Find 79+ Exquisite Traditional Arabic House Design Not To Be Missed

(31 reviews)

Arabic house design has always been characterised by intricate details, natural materials and its effortless connection to the outdoors. As traditional architecture evolves, modern interpretations of this classic style continue to come to the fore. From luxuriously decorated homes to ones that exude minimalism, there is an abundance of inspirational Arab house designs to choose from. In this article, we are going to introduce the best traditional Arabic house design to inspire and guide your next project.

Traditional Arabic House Designs

Traditional Arabic house designs are steeped in the heritage of the regions they are built in. These houses typically feature a courtyard in the center and a covered area for protection from the elements. The use of Islamic inspired motifs and patterns is common in traditional Arabic house designs to create an exquisite living space. The traditional Arabic colors used in the walls and ceilings are all based on the colors of nature, such as royal blue, burnt orange, white, beige, and green. Many of these house designs feature open rooms and lots of windows, allowing natural light to flow freely.

Although the traditional Arabic house designs are often quite simple and straightforward, they form a deep sense of cultural identity and heritage when observed as a whole. One of the commonly used features of Arabic house designs is the use of arches to create a more airy and spacious environment. Additionally, Islamic architectural principles were also followed in the making of these house designs, with Islamic calligraphy being used for the decoration of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Arabic house designs typically include a lot of intricately designed traditional ornaments, such as arabesques, marble inlays, and carvings, to create an exquisite display of detail and craftsmanship. The traditional materials and methods used in the construction of Arabic houses are often distinct and unique in comparison to those used in other parts of the world. In many cases, the entire house may be built from wood or stone to create an unmistakable style.

Traditional Arabic House Designs

Arabic Mansion Architecture

Arabic mansion architecture is characterized by its grandiose structures and exquisite details. Traditional Arabic mansions often have multiple levels and may even feature a grandiose central courtyard that’s bordered by intricately designed columns and arches. These grandiose buildings are often characterized by their lavish decorations and details, ranging from intricately carved moldings and designs to complex tilework and inlays.

The exterior of the home typically utilizes lavish details, such as thick walls, elaborate feminines, and colorful facades. Large bay windows, intricate balconies, and geometric facades are common in these mansion designs as well. These houses often feature extensive gardens and courtyards, creating a sense of serenity and relaxation that’s rarely found in urban mansions.

The interiors of the Arabic mansions are often as exquisite as the exteriors, featuring intricate mosaic tiling, majestic marble flooring, and elaborate wooden furniture. Along with intricate chandeliers, the interiors of these homes are usually cooled by ventilation systems built into the ceilings, indicating the wealth and influence of their former occupants.

Arabic Mansion Architecture

Moroccan-Influenced House Designs

Moroccan-influenced house designs provide a unique and fascinating style of architecture that can easily make any house stand out from the rest. These designs are usually characterized by intricate patterns and details, often incorporating zellige tilework, which is a medium-sized cutwork used in the decoration of walls and floors. The brilliant colors and artwork within these Moroccan-influenced house designs create an eye-catching and exotic atmosphere. These houses are also well known for using bright colors and geometric shapes. These colors help to bring life to the interior, which is usually held together by thick wooden beams and pillars.

The rooms within Moroccan-influenced house designs utilize low ceilings, decorative natural ornaments, and textured walls to create a contemplative and peaceful ambiance. The arches and geometric facets that are often found in Moroccan-influenced house designs can give the house a feeling of being much more spacious than it actually is. These arches and facets also help to reduce the chances of echo, which can help create a more relaxing atmosphere.

Large windows are often featured in Moroccan-influenced house designs, allowing natural light to flood the interior. This natural light can be further enhanced by using abstract mirrors and glass panels. The outdoor patio features of these designs are often comfortable and include a large garden, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoor scenes. Grandiose outdoor fountains and pools are not uncommon in Moroccan-influenced house designs.

Moroccan-Influenced House Designs

Omani House Designs

Omani house designs hold a lot of similarities to traditional Arabic designs, as they are often characterized by their massive size and attention to intricate details. These buildings are often constructed from a combination of white sandstone and oolite, and feature thick walls and high ceilings to form a majestic and sturdy structure. Typical Omani house designs also include rounded iwans or window spaces that are often combined with intricate wooden carvings and lattice work.

Omani house designs feature multiple courtyards that are designed to create a sense of peacefulness and serenity. These courtyards are often surrounded by several large halls, called mosques, that feature intricate and colorful stained glass windows and Islamic calligraphy. High walls and gates serve to further provide privacy and security to these houses. Many of the courtyards also feature grandiose fountains and reflecting pools.

