< PreviousDESIGN ICON DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 50 SILK SPLENDOR Unraveling the Lustrous Threads of Middle Eastern Interior Design W eaving a history of luxury and fi nesse, there is one luxurious thread that has adorned the Middle East for centuries. From sumptuous carpets to fl owing drapery, the signifi cance of silk in the region's design narrative is as intricate as the delicate patterns it bears. With its silken touch and shimmering allure, the textile been a treasure coveted by empires and embraced by sultans. The Silk Road, a historic network of interconnected trade routes, served as the avenue through which this lustrous fabric journeyed from the East to the heart of the Middle East. From the opulent courts of Persia to the bustling bazaars of Damascus, silk became synonymous with regality and refi nement. As demand grew, so did the economic impact. The Silk Road witnessed the exchange of not only goods but also cultural infl uences. Silk became a prized commodity, and the Middle East became a pivotal hub in the trade. Cities like Aleppo and Baghdad thrived on the commerce of silk, and the fabric's economic impact echoed through the corridors of power. The aesthetic impact of silk has been just as signifi cant, as it has a way of transforming and elevating interiors. In the Middle East, silk soon became the language of luxury, adorning the seats of power. Persian carpets, intricately woven with silk threads, became heirlooms passed down through generations, each knot telling a story of craftsmanship and tradition. Silk curtains billowed in the desert breeze, adding a touch of opulence to palatial residences, creating an ambiance that echoed with the tales of Arabian Nights, and it eventually began to infl uence fashion and beauty, too. Much like marble, silk became a marker of status and prestige. It wasn't just a fabric; it was a proclamation of superior style. The sheen of silk, whether in the form of garments or furnishings, spoke of a refi ned sensibility. Royalty draped themselves in silken robes, and the interiors of palaces shimmered with the regal touch. The fabric became a symbol of sophistication, an emblem of the elite.WWW.SANIPEXGROUP.COM SEVEN COLLECTIONwww.glaze.ae/ SINTERED STONE | PORCELAIN | MARBLE | QUARTZ | ONYX | PRECIOUS STONE Visit our latest showroom at Sheikh Zayed Road and discover the ultimate selection of Natural Stones & top brands of Porcelain Slabs.Next >