Sanat Dekor | Classical Wall Painting, Gilding and Architectural Ornamentation

Sanat Dekor is a specialized interior art and decorative studio dedicated to the preservation and execution of historic decorative painting and classical ornamental arts. The studio was established by master ornamentalist and gilder Serkan Akar, whose professional journey began in 1999 with an apprenticeship in the prestigious Kalemkarlık (ornamental drawing and painting) Studio of Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Trained by master painters and craftsmen within this imperial landmark, Serkan Akar absorbed centuries-old Ottoman workshop disciplines along with historic European decorative traditions, applying this rare craftsmanship to distinctive residential and hospitality spaces.

Based in Istanbul, the workshop is recognized for translating imperial elegance into prestigious contemporary and historic settings, including luxury villas, waterfront mansions (yalı), historic estates, and high-end hotels.

Artistic Disciplines and Techniques

The studio provides comprehensive hand-crafted finishing services, combining traditional pigments, gilding techniques, and bespoke motif work:

• Classical Ceiling and Wall Painting (Kalemkarlık): Freehand painted ornamentations tailored to ceilings, domes, friezes, and focal wall surfaces. The artistic repertoire encompasses intricate Ottoman palace patterns, classical Italian motifs, dynamic Baroque details, and light, curvaceous Rococo compositions.

• Leaf Gilding (Varak): Expert leaf application on interior architectural elements and refined furnishings. Utilizing gold leaf and silver leaf, the studio gilds carved wood, ceiling moldings, corbels, and furniture accents with enduring luster and refined detail.

• Patina and Decorative Aging on Plasterwork: Nuanced toning, antiquing, and patina glazes applied to gypsum plaster, coving, ceiling medallions, and ornamental molding. Often harmonized with delicate gold or silver leaf accents, this treatment lends architectural depth and vintage character to interior elements.

• Faux Marble (Scagliola and Marbleizing): Sophisticated decorative painting recreating the geological depth, veining, and translucent finish of fine marble surfaces. Applied to columns, pilasters, panels, and mantle surrounds where structural weight or architectural parameters require painted stone imitation.

Applications and Project Environments

Sanat Dekor caters to architectural projects where historical accuracy, artistic sophistication, and artisanal execution are paramount:

• Historic Bosphorus mansions (yalı) and heritage buildings
• High-end private villas, palaces, and residences
• Traditional manor houses and private estates
• Luxury boutique hotels and prestigious hospitality suites

Through meticulous surface preparation, bespoke motif design, and royal-standard execution, Sanat Dekor creates interiors characterized by grandeur, timeless ornament, and authentic craftsmanship.