Arabic Design

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I love Arabic architecture – the geometry, the symmetry and the color. I was looking at Patti’s post on the building in Yaffo (Jaffa) and started thinking about the first flat my husband and I lived in in Neve Tzedek in Tel Aviv. It was an old building and the floor of the apartment was a painted geometric design so popular back in the day in Israel. As soon as I saw the floor, and the 4 meter high ceilings, I had to have the apartment.
This is what led me to Googling ‘arabic architecture’ which is how I fell into Broug Ataliers for Islamic Art & Architecture. Yes, the name is far too long, and the site design leaves a lot to be desired – but look at the glorious patterns!


The Casablanca (above) was one of my favorites. I find the mixture of turquoise with the various shades of orange to be quite striking.

The pattern of the Granada (above) is wonderful – but I would have preferred the colors to be brighter.
The funny thing about the site is the lack of name in the About Us. Eric Broug, the designer of all these amazing patterns, writes about himself in the first person and completely forgets to introduce himself. Very cute. I had to check the page where he promotes his book to find his name.

Again, would have liked more contrast in the colors of the tlemcen, above. Still – great pattern.
My favorite pattern was the Bursa, below.

It has the same shape as a Star of David. I have to wonder if this was used by the Jews living in Arabic countries…
Eric also sells things, such as screens. (Love the red – this would be a great room divider for someone who still wants light and air in their space but a visual barrier.)

And cards: (Again, would have liked brighter, bolder and more contrasting color)

And patterns stretched on canvases:

But the best color in a pattern on the entire site was actually his book cover!