Doris Duke's Shangri La dining room is a breathtaking space located within her iconic estate in Honolulu, Hawaii. This room is a stunning representation of Duke's love for Islamic art and design, inspired by her travels to the Middle East and her fascination with the story of Arabian Nights. Let's take a closer look at this top 10 list of must-see features in the Shangri La dining room.Doris Duke's Shangri La Dining Room
Doris Duke's Shangri La Dining Room
Doris Duke was an American heiress, socialite, and philanthropist who inherited a vast fortune from her father, James Buchanan Duke. After her first visit to Hawaii in 1935, she was captivated by the beauty of the islands and decided to build her dream home, Shangri La, in Honolulu. The property was her private retreat, showcasing her extensive collection of Islamic art and architecture. Today, Shangri La is a museum open to the public, and the dining room is one of its main highlights.Doris Duke's Shangri La
Doris Duke's Shangri La
The Shangri La dining room is a masterpiece of design, blending elements from various Islamic cultures to create a unique and harmonious space. The room features a stunning hand-painted ceiling from Syria, intricate woodwork from Egypt, and a colorful tile mosaic from Iran. The result is a feast for the eyes, with every corner of the room adorned with intricate details and rich colors.Shangri La Dining Room
Shangri La Dining Room
Doris Duke was not only a wealthy socialite but also a passionate collector of Islamic art. She spent a significant portion of her life traveling through the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, amassing an impressive collection of over 2,500 objects. Her love for Islamic art is evident in every aspect of the Shangri La dining room, from the furniture and decor to the architectural elements.Doris Duke
Doris Duke
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Shangri La is Duke's vision of a paradise on earth, a place where she could escape from the pressures of her affluent life and indulge in her love for art and culture. The estate sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Shangri La dining room is situated in the main house, a blend of Islamic, Hawaiian, and modern architecture, designed by renowned architect Marion Sims Wyeth.Shangri La
Shangri La
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The dining room is the centerpiece of the Shangri La estate, where Duke hosted lavish dinners and entertained her guests. The room's design is a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics, with a large dining table that can seat up to 14 people and a beautiful fireplace adorned with Islamic tiles and motifs. The room also features a stunning view of the ocean, making it the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.Dining Room
Dining Room
Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and cultural diversity, making it a popular tourist destination. The Shangri La estate is located in the Diamond Head neighborhood of Honolulu, just a short drive from the bustling city center.Honolulu
Honolulu
Hawaii is a paradise on earth, with its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear waters, and warm hospitality. The state is made up of eight main islands, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the state's largest city and a popular tourist destination. With its year-round warm climate and stunning natural beauty, Hawaii is a top vacation spot for people from all over the world.Hawaii
Hawaii
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Islamic art is a diverse and rich art form that encompasses various mediums, including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, and architecture. This art form is deeply rooted in Islamic culture and is often used to express spiritual and religious beliefs. The Shangri La dining room is a prime example of the beauty and intricacy of Islamic art, showcasing the diversity and complexity of this art form.Islamic Art
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Islamic Art
The story of Arabian Nights, also known as One Thousand and One Nights, is a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian tales compiled in the 12th century. This collection of stories is a significant influence on Western literature and has captivated readers for centuries with its tales of magic, adventure, and romance. Duke's fascination with this story is evident in the design of the Shangri La dining room, with its exotic and luxurious atmosphere, reminiscent of the tales from Arabian Nights.Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights
The Exquisite Design of Doris Duke's Shangri La Dining Room
The Inspiration Behind the Design
The dining room in Doris Duke's Shangri La estate is a masterpiece of design that reflects her eclectic taste and love for art and culture. The room was designed by Marion Sims Wyeth, a renowned architect who was known for his ability to blend different styles seamlessly. Wyeth was inspired by Duke's extensive travels and incorporated elements from various cultures, including Islamic, Persian, and Indian. The result is a unique and stunning dining room that exudes luxury and sophistication.
The Elements of the Design
The dining room is a perfect harmony of form and function, with every element carefully chosen to create a cohesive and elegant space. The walls are adorned with intricate geometric patterns, hand-carved by Indian artisans, and painted in vibrant hues of blue and gold. The ceiling features a stunning chandelier, reminiscent of traditional Islamic design, and is surrounded by a hand-painted frieze depicting scenes from Persian mythology.
The dining table, custom-made for Duke, is a beautiful blend of East and West. Its base is inspired by the Mughal architecture of India, while the top is a stunning slab of marble from Italy. The chairs, upholstered in rich jewel tones, are a nod to traditional Islamic designs. The room also features a unique feature, a retractable glass wall that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and creates a seamless connection to the outdoors.
The Impact of the Design
Duke's Shangri La dining room is not just a beautiful space, but it also serves as a representation of her love for art, culture, and travel. The room reflects her passion for collecting and showcasing unique and exquisite pieces from around the world. It has also become a source of inspiration for many designers and has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions.
In conclusion, the dining room in Doris Duke's Shangri La estate is a testament to the power of design to transcend boundaries and bring together different cultures. Its exquisite and thoughtfully curated elements make it a one-of-a-kind space that will continue to inspire and captivate for years to come.
