Widely known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of Asia's most famous islands. Its natural beauty and exotic heritage have been attracting curious visitors for centuries. Travel guides have referred to it as " . . . a place of mysterious temples and palm-shrouded beaches".
Penang today is very much an amalgam of the old and the new – a bustling port, a heritage city and an industrial base.

Perhaps it has more to offer per square mile than any other place in the world.

For sheer variety of locales, cultures and foods, Penang is hard to beat. In it's capital Georgetown, modern skyscrapers rise from one of Southeast Asia's largest collections of intact prewar buildings. Manufactures of sophisticated electronic goods compete for space with wet markets and old temples.

Where else can you find a century-old church, a Chinese temple, an Indian temple, and a Muslim mosque all within a five-minute walk from one another? Likewise, tall urban structures stand beside the red-tiled roofs of Chinatown and "Little India" is just across the road, while the Malay kampungs lie on the outskirts.

The seamless melding of the many peoples of Penang is best reflected in the delicious hawker foods (available around the clock) and the adherence to traditions and customs. Festivals abound throughout the year.

Penang is one of Southeast Asia's most popular island resorts and with good reason. This Malaysian island paradise has been a trading hotspot for centuries, but these days it is tourists who come to soak up the sun and the history while they explore a varied tropical island. Penang is an oasis of Buddhist temples, warm seas, sandy beaches and excellent cuisine. The capital of Georgetown is the hub of island life, but it is to the hotels and resorts of Batu Ferringhi, Penang most famous resort town, that most holidaymakers head.

www.thgholidays.co.uk/far-east_malaysia_penang.phtml

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Renewed interest in Eastern décor has contributed to the popularity of Moroccan furniture, and today's choices are more varied than ever. Moroccan décor evokes images of rich palaces, harems and the sumptuous tents of travelers in the ancient caravans of the Near East.

Renewed interest in Eastern décor has contributed to the popularity of Moroccan furniture, and today's choices are more varied than ever. Moroccan décor evokes images of rich palaces, harems and the sumptuous tents of travelers in the ancient caravans of the Near East. Think Arabian Nights and the Bazaars of Marrakech and you'll understand why so many people are using Moroccan furniture to bring a sense of luxury and richness to their homes.

What Makes Moroccan Furniture Unique

There are several key elements to Moroccan décor that are central to the romantic, elaborate richness of the style. One of the most important features of is the use of color. Rich, jewel-tone colors can be found in everything from the intricately woven rugs to the detailed embroidery of throws, cushions and ottomans.

Moroccan furniture is always imbued with color in some fashion. The carved wooden tables are detailed with painted tracery in at least two or three complimentary colors and you can often find one to match the particular color of your room for a stunning accent piece. Ottomans, now popular world wide but originally Moroccan furniture, are large, low, over-stuffed cushions for seating that are usually made of leather. Truly Moroccan ottomans will be embroidered in contrasting threads with elaborate designs that may incorporate leaves, twining vines, animals and stylized patterns from ancient texts or buildings.

Ornate woodworking is a signature of Moroccan furniture. You will not find a plain, unadorned coffee or end table made by Moroccan craftsmen, who pride themselves on their dexterity at hand carving elaborate fretwork and delicate details in exotic hardwoods such as lemon wood or thuya burl. Each table is a work of art, often with six sides in a hexagon shape and side carvings that may include curved spindles, latticework and graceful arches. These will be decorated with painted details in jewel colors like reds, deep blues, brilliant golds and greens.

Moroccan décor such as mirrors, lanterns and frames are all made with the same attention to detail as larger pieces. Rich swirls and geometric shapes in broad bands hold handset and polished stones, cut glass and mosaic tile around mirrors or frames. These make a bold decorative statement in any room. The lanterns are punched with elaborate patterns in metal with inlays of colored glass to soften and refract the light of candles and fire the room with a glow like the interior of a great jewel box.

Adding a Moroccan Touch to Any Room

A bedroom is the perfect setting for Moroccan furniture and accent pieces. You can convert this room into a personal retreat that will make you feel as though you have been whisked a world away to the lands of romance and adventure. Embroidered bed linens and throw pillows, beautifully carved and painted side tables used as nightstands and mirrors and picture frames trimmed in wrought silver, pewter or iron set with semi-precious stones or mosaic glass will pull together and complete your romantic retreat.

If you want to turn your back patio into an oasis, there is also Moroccan furniture that can withstand the elements. Wrought iron tables with inlaid tops of glass or marble mosaic and matching wrought iron chairs are a beautiful option. Try stringing Moroccan candle lanterns in the trees or lining them up along the railing of your deck to shine silhouettes of star and geometric patterns across the lawn.

If you aren't sure you want to do an entire room in such a richly foreign style, start with a few gorgeous accent pieces. A beautifully pieced and embroidered leather ottoman can add color and romance to a more contemporary room, and the buttery softness will invite visitors to sink onto it. A plain entry hall can become a focal point if you choose one or two pieces such as an oversized silverwork mirror set with mother-of-pearl and a delicate candle lamp.

Whether you want to add just a touch of romance or turn your home into an Eastern bazaar, Moroccan furniture is always sumptuous, detailed and lovely.

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/moroccan-furniture-adds-exotic-flair-to-any-room-95647.html

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