Jabrin - interior decoration Oman style ...

Jabrin castle with Jebel Shams in the background

Move aside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and let the Omanis show you how to decorate ... Jabrin Castle may not be Oman's biggest castle, and it ain't that much to look at from the outside, but inside it is a little treasure. After having been the home of some of Oman's Imams (the religious leader of the Ibadi muslims here) back in the 17th and 18th centuries, it apparently stood empty from the 1780s right up until the restoration in the 1970s. It's actually incredible how much was left, and the restoration has been beautifully done - you really can imagine what life was like all those years ago. Magic.

Each room has its own design of flowers on the ceilings

In some rooms, the ceilings reflect the carpets on the floors below

Love the colours on this one - all the more glorious against the white walls

There are words and patterns carved into walls and archways all over the castle ...

... especially in this beautiful staircase, leading up to the Imam's audience room

Even the pots of dates in the kitchens are decorated -  William Morris would have approved!