7/11/11: The Moorish Style

The Moorish Style evolved in the intense sunlight and heat of North Africa and Andalusian Spain.  This led to the use of column-fringed courtyards, providing the desired privacy and protecting the interior spaces from the heat of the strong sunlight, while allowing cooling breezes into the rooms.  Decoration of wall surfaces is provided by filligree carving and colorful abstract-patterned tile.  Interior furnishings use carved wood and leather upholstery.  Tile decorates the walls and along with marble provides a cooling floor surface.  Sheer fabrics are used in window openings to screen out the intense light. The Moorish style can be successfully adapted for modern use and is appropriate in beach or arid climate locations.

Below are historical and modern examples of the Moorish Style:



The Nasrid Palaces, The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Multiple rows of collonades allow cooling breezes into the progressively darker and cooler interior spaces.  Arches and walls above are ornately filligreed.



Patio de las Doncellas, or the Courtyard of Maidens, Alcazar of Seville, Spain

Although an exterior space, the patio or courtyard is very much one of the living spaces of a Moorish home.  Source of light, air, and water.  Low filligreed walls top the carved surfaces of the arches and columns.  Tiles surface the corridor walls.  Arched entrances provide glimpses of the dark interior of the home and of a sunlit courtyard beyond.


Moorish style living room

Low slung sofas are framed in dark, carved wood and upholstered in red leather.  A carved, wood coffee table sits on a rug which helps define the seating area.  Tall carved wood doors flank the arched entrance.  Tiles decorate the lower surface of the whitewashed walls.  Marble and tile flooring provide a cool-to-the-touch walking surface.  Sheer drapes frame the arched window and filter the intense sunlight.


Moorish interior public space

Low slung setees, tile floor and walls, red area rug, arched wall openings.


Modern interpretation of the Moorish Style

Lightly-hued Moorish style room includes an arched window opening filled with a screen of inlay and lattice-work.  Tiled wainscot.



Moorish plate



Moorish decorative tile