets, creating a holistic composition. Characteristic Moorish finishing elements are columns lined with ceramic tiles, pointed arches and the ubiquitous arrangement of niches.
Floral patterns are also appropriate when selecting bedspreads, pillows and curtains. When choosing textiles, remember that in the Muslim tradition, depictions of people and animals are strictly prohibited. To better convey the spirit of that time, it is better to focus on geometric patterns and script imitating Arabic writing.
As for the Mauritanian color range for style, then thanks to eclecticism, you can safely experiment with the main color. Influence different nations made the use of both rich colors, such as red and blue, and pastel shades, such as pink and yellow, relevant.
Chests will add credibility to the interior. This beautiful and functional item long years successfully replaced customary cabinets in Muslim homes. Forged elements chests, repeating decoration modern furniture, will harmoniously fit into the interior.
Elements of Muslim architecture can be seen in the interior of the kitchen. Vaults and arches will also be relevant here. Ceramic tiles with intricate designs oriental patterns can be laid out both on the floor and on the walls of the kitchen. The ornament can be transferred to the facades kitchen set using a design from a photo.
When further selecting furniture, you should choose an ottoman over a sofa that is more familiar to us. Chairs should be replaced with large pillows and ottomans. Moorish design involves low tables in hexagonal or octagonal shapes. Tables can be covered with hammered copper sheet or decorated with mother-of-pearl to recreate the complete authenticity of the style.
This style is not suitable for every room in your home, as it encourages relaxation and self-immersion. If you still decide to add a Moorish flavor to the interior of your home, then you should focus on decorating the bedrooms and living room. It is only recommended to introduce some elements into the work premises that will delicately continue the overall theme, but will not disturb the working atmosphere.
The Moorish style is an oriental fairy tale, bright colors, sophisticated ornaments and enchanting sophistication. It originated in Europe in the 19th century under the influence of the cultures of the peoples of North Africa, who since the Middle Ages lived on the territory of Spain and Portugal, and in turn for many centuries adopted the cultural traditions of the peoples of Syria, Persia, Egypt and India.
The main differences of the Moorish style in the interior are skillful stone and bone carvings, carpets self made, tiles and arabesques.
Among the main elements of the Moorish style, we must first highlight the arches. They are horseshoe-shaped and bulbous. This style is also distinguished by the presence of columns, ceramic and mosaic decoration. The entire interior visually seems like a large tent.
In this interior, low tables with tabletops inlaid with mother-of-pearl or mosaics, chased copper, or wooden tables decorated with carvings are used. As a rule, such tables should be hexagonal or octagonal.
Low tables suggest the presence of low sofas and ottomans. An ottoman is perfect - a low sofa without a back and armrests. For comfort, many pillows are placed on it. Moorish-style upholstery is often embossed leather and gilded. Often openwork metal overlays are made over the skin. Applies also textile upholstery with floral or geometric patterns.
In such an interior, you should give preference to unpainted furniture in dark colors. Accents can be placed using wrought iron products.
For lighting in the Moorish interior they are used forged chandeliers and lamps made of copper, iron or brass.
For decoration you will definitely need luxurious textiles. Persian carpets, bedspreads and pillows, decorated with gold embroidery, fringe and tassels, complex draperies, and silk bed decorations will create an incredible atmosphere.
The color palette of the Moorish style is limited to rich colors. Colors are often used precious stones: sapphire, amethyst, ruby, emerald, topaz - they add additional luxury to the interior. For creating natural decor You can use brown, red-brown, dark red shades. Very often in the Moorish style you can find Blue colour- the color of the Mediterranean Sea. In combination with white it will make the interior more fresh.
Accessories will help emphasize the authenticity of the Moorish style: mosaic candlesticks, clay or ceramic products, incense bottles, copper and silver dishes, hookahs.
The Moorish style will always delight with its sophistication, fantastic splendor and exotic comfort.
Oriental luxury, fancy ornaments, skillful carvings, bright colorful colors... The Moorish style in the interior is original, reminiscent oriental fairy tale, charming with its sophistication and sophisticated aristocracy, originated... no, no, not at all in Mauritania. Although this is what the Muslim countries on the coast of North-West Africa were called in the Middle Ages.