The furniture featured in Omani house designs is also quite grandiose and is often characterized by its ornateness. As with traditional Arabic houses, the use of Islamic calligraphy and geometric motifs is common when decorating Omani houses. Intricately carved wooden furniture is also used in the interior of these houses, often paired with colorful Arabesque fabrics.

Omani House Designs

Bedouin Tribal House Designs

Bedouin tribal house designs are characterized by their simple yet effective structures and the use of natural materials. These house designs typically feature a low roof and thick walls to provide protection from the intense heat of the desert. Bedouin tribal houses are also often easily disassembled and relocated due to the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin people. These homes are usually built using local stones, mud, and other natural materials, allowing them to merge in with the surrounding landscape.

The interiors of Bedouin tribal house designs are often quite simple, with the main feature being the low ceilings. These homes often have one main room, which can range in size, which can be used for multiple purposes. Bedouin tribal homes are usually only occupied during the colder winter months and are thus designed accordingly.

The furniture used in Bedouin tribal house designs is designed to be both functional and decorative. Carpets and cushions may be laid down on the ground to form a seating area. Bowls, pots, and jugs may also be placed around the interior for decoration. Additionally, the use of colorful textiles is also common in designing these houses.

Bedouin Tribal House Designs

Lebanese House Designs

Lebanese house designs are inspired by the region’s long history and rich culture. These houses are typically structured in multiple levels, with the entrance level being much more ornate than the levels above it. The entrance levels feature intricate detail and intricate designs that are intended to give passersby a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of the occupants. The exterior walls of the home also usually feature geometric details and abstract patterns, providing a unique and captivating visual presentation.

The interior of Lebanese house designs also feature intricate detail and embellishments. The ceilings and walls usually feature intricate patterns, images, and symbols, all of which are intended to tell a story. Colorful textiles such as silk and velvet are also often used to create a luxurious atmosphere. Additionally, the furniture featured in Lebanese houses is often detailed and extravagant, making it a luxurious addition.

The traditional materials and methods used in the making of Lebanese house designs are often distinct and unique in comparison to the ones used in other parts of the world. Intricate carvings and detailed decorations are common in the making of these houses, with each object being crafted to create an exquisite display of detail and craftsmanship.

Lebanese House Designs

Egyptian Style House Designs

Egyptian style house designs are inspired by the culture and heritage of ancient Egypt and feature a variety of unique and elegant features. These houses are typically built with thick walls and high ceilings, providing protection from the sometimes extreme weather of the region. The walls and ceilings are usually quite ornate, with intricate designs and images, all of which are intended to tell a story.

The colors used in the room and the furniture are generally quite muted, making it easier to appreciate the immense detail and craftsmanship. Egyptian style house designs also feature large windows and doors, allowing natural light to flow into the interior. Furthermore, the use of wooden furniture, such as beds, tables, and chairs, is also common in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the designs.

The outdoor areas of Egyptian style house designs are just as unique as the interiors. These areas often feature large courtyards with grandiose fountains, pools, and gardens. The designs featured in these courtyards are often inspired by the ancient Egyptian art and culture, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Egyptian Style House Designs

Qatari House Designs

Qatari house designs are characterized by their luxurious features and attention to detail. These houses are typically built with thick walls and high ceilings, to provide protection from the intense heat of the region. The walls and ceilings are usually quite elaborate, incorporating intricate designs and Islamic motifs. Additionally, the use of interlocked stonework and locally sourced materials is common in the construction of Qatari houses.

The interior of the Qatari houses typically feature multiple levels, with each level often having its own function or purpose. For example, the ground level may be used as the main living area while the top level serves as the bedroom. Or the several levels may be connected by winding staircases, which help to create an open and spacious layout. The furniture used in the interior of these houses is usually quite lavish, with metal and ivory being used for decoration.

The outdoor area of Qatari house designs is also quite grandiose, featuring large courtyards, gardens, and outdoor seating. These courtyards often feature marble fountains and reflecting pools, as well as luxurious decorations. Large stone pillars are also common in the exterior of these homes and help to form an impressive look.

Qatari House Designs

Bedouin Yurt House Designs

Bedouin yurt house designs are typically quite simple yet effective structures, usually made from the materials that are available in the local environment. These structures, also known as ‘goz’ or ‘karat’, usually utilise local materials, such as branches, dried leaves, and mud, to construct a sturdy and spacious living space.

The interiors of Bedouin yurts are often quite sparse, with the main feature being the central fireplace. This fireplace serves to provide heat and is essential in the colder winter months. Additionally, a few items of furniture, such as mats and cushions, may be placed in front of the fireplace for seating. Simple decorations, such as beads and strings of shells, are also commonly used to give these houses a more homely atmosphere.

