introduction

Fez Interiors is an international firm which specializes in the Moroccan/Moorish style of interior design and decoration. The idea of establishing the company stems from a study we have conducted on the American and international market in the field of interior design and decoration. People from all over the world have a strong passion about the Moroccan style of decoration. As a result, they often want to know more about this art and decorate their residences or other facilities using some of its items.

The most striking feature of the Islamic architecture, including the Moroccan one, is the focus on interior space as opposed to the exterior. From geometric to abstract shapes to full-scale floral patterns; from minutely executed inscriptions in a full variety of calligraphic styles to the monumental single words that serve as both religious images and decoration. The Islamic Art of decoration is an umbrella term that encompasses many styles of decoration. This include but not limited to the Umayyad style in Syria, the Abbasid in Baghdad, the Persian in Asfahan, the Turkish/Othman in Istanbul, the Islamic/Indian style, the Egyptian, the Andalusian, and the Moroccan Style.

To the Untrained Western eye, the Islamic decoration often appears excessive in its richness. The 19th-century British scholar and architect Owen Jones writes in regards to the Islamic art of decoration: "(W)e never find a useless or superfluous ornament; every ornament arises quietly and naturally from the surface decorated."

Our style of decoration is the Moorish style which is a beautiful marriage between the old Moroccan/Berber and the Andalusian /Islamic/ Miditearean styles. This marriage could not have occurred without the immigration of Al-Andalussi bourgeoisie and the aristocracy to Titwan, Rabat, and especially Fez carrying with them examples of the Andalussian architectural decoration. That is why it is often said that Al-Andaluss is reinstated and not lamented in Morocco.

Elements of decoration that make up the Islamic Architecture

1. Geometry

In the 14th century B.C, Egyptian rulers used geometry to divide land equally among their subjects, with each person receiving a rectangle. The study of geometry was a part of education in ancient Greece. Today, geometry is used to solve problems but it can also used to create beautiful designs. Working with geometric shapes gives artists an unending variety of patterns limited only by the artist’s imagination. These patterns exemplify the Islamic interest in repetition, symmetry and continuous generation of pattern. The superb assurance of Muslim designers is demonstrated by their masterful integration of geometry with such optical effects as the balancing of positive and negative areas, interlacing with fluid overlapping and underpassing strapwork as well as a skillful use of color and tone values.

2. Calligraphy

It is considered one of the most important Islamic arts because of its role in recording the name of God. The inscription might be a verse from the Koran, lines of poetry, or names and dates. Similar to other Islamic components of decoration, calligraphy is closely linked to geometry. The proportions of the letters are all governed by mathematics. Calligraphic texts might appear in pierced cartouches, providing a pattern for light filtering through windows. There are many styles of calligraphy:These include but not limited to neskhi, thulthi, roqa, diwani, farsi, kufi, ijaza, maghribi, and many others. The most used among those in plaster decoration are kufi and maghribi. :

3. Floral Patterns

Flowers and trees might be used as motifs for decorating textiles, objects and buildings.

4. Figures and Animals

Islam discourages artists from producing such figures through art because humans and animals are considered in the realm of God. Nevertheless, a certain amount of figural art can be found in the Muslim world although it is mainly restricted to the decoration of objects and secular buildings as well as miniature paintings.

5. Light

For many Muslims (and non-Muslims), light is the symbol of divine unity. In Islamic architecture, light functions decoratively by modifying other elements or by originating patterns. With the proper light, pierced facades can look like lacy and disembodied screens.