Romaisa Baddar's new book, Living Rooms, funded by Middle East Archive, showcases the diversity of living room aesthetics across the Middle East, from Istanbul to Iran and Berlin. Featuring 41 photographers, it contrasts the inviting, theatrical details of layered fabrics and vibrant decor with the rise of minimalist tastes that threaten cultural identity. The images depict both private moments and public gatherings, emphasizing the cultural significance and preservation efforts of these spaces, which often reflect a desire to impress guests while holding on to tradition.
The aesthetic of layered rugs and jewel-toned drapery in Middle Eastern homes, often dismissed as 'kitsch', faces challenges from contemporary minimalist tastes.
Romaisa Baddar's book, Living Rooms, celebrates the varied representations of living rooms across the Middle East, capturing both intimate life scenes and public celebrations.
The photography in Living Rooms represents a cultural preservation, showing how traditional interior designs remain under threat from modern design trends.
Sara Bokr and Dalia Al-Dujaili highlight within the book how the plastic-covered sofas reflect a Middle Eastern culture of preservation and a desire to impress guests.
#middle-eastern-culture #interior-design #photography #cultural-preservation #contemporary-aesthetics
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