Living Rooms – Middle East Archive • Archive

Living Rooms celebrates the central role of family life and hospitality across the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on the communal spaces where connections are made, traditions upheld, and stories shared. Through a curated collection of archival and contemporary photography, the book explores the rich interplay of design, culture, and identity reflected in these spaces. From intricate textiles and low seating arrangements to gold accents and elaborate décor, these rooms embody the pride and character of the families who inhabit them. PHOTOGRAPHERS The book features the work of 41 photographers, spanning archival and contemporary collections. Contributors include Olivia Arthur, Miriam Stanke, Abbas, Sabiha Çimen, Olgaç Bozalp, Mariam El Gendy, Sakir Khader, Aly Saab, Lara Chahine, Nariman El Mofty, Rena Effendi, and others. With an introduction by founder and curator Romaisa Baddar and an essay by Sara Bokr, translated by Mourad Nusair. 23.5 × 29.5 cm | 9.25 × 11.6 in Hardcover silk cloth with silver debossing 128 pages Curator & Design: Romaisa Baddar Assistance Typography | Calligraphy Mohammed Tatour Assistance Cover design: Mohammed Tatour Calligraphy Design Assistance: Abduallah Mohammed Essay: Sara Bokr and Dalia Al-Dujaili Translator: Mourad Nusair Publisher: Middle East Archive