- Posted on 30th March 2012 by Nicola Holden
After so many lovely comments on my last blog about Maryam Montague’s house, Peacock Pavilions in Marrakesh, I thought that I would share some of my insider tips on the key ingredients to get a Moroccan inspired interior for yourself.
The key elements to a Moroccan interior are:
Colour
Colour is very much a part of the Moroccan way of life where, in day-to-day life, the eye is continually distracted by groupings of bright colour. Strong, saturated shades of emerald green, aubergine, turquoise, rust, burnt umber, burgundy, olive, cobalt blue, sprint green, are juxtaposed with terracotta, lemon yellow, mustard, navy, sunset red, orange, violet, coral pink.
Buildings, on the other hand, tend to be white, or to reflect the colour of the local clay, providing a soft, neutral background for these splashes of colour.
Mosaics
Of all the artistic traditions to beautify buildings, the creation of intricate mosaic design is one of the most captivating. Moroccan mosaic is a web of woven colour and intricate patterns. Islamic tradition forbids any representation of living things. This means that creativity has to rely on geometry as an outlet for expression, and has led to spectacular mosaic patterns which demonstrate amazing complexity, intricacy and depth of spatial configuration.
Pottery
Morocco’s pottery traditions started more than 2,000 years ago. The guiding principle, thoughout history, has been ‘utility’, with bright colours and simple, elegant shapes embellishing pieces that are made to be used.
Woodwork
When I think of Moroccan woodwork I immediately think of intricately decorated doors and exquisitely carved screens. But, the woodworkers repertoire also extends to ornate timber detailing of furniture and home accessories too.
Weaving
This is perhaps the oldest and greatest of Moroccan artistic traditions. Vibrant colours in rugs and carpets were used to offset the darkness of dimly lit rooms, and were also said to ward off the ‘evil eye’.
Here are some ideas for you to try in your own homes to achieve this look:
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- Hanging ‘AlHambra’ lamp from Habibi Interiors.
- Ikat cushion covers by Rifat Özbek for Yastik.
- Paints from Emery & Cie.
- Large Tan Moroccan Leather Pouffe from Graham and Green.
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- Pre-assembled mosaic tiles from Dar Interiors.
- Corales cobalt quilt from Designers Guild.
- Hand painted Moroccan table in blue from Maroque.
- Small bowls from Emery & Cie.
Image 1 – National Geographic. All other image credits from respective companies.
- Posted in Interior Design, Moroccan Design 7 Comments
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