Sulaymaniyah decorator breaks barriers in male-dominated trade

SULAYMANIYAH — Zhala Bakr has carved out a place for herself in Sulaymaniyah’s interior decoration sector, a field she says has long been dominated by men, despite its creative demands.

With 15 years of experience, Bakr told 964media that the work requires physical effort but offers a distinctive reward. “It’s tough, but it gives you a good feeling,” she said.

She said the perception that interior and wall design is a men’s profession is shifting. “Now it’s not just men doing decor work — women have entered the scene too,” she said. Although many people still expect men to handle such jobs, she said she chose to work alongside them. “Women have strong taste when it comes to choosing colors.”

Bakr previously worked in beauty and design before moving fully into decoration, which she said gave her a new creative challenge. “I don’t just create décor — I create a world,” she said. “Every color gives a feeling.”

She said she gravitates toward color palettes historically used in mosques, believing they add a sense of spiritual calm to both homes and public spaces. Bakr, who is also a painter, said her artistic background naturally blends with her decoration work. “I love blending these arts together,” she said.