Sprucing up your hallway or entryway is a great way to instantly set the mood for your visitors. Start with a prop-like chair with festive cushions or add a console table, centered in the entryway or against a wall to hold a metal tray with dates. Add a diffuser or incense burner to create a fragrant atmosphere, and pave the way for iftar with floor lanterns and candlesticks. This is not a permanent addition to your home, so you can keep it subtle or elaborate. Woodgrain is becoming more popular in 2023. My advice is to choose three colorways and one metallic color. Use them from the entry hall throughout your home for a unified look.
Since the pandemic, it has become a trend to recreate a majlis or Ramadan tent-like atmosphere at home. This year, as Ramadan falls during a time when you can enjoy the outdoors, we are seeing clients exploring both indoor and outdoor designs, creating arabesque lounge and dining areas where family and friends can gather. This does not have to cost a fortune and there are many options depending on the budget. You can create a simple teepee in your home or garden using curtains or, if you have a larger budget, install an awning that stays true to the majlis tradition. When thinking about the design, it is important to combine low seating such as ottomans or poufs with floor cushions placed on top of a rug to separate the social space.
Before you get started, pick the style and color palette you're going for. It could be a more minimalist Bedouin-style finish with an emphasis on contrasting textures and textiles, incorporating throws, rugs, and pillows with Arabian geometric patterns. Or it could be Moroccan, incorporating lavish drapes, tile, ogee, and latticework motifs that include vibrant colors and shapes. Or Khaleeji pieces with subtle Turkish influences, such as accessories inspired by Levantine Islamic architecture with materials like silk and brocade. Or, embracing a more rustic, organic, and modern feel for the Majlis, which will be coming out strong in 2023 and reflects Dubai's city and desert landscapes, using earthy colors, natural materials, and light tones, combined with the richness of faded golds and brass, weathered woods and plants.
More global interior brands are creating special Ramadan collections to tap into the local market. Even if your customers aren't planning to go all out for this month, adding a few simple decorative pieces can be a gentle reminder that Ramadan is here. Arabic calligraphy-inspired brass accessories, light-reflecting mirrored objects, temporary wall designs like Islamic print fabrics and lanterns all exude warmth and are perfect for curating a memorable entertainment space that captures the spirit of this month. Decorative cushions and throws are a must to elevate a room, anchor the space and add warmth. Choose rugs in beautiful colors and unique patterns.
Perhaps the biggest trend we have seen this year is a serious commitment to creative table settings that has come from social media. Customers are taking their iftar meals to the next level by adorning their dining tables with eye-catching table setting designs. From intricate arabesque and lunar accents in gold and metal to cutlery, napkin rings, flatware sets, jute tablecloths, table runners, mini lanterns, and dried and fresh flowers, a thoughtful table arrangement can transform an ordinary dining table into a festive one for the holiday season. To complete the ambiance, atmospheric lighting is key. Adding lighting accessories, from battery-operated fairy lights and tall lanterns to wax candles and tea lights, is a cost-effective decorative touch that will set the mood throughout the holy month.
– The writer is Creative Director at Cedar Global Interiors
