Nothing gets me ‘Moor’ excited than the design style of the North Africans who ruled Portugal for over 400 years! All those ornate tiles, intricate geometric patterns and decorative archways. Their beautiful colour palette and the way they used the sunbaked hues of the earth, and the greens and blues of the ocean and the sky… Ahh, it’s a feast for the eyes. Talk about moreish!
The Moors left an indelible mark on Portugal, and one of their decorative traditions that has endured to become part of modern Portuguese identity is their love of ornamental tiles or azulejos (derived from the Arabic word al zulaycha, meaning “small polished stones”), which adorn buildings throughout the country.
Whether you live in a traditional farmhouse, a modern apartment or a palatial villa, introducing some Moorish decor will give your home more depth, warmth and character. You don’t need to go overboard with the patterns and give yourself a headache, a few well-chosen pieces are enough to make your living space feel really special. When it comes to modern interiors less is most definitely Moorish.
The Moors were a Muslim race of Berber and Arab descent who conquered the Iberian Peninsula in 711. They gave the Algarve its name: Al-Gharb, meaning ‘the west’, as it was the westernmost point of their empire. When they crossed the Strait of Gibraltar they brought with them advanced agricultural techniques, scientific knowledge and architectural marvels that transformed the landscape of Portugal.
Sadly, our home is not a Moorish masterpiece but a property in a 1980s condominium. I love intricately carved stucco and ornate door knockers, but they would look a bit funny with our double-glazed sliding doors. That doesn’t mean I can’t use the Moorish style as a source of inspiration though. The right combination of colours, patterns and soft furnishings can really spice up a bland modern interior and turn a stark white block into a little Alhambra palace.
Archways
The Moors loved an archway. Whether it was doors, entrances, windows or alcoves, arches were used in almost every part of the house. Their favourite was the horseshoe arch; the more decorated and detailed the better. Not only do archways create transitions between spaces, but they also have a cultural and religious significance. They are seen as gateways to the divine, framing the transition between the worldly and the spiritual. I would love an archway or two to soften the boxy shape of our house, but my surveyor friend shook his head at the very idea and suggested I make do with some arch-shaped mirrors. I’ve seen some lovely arched doorways in Olhão and instead of taking them off their hinges, I’m thinking of buying a green wooden door from Morocco and having it shipped over (pictured). Amazing you can buy them online, eh? It would be a fantastic statement piece on a wall. I just need to time the delivery for when my husband’s not at home so I can pretend it was a bargain from a charity shop and not the silliest thing he’s ever heard.
Geometric patterns
A fusion of art and mathematics, Moorish patterns were amazing works of art. Islamic teaching discourages the portrayal of living things, so depictions of beauty exist instead through the medium of pattern and shape. Their designers began with only a ruler and compass, drawing motifs that were then repeated and overlapped, creating endlessly precise and intricate designs.
Geometric patterns weren’t just reserved for building tiles but also used in woodwork, fretwork and textiles. So don’t stop at kitchen splashbacks; introduce some Moorish designs into your soft furnishings, lighting, furniture and wall art.
