INTERVIEW - The illumination magical tools in interior design: Architect Noha Taha

Dina Said, Friday 2 Aug 2024

Ahram Online spoke to architect and designer Noha Taha about lighting solutions.

Decor
photos by Mina Ashraf

 

Illuminating the interior of spaces and houses sufficiently is an art that poses solutions for limited spaces and rooms.

A dark house was transformed skilfully into a brightly lit space by architect and designer Noha Taha, who decided to create enhanced lighting with a seamless connection between its interior and exterior details.

To achieve this, Taha decided to replace the walls surrounding the house with glass windows along the length and width of the walls to maximize the amount of natural light.

“This bold decision allowed for a flood of sunshine to reach seating areas, instantly creating a more inviting and open atmosphere,” she explained.

The choice of glossy white and grey marble for the flooring reflects properties that enhance the light within the space, adding a sense of brightness and openness. This strategic use of materials played a crucial role in achieving the desired bright ambiance.

She further explains that the panoramic views of the landscape through large windows achieved the idea of ​​communication between the interior and exterior spaces of the house.

 The outdoor spaces were designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, featuring bright-coloured furniture of a natural wooden structure that provides shade to the dining area and outdoor kitchenette, which gives the feeling that the two places are one expansive space displaying harmony.


Use of the marble wall and floor for more light reflection in the space

“The feeling of unity was further enhanced by choosing outdoor seating areas that matched the style and colours of the indoor seating areas,” she noted.

“This careful selection of furniture ensured a consistent design theme throughout the property and cemented the idea of creating an extra and brighter space overall,” she added.

 Additionally, lighting solutions were applied to the ceiling, which was crafted with a wood texture and bold design. It incorporated spotlighting, serving as the main light source above the seating areas, adding to the cohesive look and feel.

The use of wooden, grey, and white tones continues into the bathrooms and bedrooms, where white marble and simple modern lines create a cozy and contemporary interior.

In addition to the major structural changes, Noha incorporated various details to further elevate and illuminate the design.


Behind the sofa, a small window was replaced with a full glass wall for more lighting

 

“’we selected indoor plants strategically placed around the house to bring a touch of nature inside and enhance the overall sense of tranquillity and liveliness,” she said.

The wide hallways and interconnected rooms, adorned with simple yet elegant wall colours, provided a sense of extra light and freedom of movement. This thoughtful layout allowed for easy navigation between different areas of the house, making the space feel more cohesive and fluid.

“The philosophy for this house was that the most successful designs are not only pleasing to look at but also practical. A pivotal tool was lighting. This concept was evident throughout the house, where every element was thoughtfully chosen to enhance both the beauty and functionality of the space,” she concluded.



The master bedroom ditched the walls to allow natural light during the day


The white colour of the dressing room made the space more spacious​

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