Southern Spain has a rich islamic heritage. It was conquered by the Muslims in 711 AD and they ruled throughout the middle ages, until they were driven back 500 years later. These people were known as Moors and came from North Africa.
Today you don't have to go far to see the influence of the Moors. Many Catholic churches were converted from mosques. There are Moorish palaces and castles throughout Andalucia. At the top of many hills there are the ruins of atalayas (watch towers). The hand of Fatima features prominently in the form of beautiful heavy iron door knockers.
Moorish architecture usually features religious texts and poetry, often painted, or cast onto walls and cielings. It's the poems that inspired the owners of these houses to incorporate Islamic calligraphy in their decor.
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And, as you probably know since you are so into interior design, using text is increasingly popular in modern design now too.
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