Islamic Design Style: 5 Types and Their Key Features

Islamic design is a valuable cultural and artistic heritage that reflects the history and civilisation of Muslims. It combines authenticity, beauty and richness, drawing on core Islamic elements: ornament, Arabic calligraphy, distinctive geometric forms, vivid colours and natural materials such as stone, wood and metal. Used together, they give interior and exterior spaces a refined character. This article looks at the style in more detail.

What is Islamic design style?

Islamic design is the way objects, buildings, decoration and art connected with Islam are designed, reflecting its principles and values. The shapes, patterns and symbols share a common logic, whether the expression is Andalusian, Ottoman or Moroccan.

Types of Islamic design style

There are several types of Islamic style. The most important include:

• Abbasid style: the style developed during the Abbasid period of Islamic history. It is known for intricate geometric forms, harmonious ornament and a focus on warm colours.
• Andalusian style: a style that emerged with Islamic Andalusia. It is characterised by abundant detail, geometric forms, ornament and vivid colours.
• Ottoman style: the style of the Ottoman state during Ottoman rule. It is also known for geometric forms, rich Islamic ornament and warm colours.
• Moroccan style: the style that developed in Morocco during the period of Islamic rule. It is distinguished by balanced geometric forms, interlaced Islamic ornament and a varied range of vivid colours.
• Modern Arab style: a style that combines traditional Islamic design with a contemporary approach. It is marked by simplicity, elegant Arabic calligraphy and the use of modern design techniques.

Types of Islamic architecture

Islamic architecture is diverse. It is made up of a range of different approaches and styles, applied in mosques, palaces, hotels, resorts and in exterior design and interiors alike, and it forms an important part of the cultural and artistic heritage of Muslims. Among the main types are:

Hejazi architecture

This is the architecture used in Medina and Mecca. It is marked by simplicity and the use of local materials such as stone and clay.

Ottoman architecture

This architecture emerged during the Ottoman period. It is known for elegant geometric forms, rich Islamic ornament and the use of modern techniques in design.

Arab architecture

This architecture brings together traditional Islamic and contemporary approaches. It is marked by simplicity, balanced geometric forms, elegant Arabic calligraphy and the use of modern design techniques.

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Elements of Islamic architecture

Islamic architecture includes several important elements that form part of the cultural and artistic heritage of Muslims. The main ones are:

1. The dome: one of the most distinctive features of Islamic architecture, usually used to cover mosques, palaces and public buildings.
2. The arch: widely used in Islamic architecture, it acts as a supporting element for roofs and domes.
3. Islamic ornament: a fundamental element of Islamic design, covering a range of geometric patterns as well as floral, animal and calligraphic motifs.
4. Arabic calligraphy: widely used in Islamic architecture and an important decorative element, with many scripts and graceful forms.
5. Colour: vivid and warm colours are widely used in Islamic architecture and are an important aesthetic element that expresses the Islamic spirit.
6. Windows: an important feature that provides natural light and ventilation for buildings.
7. Columns: they support the building and add beauty and elegance.

Colours in Islamic design

Islamic architecture uses a wide variety of colours. Vivid, warm colours are the most common. Those you will meet most often include:

• Red: a common colour in Islamic architecture, reflecting vitality, energy and movement.
• Blue: a calm and attractive colour, usually used to decorate Islamic ornament and in the design of doors and windows.
• Yellow: a warm, bright colour, usually used on surfaces, domes and columns.
• Green: a colour associated with nature and life, widely used in mosques, gardens and outdoor areas.
• Gold: a luxurious, regal colour, widely used in mosques, palaces and public buildings.
• Black: widely used in Islamic ornament and for decorating doors and windows, reflecting beauty and elegance.

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Key features of Islamic design style

Islamic architecture has several distinguishing features. The most important are:

• Simplicity: Islamic design favours simplicity over complication, focusing on clean lines and well-judged geometric forms.
• Geometric forms: circles, rectangles, triangles and polygons, which interlock to create intricate and beautiful compositions.
• Arabic calligraphy: an essential part of Islamic art, used for both writing and decoration in an artistic way.
• Islamic symbols: stars, the crescent, flowers, the Kaaba and others are used in Islamic architecture, and these symbols reflect the values and beliefs of Islam.
• Warm colours: Islamic art uses warm colours such as red, green, yellow, blue and orange, which bring vitality, warmth and calm to a design.
• Fine ornament: delicate, intricate decoration is used in Islamic architecture, containing geometric and floral forms and reflecting the refined artistic taste of its designers.

Islamic style in interior design

In interior design, Islamic style is marked by simplicity and refinement. It draws on the core Islamic elements: ornament, Arabic calligraphy, vivid colours, distinctive geometric forms and natural materials such as stone, wood and metal. The main elements of an Islamic interior include the following.

Furnishings and textiles

Soft furnishings are widely used in Islamic interior design, including carpets, velvet and silk. They are an important element that brings warmth and comfort to interior spaces.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the foundations of Islamic architectural art, because of the role it plays in showing off the decorative features of an interior. Candles, lamps and lanterns are used to create a calm, comfortable light.

Furniture

Furniture in Islamic style includes sofas, chairs, tables and cabinets, designed with a distinctive artistic character that sits in harmony with the rest of the space. When applying this style, it is advisable to choose multi-purpose furniture, which is attractive on one hand and useful on the other.

Islamic ornament

Whether Andalusian or Ottoman, Islamic style is known for its abundance of detail and ornament. Islamic ornament is a fundamental element of the interior, used on walls, ceilings, doors and windows. It adds beauty and elegance to interior spaces and expresses an Islamic spirit that sets this style apart from other designs.

Arabic calligraphy

What perhaps distinguishes Islamic design most from other styles is Arabic calligraphy. It is the particular signature of Islamic architectural art, and arguably is found only in this style. It is used to decorate walls, doors, copies of the Quran and more, and is a distinctive aesthetic element that reflects heritage and the depth of Islamic tradition.

Islamic style in furniture

Islamic furniture is characterised by elegance and refinement. It uses natural materials such as wood, leather, stone and metal, and is designed with a distinctive artistic character that reflects Islamic heritage. The main pieces include the following.

Tables

Tables are widely used in Islamic design. They come in a range of sizes and shapes and are designed with a distinctive artistic character that reflects Islamic heritage.

Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the basic elements of Islamic style. They come in a range of sizes, are designed to suit personal taste and the interior space, and are used to store different items.

Candles and lamps

Candles and lamps are widely used in Islamic design and come in many sizes and designs. They are used to create a calm, comfortable light.

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