I know that the Egypt posts are getting old at this point but I have two more sets of pics to put up. The first is the Gayer-Anderson Museum in Cairo, a house museum considered to represent the finest example of 17th century domestic architecture in Egypt. The house was preserved by a British major (Gayer-Anderson), who lived there between 1935 and 1942. He bequeathed his extensive collection of art objects and decor to the government on the condition that the residence was turned into a museum.
As always, what I love about house museums is you see exactly how normal people lived their lives (although obviously these are often people known for their exceptional aesthetic taste and artistry). Lots of good ideas here, like the simple fringe valance above two panels of printed cotton. You could buy an Indian tapestry just like these at Urban Outfitters.
Mashrabiya, the architectural term which describes these traditional wooden screened windows. One has a perfect view of street but with complete privacy. If you remember the post which visited H. H. Richardson's famous house Stonehurst, you will see his inspired use of the mashrabiya element.
An interior courtyard...
Painted wooden mottos....
rooftop patio....
Used as set in James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me....
Egyptian stained glass uses plaster to separate glass.
built into corner of stairwell....it is made of stone but could just as easily be painted wood.
outdoor living....
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