What's traditional anyway?

I posted a comment yesterday on ApartmentTherapy.com in response to the decor in a home in Morocco, which was decorated in reds and grays. As I was posting the comment, I realize that it is a theme in my life, to find myself caught between absolutely loving the modernity, and not thinking it is authentic enough:

(http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/inspiration/a-gray-and-red-moroccan-riad-cote-maison-108550#comments)

Yes, I agree. I think its gorgeous too. It has a very modern feel for being Moroccan. Almost European. I love it when this sort of fusion happens, and when it works well. I feel its the way interior design, and our whole world, is headed really.

My parents are from Morocco, but I was born in the US and raised in the, strongly Moorish-influenced, south of Spain. There is a part of me, I find, that likes it when things stay true to their form. I suppose it makes me believe that I am getting a truly original version of whatever it is. I have had the tendency to apply this feeling to many things/experiences,.... music, food, decor, clothing, even remakes of movies I watched as a kid.

Over the last few years, and especially as relates to my business, I am really starting to see things so differently. First of all, the world is in constant flux; we are becoming so global, so worldly, so quick, so smart, so mixed and matched. It only makes sense that these sort of fusions happen, and, importantly, they are happening because people want them to happen. And that to me is open and beautiful.

Become rejuvenated by Morocco's Colors,... Shake off the Winter Blues

I ran across this posting at www.sensationalcolor.com and thought it was too good not to share. The author has done a great job demonstrating both how bold and amazing the Moroccan color palette is, and how it is so often used by advertisers and product developers to develop their new "escapist" line of winter products...

Written on March 13, 2009 by juliehoylen

Color Inspiration: The Color Palette of Morocco

They say that when the going gets tough the tough get going…but in this economy even the toughest can’t afford to ‘get going’ very far away these days.

So what’s one to do when a dream destination has you swooning to take flight while your ‘inner accountant’ has your feet firmly grounded at home .. you do the next best thing – partake in a little ‘escapism’ via color.

Last Spring found me craving bright kelly greens and yellow- what a difference a year can make- because this year the thought of longer days and new beginnings is translating to a palette way more exotic…. somewhere between Casablanca and Marrakesh to be exact.

I love when hot and cold colors collide…when earthy colors intermix perfectly with out of this world brights! Oh what I would do to be away from this cold, windy NY morning and on a lounge chair by this pool!!!!

How beautiful are these washed out reds and green/blues with the terra colored building and pop of bright orange.

Can you imagine swimming in a purple sea? This palette will be mine- perfect for an outdoor space.

A traditional market showcases an amazing range of intense hues… color shy- not in Morocco!

A great palette to re-work Spring’s traditional bright yellow- take that traditional pastels!

Just so you know all of these images are from In:Spa – an English company who has me saying YES, Please at the thought of going to just one of their incredible retreats! Check them out- I dare you not to drool….

And it seems I’m not the only ready for adventure in North Africa… a bevy of designers also seem to be drawing from the country’s amazing style and colors for their Spring 2009 collections.

Runway looks from Gucci, Alberti Ferretti, Etro, Reem Acura and Chloe from Style.com.

Sephora’s own line of eyeshadow in Moroccan Sunrise Palette ( $32 ) has five pretty earthy colors to mix with your favorite ‘Marakkesh inspired’ ensemble.

Moroccan style is abound in artist Anne Becker’s NYC apartment recently featured in Elle Decor…love it’s global sensibility amongst the backdrop of the ultimate ‘urban jungle’.

What an awesome retreat from the kinetic energy of New York- or anywhere for that matter!

My favorite perfume in all of the world right now- Jo Malone’s Pomegranete Noir- it has a spicy, mysterious quality that will have people crawling over each other to ask you what you’re wearing… I say this because the first time I smelled it on someone I did exactly just that!

It’s blends of Frankinscense, spicy woods and patchouli will have you feeling like a sexy undercover spy.

