The Shangri La Living Room is a sight to behold, with its intricate design and rich history. Located in the Shangri La Museum in Honolulu, this room was once the private living quarters of the legendary heiress and philanthropist, Doris Duke. The room is a beautiful blend of Hawaiian architecture, Islamic art, and Asian art, making it a unique and fascinating piece of interior design. Let's take a closer look at this historic space and discover its story.Shangri La Living Room: A Stunning Display of Cultural Fusion
Shangri La Living Room
The Shangri La Museum was once the home of Doris Duke, who inherited the property from her father. She fell in love with the beauty of Hawaii and decided to make it her permanent residence. The Shangri La estate was built in the 1930s and is a prime example of Hawaiian architecture, with its open spaces and natural elements. However, Doris Duke was also a lover of Islamic art and Asian art, which she collected during her travels. She incorporated these elements into the design of her home, creating a unique fusion of cultures.The Story Behind Shangri La
Doris Duke
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The Shangri La Living Room is the heart of the estate, and it is where Doris Duke entertained her guests. The room boasts a stunning view of the Honolulu coastline, with large windows and doors that open up to the ocean. The walls are adorned with qamariya screens, intricately carved wooden panels that provide privacy and shade. These screens were inspired by Moorish architecture and add a touch of Islamic art to the room. The furnishings in the living room also reflect Doris Duke's love for Islamic art and Asian art. The ceiling is adorned with a beautiful muqarnas, a type of ornamental vaulting commonly found in Middle Eastern and Asian architecture. The room also features a Chinese carved marble fireplace and an Indian silk rug, adding to the cultural fusion of the space.The Living Room: A Cultural Masterpiece
Shangri La Museum
The Shangri La Living Room is not only a beautiful display of cultural fusion, but it is also a testament to Doris Duke's passion for preserving historical homes. She was dedicated to maintaining the authenticity of the space and spent years restoring and adding to the collection of Islamic art and Asian art. She also created the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, which continues to preserve and showcase the Shangri La Museum and its contents.A Legacy of Preservation
Honolulu
The Shangri La Museum is open to the public and offers guided tours of the Shangri La Living Room. Visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture and artwork while learning about the history of the space and Doris Duke's legacy. The estate also hosts events and exhibitions that celebrate Islamic art and Asian art, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of these cultures.Visit the Shangri La Living Room
Hawaiian Architecture
The Shangri La Living Room is a true masterpiece, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion and the passion of its owner, Doris Duke. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in interior design, Hawaiian architecture, Islamic art, or Asian art. So, make sure to add this unique destination to your list of travel destinations and experience the wonder of Shangri La for yourself.Experience the Cultural Fusion of Shangri La
Islamic Art
The Luxurious and Exotic Shangri La Living Room of Doris Duke
A Glimpse into the Life of Doris Duke
Doris Duke was a woman ahead of her time. Born into a wealthy family, she inherited a vast fortune and became one of the richest women in the world. But she was more than just a socialite and heiress, she was an avid traveler, art collector, and philanthropist. Her love for exotic cultures and lavish lifestyle is evident in her home, Shangri La, located in Honolulu, Hawaii.
A Fusion of East and West in Shangri La
Shangri La is a stunning example of Doris Duke's eclectic taste and passion for design. The living room, in particular, is a reflection of her love for both Eastern and Western aesthetics. The room is filled with treasures collected from her travels to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. From intricate hand-carved furniture to colorful silk fabrics, every piece tells a story and adds to the overall opulence of the space.
The focal point of the living room is the magnificent
Mughal-style
carved marble fireplace, imported from India. It is adorned with
Islamic
motifs and
Arabic calligraphy
, showcasing Doris Duke's appreciation for the art and culture of the region.
A Colorful Oasis
The living room is a vibrant and colorful oasis, with bright hues and intricate patterns adorning every surface. The walls are covered in hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, and the ceiling is adorned with a
Moroccan-inspired
chandelier. The
Persian
rug adds warmth and texture to the room, while the
Chinese
lacquer cabinets and
Japanese
screens add a touch of elegance.
A Space for Entertaining
The living room was not only a space for relaxation but also for entertaining. Doris Duke often hosted lavish parties, and the living room was the perfect setting for these gatherings. The room is designed with multiple seating areas, allowing for intimate conversations or larger group gatherings. The beautiful
Buddhist
altar, placed strategically in the room, adds a spiritual element and serves as a unique conversation piece.
Preserving a Legacy
After Doris Duke's passing, Shangri La was transformed into a museum, preserving her exquisite taste and legacy for generations to come. The living room, with its fusion of East and West, remains a testament to her love for art, culture, and design.
In conclusion, the Shangri La living room of Doris Duke is a remarkable example of how different cultures can come together to create a harmonious and luxurious space. It is a true reflection of the woman behind it – adventurous, sophisticated, and ahead of her time.
