Mameluke House in Cairo, taken in 1800s, from Cornell University archives.

Interior of an Egyptian home, taken in 1800s, from the Cornell University archives

Interior of an Egyptian home, taken 1800s, from Cornell University archives

Interior of an Egyptian home, taken 1800s, from Cornell University archives.

I found these treasures the other day aren't they such lovely photographs. I am hoping to find more.

Its interesting to see a Victorian influence in the last two even though they are still strongly Middle Eastern.

Shahira Mahrez Apartment, Cairo, Egypt

I Love this apartment.

Hassan Fathy did some interior architecture here.

Fountains



photos are of homes in the Ramses Wissa Wassef arts center, Egypt



I would love a fountain inside for the coming summer heat. Listening to the fall of water whilst its coolness plays about us what bliss.

Mohi Hussein Residence: Ramses Wissa Wassef

I adore this house all the beautiful arches and niches, shadow play. Art everywhere and its relaxed atmosphere. Perfect. And it is designed by one of my design heros Ramses Wissa Wassef who I mentioned here.

House Visit; Breakfast with Iman

Welcome to our first house visit, today it is with my lovely sister-in-law Iman for breakfast. She and her family like many young couples in Saudi Arabia live in a self-contained appartment in her husbands family home. The idea is that it gives them a chance to save money in order to afford to buy or build their own home in the future. It is a nice arrangement allowing the adults privacy and independance but the children get to pop down and visit their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins (depending who is around) regularly.

A beautiful breakfast served in the majlis

The Majlis





the dining room

a fantastic car collection!!!!

guestbathroom



the family living room



Kitchen

time for a nice cup of coffee and yummy saffron biscuits.

Who lives here?
Iman and her husband and their three children

How long have you lived here?

9 years

How many rooms?
Majlis, living room, dining room, guest bathroom, family bathroom, kitchen, two bedrooms

Which is your favorite room?
The family living room

Describe your taste?
Classic with light colours

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Interior magazines, Movies and Hotels

Favorites things?
The dining room cabinet and its contents,  The tapestry, and the lamps in the majlis.

If you could change anything what would it be?
I would love to knock down the wall between the living room and the dining room.

What was the last decoration project you undertook?
We redecorated the Majlis, repainted the walls and printed a pattern on them, had the sofas re-uphgolstered, new curtains and had the two armchairs made for extra seating for guests.

What kind of atmosphere do you try to create for your home?
My Husband and I feel a home should be welcoming, relaxing and homely, we also love the atmosphere of hotels and their comfort. We try to fill our home only with things we love.

Thankyou Iman for a beautiful breakfast and a fun morning.


N.B The Majlis is a room usually with its own entrance and guest bathroom that guests (male of female) can be entertained in without disturbing the rest of the household.

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Come visiting with me

This year I would like to take you with me on some house visits, and give you a glimspe into Saudi home life and style. Next week for our first visit I will take you for breakfast at my lovely Sister-in laws apartment here in Dammam. I can't wait to show you around.

Beit Hamdi Seif al-Nasr, Fayyoum, Egypt

I totally love this house, it was designed by one of my favorite architects Hassan Fathi (1900-1989) who is known for his dedication to developing sustainable housing for the the poor in developing nations. He researched and used traditional building techniques, materials and layouts. Trained the local inhabitants to build their own buildings using materials they made themselves. He worked internationally and also worked on a few projects here in Saudi Arabia, including work in the beautiful Dir'riyya area near Riyadh.
Isnt it beautiful I love all the amazing shadows it creates and the light filtering through the windows and domes.