Just imagine...

I've been busy.

I know, I know, I've been giving the same excuse so many times for my lack of updates.

When I saw this photo on Pinterest, I thought to myself, wow, I need a break. Work and life has been hectic.

Leo Trippi

What caught my eye was the view outside. What a breathtaking view to wake up and see that.

I also love the lines of the poster bed and the linens. Lovely.

Okay, back to reality!

Happy Eid-ul-Fitr!

It's the second day of Eid, our religious holiday where Muslims all over the world celebrate the beginning of a new month after 30 days of fasting. This is the time where we spend our days with our families and loved ones over good food and laughter.

In the mood of Eid, I'd like to show you some photos of Islamic art and architecture - something I've always thought was beautiful. It's not exactly religious, rather Islamic art and architecture depicts the ways of life of its people and is influenced by many different cultures.

I have collated some beautiful photos over the internet for you to enjoy.

The below is a mosque in Semerkand, Uzbekistan. I love the turquoise colour of the dome. Surrounded by huts and greenery, it is a beautiful sight. 

Source flickr

An element of Islamic art usually found decorating the walls and window screens of mosques and Muslim homes and buildings, is the arabesque, an elaborate application of repeating geometric forms that often echo the forms of plants, shapes and sometimes animals (specifically birds).

This is from the same photographer, still in Semerkand, Uzbekistan.

Source flickr

Symmetry is often used on walls of art - to interpret balance and peace. I love the bright mint of the doors.

Source here

The use of blue and whitewashed walls is beautiful here in Tunisia.

Source here

This is a hotel in Hammemet, Tunisia.

Source here

More blue and whitewash. I love this.

Source here

The garden is an important element in Islamic architecture - due to the spread of the religion in hot, arid areas, gardens were built with cooling fountains and greenery for shade.

Granada, Spain. Source here

I believe Spain has some of the most beautiful gardens influenced by the Muslim culture. Notice the symmetry used in these gardens.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain. Source unknown

 The lush gardens of the Alhambra Palace.

Courtyards instead of back yards are popular in residences due to their privacy to enjoy one's own garden. This residential courtyard below is a beauty.

A residential courtyard in Qurtaba, Spain

Another beautiful courtyard to enjoy the outdoors without the heat. Lovely aged brick walls, arches and a hanging lantern complete this photo.

The courtyard of a townhouse in Cairo. Via Cultural Kiosk

Well I hope you enjoyed these photos. If you're celebrating Eid, I wish you Happy Eid and peace to you and your family!

Sheers and panels

Our house renovation is almost complete, and now, it's time to think about how to dress our windows!

Personally, I like decorating room by room, so thinking beforehand on what curtains to use for all the rooms in our house is quite the challenge for me.

I have an idea of how I want my curtains to look like - a neutral colour in a natural material that I won't get bored of over time. I'm not really into patterns, as I like the flexibility of plains where it can go with any theme.

But the thing that has left me scratching my head is on how to layer day with night curtains. You see, houses here are so close together, that day curtains are a must - it keeps sunlight in, but gives us the privacy we need during the day.

I was thinking of going for sheers and pair them with panels - but I really can't find much inspiration out there. Here are a few photos of rooms that have dressed up their windows with both sheer and panels that I will refer to as inspiration.

Velvet & Linen

This is from Brooke Giannetti, I love the use of this gauzy sheer fabric, layered with linen panels for night curtains. Gorgeous.

Phoebe Howard

Phoebe Howard

Phoebe Howard

Phoebe Howard mentions in her blog to stay away from polyester when you use sheers, and she likes using double poles to pair sheer curtains with panels. Aren't the three photos above just beautiful?

The photos of the room below uses double poles with sheer curtains and panels. The room is just beautiful, so I thought I'd just put in all three for your viewing pleasure. :-)

The sheers bring that elegant and romantic touch to the room. I love the use of natural textures of linen, sisal, antique chairs and console. 

You can better see the double poles used here in this photo. I love the stripe on these chairs. 

Source unknown! Let me know if you know who the designer is!

The below room has a modern touch to the interiors as well as the sheers used. You can't really see it, but the sheers to filter in light and maintain privacy is hung as blinds and pulled all the way down to the floor. This is a gorgeous room.

via Eclectic Revisited

The below is one of my favourite photos of sitting rooms - you can't really see the curtains, but they have also used sheers and panels here.

via Mark D Sikes

A beautiful dining area uses sheers and panels here too. I love the ornate chandelier.

House Beautiful

Well, I guess I'll be referring to these photos when I'm making choices for my windows! Have a great week ahead!