Ethnic roots of style
The Moorish style goes back to the distant past with its national roots. The militant Arabs who formed in Spain at the beginning of the 8th century. their Caliphate, held out there until the 13th century. At the end of the 15th century. The Emirate of Granada, the last bastion of the once great Muslim empire, also fell. During the reign of the Spanish Moors, their art and culture changed significantly under the influence of the cultures of Christian Europe, fellow Arabs from the African coast, and Berber traditions.
The isolated, spectacular neo-style, invented by Europeans in the second half of the 19th century, was called “Moorish”, as it absorbed many features of national Islamic art, the medieval mannerism of Egyptian, Indian, Persian artistic images, and the specifics of Arab traditions. And initially, the “Saracen style,” as it was also called, reached its peak of popularity during the time of Napoleon, who “brought” it to France. The style took root and spread further throughout Europe.
Required Design Elements
Moorish style in architecture, in landscape design, in the interior, in furniture production, V fine arts always interesting and attractive, attracting the eye with his originality and exceptional expression.
Characteristics eastern traditions in the interior are the grace and subtlety of the ornate ornament, the absence of images of living beings. Modern admirers of the Moorish interior style believe that this design brainchild is a direct descendant of Muslim culture and Islam. Indeed, in the Moorish interior, the intricate patterned intricacies do not have images of animals or humans, which clearly confirms the oriental roots of many elements of the style. Take a look at the photo and see for yourself.
Basic architectural elements in the Moorish style - peculiar pointed arcades, arches in the form of a horseshoe (Moorish) and in the form of an onion (ogive), majestic needle columns, ceiling vaults of stalactite shapes, ceramic tile, mosaic decoration. The design and painting of walls in the Moorish style is replete with unsurpassed compositions of plant motifs, geometrically correct patterns of fantastic designs. This is an intricate chain of figured patterns, perhaps confirming the mathematical mindset of the peoples of the East, an imitation of Arabic writing.
Luxurious fabrics, sophisticated prints, rich colors and shades, gold and silver embroidery. Combinations and combinations in the interior depend on the flight of fancy.
Moorish style in the interior is distinguished by:
- fine carving on stone, bone;
- handmade wool Persian carpets;
- arabesques;
- tiles;
- colored marble;
- stained glass.
The house or room looks like an amazing oriental tent with lush decoration.
Furniture items
Furniture in a Moorish interior is not the dominant element. Wardrobes in our modern understanding are being replaced by massive chests with aesthetic forged overlays. Wall niches have doors with wooden shelves. Into the newfangled design solution Moorish-style rooms will fit well with sliding wardrobes.
Low hexagonal, octagonal tables with copper tops and chasing, with mother-of-pearl inlay, in Moorish design look great and additionally emphasize their belonging to the eastern foundations. Wooden table, if it is distinguished by artistic carving, is also appropriate.
Among the “comfortable necessities” is an ottoman - a low sofa without a back, with numerous pillows that serve as support instead of armrests and a backrest. The Moorish style in furniture upholstery involves the use of Kordofan leather with embossing and gilding. Openwork metal overlays on top of leather upholstery are the pinnacle of style. The interior welcomes the presence of unpainted wooden furniture dark, almost black shades.
Despite all its national specificity, the Moorish style is still in demand by architects and designers.
Interior details - baskets and clay pots different forms handmade, decorated with the finest engraving and wood carvings. Incense bottles, a stylish Moroccan lamp, mosaic candlesticks, copper dishes... Any home will be transformed by such oriental attributes.
Moorish Garden
The classic Moorish garden is one of the typical examples of arrangement landscape corner V oriental style. The embodiment of the dreams of desert nomads who dreamed of oases and paradise on earth. A riot of lush greenery, an abundance of exotic and bright colors, fountains or pond with flowing different sides channels. It is enough to look at the photo to be mesmerized by this beauty.
Often called the style of the era of sages and conquerors, romantics and travelers, unsurpassed in its sophistication and fantastic splendor, the Moorish style in the interior pleases and delights connoisseurs of beauty. It is still relevant today. Do you want to create something unusual and creative, exotic coziness and comfort? Moorish style will not disappoint you.