But don’t let your house get jealous- even the people at Febreeze are loving the scent of far away lands:

Check out this interesting article from the Wall Street Journal discussing it’s sophisticated scent… all so very interesting the trends of scent.

Yum , all this talk is making me hungry so I looked up a recipe I remember from Domino magazine ( heavy sigh) that is still up on line- so hurry and print it out before it longer is available- I will finally make it this week to complete my color and style indulgence.

Get the recipes and more stylish tips then you can shake a caftan at on Dominomag.com.

And to live vicariously through someone who actually had the guts to give up life here in the USA and follow her dreams of a never ending exciting land- read the poetic and always entertaining blog My Marrakesh- it will have you airing out your luggage-guarenteed!

Some more Moroccan Decorating tips

Thanks to Gene Rodriguez, III, staff writer at Life123.com for a lovely piece filled with tips on decorating your home Moroccan-style.

Moroccan decorating means a healthy dose of exotic eclecticism. Morocco’s history as a trade center and gateway to the Mediterranean has blessed it with influences from all over the world. You can take advantage of this diverse culture to create an exciting look in any room of your house.

Moroccan Decorating Basics

• It starts with color. The Moroccan color palette is based on a combination of earth and jewel tones. Colors tend to be rich, but not overly bright. When you think of Moroccan colors, think desert tones, spices and jewels and the cobalt-based blue that Morocco is famous for. Pick a palette of two or three colors with a primary color and a contrasting accent or two.
• Find your focus. As you begin to put together your Moroccan design, look for a focal point. A nice piece of Moroccan furniture or an antique decorated door are great places to start. Moroccan furniture uses darkly stained wood and tends to be intricately and ornately decorated, either with carvings or inlaid or painted designs. Decorated doors can be used as a wall hanging or divider screen or as a table or counter tops.
• Set the mood. Moroccan themed decorating tends to feature subdued, romantic lighting. Candle holders and ornate brass and colored glass lamps should have a prominent place. Avoid harsh overhead lighting where possible.
• Make it soft. Rugs, draped cloth and plenty of throw cushions will give your Moroccan décor the look of a luxurious trader’s tent. Cloth can be draped over headboards or doorways; cushions and pillows should be freely placed over beds and seating areas.
• Exotic accessories. Decorate your Moroccan room with exotic display pieces. Moroccan tiles are beautifully detailed and look perfect displayed on a small easel. Brass and wrought iron display pieces will bring the Casbah straight to your room. Clay olive and water jars can fill a corner with the rustic Moroccan beauty. (source- Life123.com written by Gene Rodriguez, III)

Decorate Your Home Moroccan-Style

If you're looking to bring an exotic yet elegant feel to your home, you should consider the elegantly mysterious elements found in Moroccan style décor. From vibrant colors to intricately designed wood and mosaic products, this luxurious, dramatic, and exciting style is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes.

Nestled between Europe and Africa, the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Morocco is a country of blending, influenced by the many cultures surrounding it. Acting as a crossroads between the east and west, north and south, Moroccan décor blends styles from France, Portugal and Spain from the northwest, with strong Mediterranean, African, Persian, and Islamic influences from the south and east. This results in a unique and inspirational style specific to Morocco.

The blazing African sun causes Moroccans to bring the outdoors in where they can enjoy an exotic oasis inspired by the landscape around them, in cool comfort. Vibrant colors are mixed with highly adorned furniture and accessories, potted plants, and gentle lighting to achieve the perfect indoor oasis.

From the glittering coastlines of Casablanca and Tangier to the snake charmers and spices in the air of bazaars in Marrakesh, inspiration can be found, whether you are looking for just a touch of exotic flair or a full make-over.

Achieving the perfect Moroccan look is simple with the right elements.