The structures of Bedouin yurts are typically quite simple, featuring an outer wall that’s made from sticks and branches that are placed in a circular pattern. The roof is typically constructed from animal hide and protects the occupants from the intense heat of the desert sun. The overall design of these houses is functional yet beautiful, allowing them to blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Bedouin Yurt House Designs

Synagogue-Influenced Arabic House Designs

Synagogue-influenced Arabic house designs are often characterized by their grandiose structures and luxurious furnishings. These structures typically feature domed roofs and multiple stories, all of which are inspired by Jewish holy architecture. These houses often feature large courtyards and other features that are typically found in synagogues.

The walls and ceilings of these houses are usually quite elaborate, featuring intricate Islamic motifs and ornate decorations. The interior of these structures usually also features Islamic calligraphy, geometric aspects, and complex tilework. The furniture is usually quite ornate and lavish, often made from wood or metal.

The colors used in these house designs can range from bright blues and reds to softer pinks and purples. Additionally, the use of abstract mirrors and glass panels is also common in the creation of Synagogue-influenced Arabic house designs. These mirrors and glass panels help to create a more reflective and visually stunning atmosphere. Grandiose outdoor fountains and pools are also common in Synagogue-influenced Arabic house designs.

Synagogue-Influenced Arabic House Designs

Iraqi House Designs

Iraqi house designs are typically characterized by their simple yet effective structures and the use of traditional materials. Iraqi houses are typically built from mud bricks, which are a sturdy and resilient material. The use of wood, stone, and other traditional materials is also common in the construction of these houses.

The interiors of Iraqi houses are usually quite basic, featuring a single room with thick walls and a low ceiling. Simple furniture and decorations may be used to give the room more of a homely feel. The main feature in these houses is usually the fireplace, which is essential for cooking and heating during the winter months.

The colors used in Iraqi house designs are usually quite muted, allowing the attention to be focused on the intricately detailed decorations on the walls and ceilings. Islamic motifs are commonly used in the decorations, along with geometric shapes and abstract patterns. The use of rugs and carpets is also common, helping to provide some extra warmth and comfort to the interior.

Iraqi House Designs

Features of Traditional Arabic House Design

traditional arabic house design Arabic home design is a design based on principles that focus on simplicity, functionality and comfort. A traditional Arabic house incorporates natural building materials and is designed to promote physical and spiritual wellbeing. Traditionally, an Arabic home would be designed with an open courtyard at its center which would be filled with lush vegetation and cool water. Let's take a quick look at some of the defining features of traditional Arabic house design:

Natural Building Materials

traditional arabic house design Natural building materials, like mud brick, timber and stone are used to construct traditional Arabic houses, allowing the architecture to blend into its surroundings. This also works practically, as natural building materials are cheaper and provide excellent insulation against heat and noise.

Symmetry and Geometrical Shapes

traditional arabic house design An Arabic house is often distinguished by its geometric and symmetrical shapes. This can be seen in the placement of windows, the curves of walls and archways. Traditional Arabian architecture is also defined by its use of pointed arches and vaults, both of which are aesthetically pleasing, as well as structurally sound.

Wonderful Shading Structures

traditional arabic house design Shade is of vital importance in an Arabic house design . To keep cool in the warm climate, the houses are strategically placed and designed with eaves and shading devices. Shops and courtyards are also designed with the purpose of guiding the airflow to encourage breezes to cool them down. The addition of 'mashrabiyas', latticework screens, provides shade and privacy.

Deep-Set Windows and Small Apertures

traditional arabic house design Windows are set deeply into the wall in an Arabic house so as to reduce the amount of heat and light entering the house. Meanwhile, small portholes are often cut into the wall above head-height, allowing for ventilation. Rather than large windows, these small apertures allow air to pass through the house while reducing bad odors.

Eco-Friendly Courtyards

traditional arabic house design The courtyard, also known as the hujra , is the heart of a traditional Arabian house design. These outdoor spaces were designed for relaxing and enjoying nature, and often filled with greenery and tranquil fountains. Some of the courtyards are occupied with benches and divans, allowing its inhabitants to spend countless hours in the peaceful atmosphere.

Finishing Touches

traditional arabic house design Finally, the finishing touches to a traditional Arabic house are often the colorful accents. These can be in the form of painted murals, tile work and ornamental accents, such as ornate doors and windows. The vibrant colors bring life to the house and also serve to break down large masses of walls. At its core, traditional Arabic house design is meant to provide a comfortable and enjoyable living space that embraces its beauty and culture. It emphasizes privacy and nature, while optimizing practicality and creating a high level of comfort.

11