So you want to decorate Moroccan-style,...but where do you start?

Do you like the idea of spicing up your home decor, but just don't know where to start? Not sure exactly how that would fit in your current home decor?

Well, a good place to start is by asking yourself what sort of mood and landscape you are trying to create in that space. What sorts of colors, shapes, lighting, and fabric will inspire the feeling you are going for?

This was taken from http://www.themed-homedecor.com a website dedicated to themed home decor.

Colors

Colors in the Moroccan decorating theme are warm and noted for their repeated geometric designs (such as diamonds, circles, triangles and arches) throughout the home, both whimsical and symbolic to the unique essence of their culture. Bright, vibrant color is abundant in Moroccan decor, and is demonstrated in complex tile designs, rugs and ornate fabrics used to decorate walls, windows, doors and furniture.

At left, a Moroccan stained-glass window; at right, a bathroom displaying

common traits in this design, including tiles, plasterwork and arched geometry.

Blue is a fundamental color in Moroccan interior design, with heavy influences from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, making turquoise and sea blue popular choices for doorways, window frames and shutters.

A Moroccan home, displaying characteristic geometric tiling,

arched doorways, and blue undertones.

Columns, walls and stairways are often adorned with earthy oxblood and rust, emerald greens and soft pinks, influenced by nearby forests, jagged rocks and glowing sunsets capturing the dazzle of Morocco. Old wooden furniture painted in energetic reds, blues and yellows, also help set the unique mystical tone in the Moroccan decorating style.

Floors are often seen as rich terracotta tile, with umber (burnt reddish-brown) or olive-colored baby bricks. Carpets of vivid oranges, sunset reds, spring greens and muted mauves lend themselves to designs including flowers, palm trees and animals.

Doors on interior walls are popularly outlined in unusual shades of aubergine (dark purple), turquoise, mustard and crimson. Being masters of painted wood and plaster of paris surfaces, Moroccans ornately decorate with graceful trees, elaborate flower bouquets, and sinuous vines embellished on furniture and home structures.

Color cues in Moroccan decor.

For assistance selecting your Moroccan themed colors, try these free online tools, the color wheel calculator (from Sessions School of Design) and the color visualizer (from Sherwin Williams).

Furniture

Moroccan furniture has the distinct look of furniture covered in cowhide, goat skin and camel skin. Hassocks, bureaus, armoires, tea tables, chairs and opium tables are often made from Thuja trees, and their extraordinary beauty offer an explosion of grains and varying hues giving character and a certain mystery to any Moroccan theme.

A modern approach to Moroccan decorating in this living room, with leather and wood

furniture, hardwood floors, colorful cushions, plants and open window treatments.

Moroccans are known for their marquetry skills, or inlaid work of variously colored woods or other materials, offered in chess sets, tables and chairs. Over-stuffed sofas, piled with tiger skin and embroidered pillows, are often complemented with large leather ottomans, offering a cozy setting for family get-togethers, or simply alone to enjoy a good book.

Colorful Moroccan hand made tiles are used in many tabletops, fireplaces, and even chairs. Bright and colorful upholstery in reds, purples, emerald and gold along with bronze or brass finishes add to the richness of the interior.

Fabrics

Traditional Moroccan decor incorporates beading or embroidery on sophisticated silk brocades, linens, wools and velvet. Moroccan homes typically feature traditional country textiles for bedspreads, throws and pillows, with heavy white canvas curtains, upholstery, and floor dressings consisting of rough-textured wools and cottons.

Textiles for sale at an outdoor market in Morocco.

Colors typically used in Moroccan decorating fabrics are red, purple, gold and green, which balance well against the terracotta earth tones of floors and walls. For that final element of comfort, weaved cushions and leather pillows should be placed generously on sofas and chairs.

Plants

There are several options to choose from when considering plant life in your Moroccan decor. Among the many choices include: Thuja trees, dwarf palms, umbrella pines from Italy, litchi trees from China, mango trees from Florida, blossoming orange and lemon trees, rose bushes, mimosa, snapdragons, hollyhocks, bougainvillea, bamboo, agaves and cacti.

The Moroccan decorating motif is characterized by its splendor of color and ornate attention to detail. Adding a touch of Morocco to your home can be accomplished in a variety of ways, with a single fixture or an entire room filled with what the region has to offer.

Pottery exemplifying Moroccan design in shapes, colors and texture.

Moroccan pottery comes in many beautiful shades of yellow, green, white and black glazes, enhancing jars, carafes, pitchers, vases and perfume bottles. Large terracotta pots can be of pale yellow, green and blue, and set off by unconventional plants such as coral sunset geraniums surrounded by graceful ferns.

Below are some additional ideas to get you on your way.

• Moroccan designed ceramics, pottery and tiles

• Mosaic candleholders, lamps, dishes and bowls

• Stained-glass tabletop and hanging candle lanterns

• Camel saddles

• Arabian night lanterns

• Hand-woven baskets and mats

• Eight-pointed star shaped picture and mirror frames

• Olive jars

• Mosaic tile fountain

• Ostrich feathers

• Animal skins and figurines

• Inkstands

• Oil lamps

• Old wooden trunks and hand-painted boxes

• Area Persian rugs overlapping and at different angles

• Silver picture frames

• Copperware

• Silk tassels

Lighting

Moroccan decorating can be quite exotic when it comes to lighting. Vibrantly stained-glass Moroccan lanterns, oil lamps, or candles scented with sandalwood provide just the right touch in this motif, and can be used on outdoor patios, verandas, or anywhere else inside the home.

Throwing candlelit patterns through geometrically carved glass both complements the patterns in the room while also adding a level of complexity to the surrounding surfaces.

Beautifully colored glass panes enhanced by brass or wrought-iron frames, either in plain and simple lines, or intricately ornate decor, project a particularly warm and eccentric glow over the room.

(From http://www.themed-homedecor.com/Moroccan-Decorating.html a decor site focused on themed home decor)

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)
  

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