Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Decorating Moroccan Style......Elegant and Exotic




Moroccan decor is timeless, bold, comfortable and unique. Boasting the aesthetic that has African, Persian and European influences,  traditional Moroccan decorating style is beautiful, ornate, and warm.  It's modernized version is lighter while featuring a few accessories from the classic Moroccan design but on a clean background. Colors in Moroccan style are quiet rich from blue and green to orange, red and gold. This style takes colors from nature and landscapes of Morocco. Furniture can be simple and low set but some pieces such as tables and poufs can be decorated quite intricately. Ironwork and carved wood are very common to Moroccan style.

Rich textures and patterns enrich the Moroccan interior design making it look really ornate and sophisticated. Elaborate throw pillows made from luxurious fabrics are one of the key accessories. Fancy lanterns and lamps should give subdued light while candles will only add mystery to this truly beautiful and elegant décor. The design offers unprecedented versatility ethnic and rich thematic basis for creativity.





Please listen as you view the images.




Moroccan style can be bold, colorful and exciting. If you are wondering what colors to use in your Moroccan interiors, just take a look around the Moroccan souk (marketplace) The spices and dyes that abound there will give you some ideas.


Tiles and mosaics add that touch of WOW into your Moroccan decor and can be used for both the walls and floors. You can also find some stunning pieces of furniture covered with mosaics. If you have always wanted to try using mosaic tiles, this is your chance.


You may not have a ceiling like this but you can bring the patterns of it into your room through pillows and other accessories. Also you could use paint or tiles to create a headboard similar to this one.



Elaborate elements may include geometric and floral motifs carved into wood beams or plaster walls.


There is a singular beauty to maqarnas. They are formed from angled concave hollows, or vaults, hanging down in clusters that very much resemble stalactites, or honeycomb.There are many different types of muqarnas - each employing its own complex system of geometry to create ingenious and unique arrangements of vaults.


Another example of mugarnas.



If possible create a fantastic tiled area using a Moroccan type pattern. This is an essential part of Moroccan interior design so even if you can only dedicate a small area, I recommend you do.


You can recreate this look using lattice purchased at your local home goods store and cut into exotic shapes.


Create an intimate Moroccan style nook. If you can't use real tiles, stencil some on the walls.

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Colorful painted furniture is very much Moroccan! Just make sure you paint it with an exotic twist.


Creative and surprising patterns, molded organic materials, and the intriguing lines of Moroccan structural motifs make the Moroccan home an extraordinary visual playground.




Must haves for you Moroccan interiors.


For this look find a wallpaper with similar design, have a banquet built for you seating and bring in colorful silk pillows! Purchase a few columns from a home goods store or architectural salvage and paint them in a faux stone treatment and you have a beautiful exotic interior.


Moroccan interiors son't always have to be colorful. This is a beautiful neutral designed room. The trick is to use different textures to make the room interesting.


Interiors are ornamented with exquisite handiwork, painted silk fabrics, hand-woven Moroccan carpets, intricate tiled walls. Here again some stencil work would go a long way! And don't be shy, use a variety of patterns.

Look for tapestries and embellished, embroidered fabrics to accessorize with.


Moroccan interior design lighting is really special. Not only does it create an ambient, seductive space, it also has the wonderful addition of pattern splashed out into the room during the evenings when switched on.


Large lanterns are popular today and can be found at most home decor stores. Use them inside or out!


Wrought iron furniture would certainly add to your room and of course low types of seating are a must.



Learn all you can about Moroccan architecture so you can recognize decorating elements that will give you the look. In this room it is the fabric curtain ( or it could be painting) on the wall behind the bed and the shape of the headboard that brings the exotic influence to the room


Build a platform and decorate it with tiles. Cover it with pretty fabrics and pillows and make an interesting valence style window treatment like the one on the left. Looks like a picket fence turned upside down (get the picture), and you too can have a Moroccan nook!



A dining room for a client that wanted touches of Moroccan design. This was done with an antique Moorish tapestry, an old oil painting of an exotic market place, oriental rugs, exotic accessories, colorful Persian pillows on an antique settee and 2 ft. X 7 ft. fabric panels with Moroccan arches and scenes used as a border for the top of the walls.


A different shot of the same room.


Tile  used in flooring, covered with lush rugs and cushions to create the atmosphere of a Moroccan home merged with the outdoor oasis. Decorated with silk or netting to keep away the insects while cushions and low set furniture allow rest overlooking the oasis.The advantage of this furniture is that it is not only gorgeous but also functional.

Try something new.....a platform bed. It will give an exotic flavor to any room. Use interesting neutral fabrics or go over the top with color.


Cozy Moroccan living room. Perfect setting for a nice mint tea gathering. Use lots of colorful pillows and experiment with painting and stenciling your doors. Be bold and creative!


Interior structuring takes on organic shapes with bends and arches.

This room has the slightest touch of Moroccan style.. You don't have to go full throttle to quench your thirst for the exotic.


Another perfect shape for a  do-it-yourself headboard. Make a cut out to cover in  rich fabric or paint it on the wall and stencil, paint and embellish with cording, tassels, and other trim.


Tented ceilings will add an exotic drama to your interiors.


Look for interesting pendants that can be hung at various height levels. You could select a magical assortment of colorful glass shades or keep them in simple, muted tones.



Don't forget to accessorize. Here is some traditional Moroccan pottery.


Please visit my website at www.lisafarmerdesigns.com

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This blog post was published by
Lisa Farmer

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