• Strong Color for Moroccan Style Interiors
  Color is the focal point of Moroccan decorating. Drawing inspiration from Morocco's landscape, look for shades of blue and green from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, shimmering gold and silver invoking the Sahara sands, and rich reds and oranges that conjure images of African sunsets.
• Moroccan Style Furniture
  Interior spaces are busy in pattern but simple in furniture. Sofas and tables are inviting and set low to the ground. Moroccan furnishings rely on elaborate wrought iron scroll work, mother of pearl inlay, ornately carved wood in high relief, richly hued upholstery, and intricate mosaic or terra cotta tile details.
• Luxurious and Lush Fabrics
  Fabrics in rich colors with intricate textures and designs are typical of Moroccan décor. Add throw pillows and cushions in abundance, and drape luxurious fabrics from furniture, window frames, and even the ceiling. Tie loose draped fabric back with heavy cords in high traffic areas to keep them out of the way and for extra space and added style.
• Lighting for an Exotic Interior
  Lighting is a an important element of Moroccan décor. Moroccan lighting focuses on dim lighting created by lamps and pendants made from colored glass, cut metal and carved wood. Using candles in traditional lamps will add the romantic element of moving light to your décor and exotic scents.
• Floors in Moroccan Interiors
  Floors of dark hardwood are covered with plush Persian rugs and stacked floor cushions to create the perfect base for a Moroccan style room. Ceramic tile is often on used for flooring and gives a coolness much welcomed in the hot weather.
• Reflect Colorful Décor
  Mirrors enhance the ambiance of a Moroccan interior by subtly reflecting light and adding adornment to walls. Look for mirrors with decorative wrought iron work, deeply carved wood, onion dome-shaped frames, and metal or jewel embellishments.
• Plants for Moroccan Decor
  Placed in large, colorful pots or baskets, exotic plants such as banana trees or papyrus help to create an oasis-like feel in a Moroccan style home.
• Canopies Overhead
  Richly hued sheer silk swagged over seating or dining areas or mosquito netting over beds adds a mysterious touch, reminiscent of desert bazaar tents.
• Sensual Moroccan Scents
  The right fragrances can instantly link the mind to Moroccan bazaars and can give your new Moroccan styling the perfect finishing touch. Choose candles, incense, or diffusers in scents rich with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, or any exotic spice - (source about.com- interior design)
  

Learning and Sharing - Teaching English

It's been many months since I've been active on this blog. I suppose that now is as good a time as any to update what I've been up to.

While it has an alright year for MoraCo Imports, it has not been a terribly lucrative one. With gas prices soaring, jobs being lost and the constant buzz of the eminent crisis, its hard for anyone to justify spending money on things that are not absolute necessities. myself included. In an attempt to save costs, I downgraded my space and made some other deliberate choices to reduce my operating costs. Since there had been a general decline in the amount of work I had to take care of at MoraCo Imports, I found myself missing out on the cultural sharing, and the learning, that I had been experiencing up till that point.

In my free time, I studied to become certified as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, and I have been working as an adjunct professor teaching adults at a community college, as well as privately. I teach adult students on various levels, from the most basic to Business-level English.

I have always felt so fortunate to have been raised speaking three languages. While I can't take credit for having been raised in a multilingual way, it has, for as long as I remember, been a strong shaping force in my life.

Its not just about the three different languages, its about the three different cultures, and vice-versa. You don't learn a language in a vacuum. You learn it in the context of a culture. This is what I find most exciting about teaching. As a teacher, you don't just teach the word or the phrase, you have to teach the meaning too.

I am aware of how difficult it is to learn a new language, especially as an adult. And we tend to fear things that we can't understand. I have been so humbled by the genuine effort I have seen in my students. I wish them the best.

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Now is the time to add a little touch of the exotic to your home.





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Travelling Morocco 2007

I was inspired to start this blog for the same reason that I was inspired to move to New York City when I was 18, and, more recently, to start a business importing things from Morocco- its the desire to learn and share as much as possible about culture, all cultures,... about people.




About how similar we are, and how different, and how we can all relate so strongly to each other.

Back in April, I went on my first official buying trip to Morocco. Six months later I received my first container full of handcrafted pieces from Morocco.





Now, just a few weeks shy of launching the web store, I'm reminded about what made me decide to do this. Its all about sharing the experience.

www.moracoimports.com