Bright, rich colours, mesmerising geometric design, layering cotton textiles and lamps – lots and lots of candle lamps – Moroccan décor style well, it’s all rather fab, really.
And yes, it’s vibrantly colourful in the vast majority of cases and definitely bohemian, but there are Scandi and minimalist versions too (which we’ll go on to show you in this article).
The colours of Moroccan design are from the Mediterranean influences over the years, while you can pretty much thank the Moorish influence for all those gorgeous Byzantine patterns and pretty mosaic tiles you find these days. If you’ve ever been to the breath-taking Alhambra Palace in Andalucía, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
But then, you don’t actually have to be in the basking sunshine of southern Spain to benefit from what Moroccan interior designers have known for centuries – that colourful hues of reds, oranges, golds and yellows in our homes here in the UK can make us feel sunnier. Even if it is pouring with rain when we peer out at the back garden.
Mesmerising Moroccan Colours
Orange, red and terracotta represent the warmth of the Moroccan sun, while blue, green and turquoise are the colours of the sea. Yellow and gold are the sand.
Of course, the desert sand can be more white than yellow too and that’s why you’ll also find ‘restful’ shades, such as sand, beige, cream, and taupe in a more Scandi-style Moroccan-fashioned room with white walls. This sitting room is relaxing, but colourful too and who wouldn’t be able to sleep in this peaceful, calm-inducing bedroom:
Image via A House on the Hills
Image via A House on the Hills
Or this bedroom, in fact. The green of the plant and pink pillow is all the colour this neutral bedroom needs:
The type of furniture you’ll find in a Moroccan-inspired room include pouffes (see previous pics), low wooden tables (especially with reclaimed or ‘rough’ woods) and intricate carvings, ottomans, rugs and beautifully styled lamps. Remember to include plenty of plants and mirrors. A real give-away of Moroccan décor is the draped fabric netting (used as mosquito nets by the nomadic desert tribes).
Image via Decoist
Image via @elramlahamranl
The warm glow from the lamp, sequins on the rug and fur trim of the pillows add warmth to the whiteness of the walls and ottoman:
And well, I did promise you Scandi-designed Moroccan style:
And, when it comes to neutral and colourful tones, it doesn’t have to be ‘one or the other.’ This fun wall motif of colourful baskets, together with the cushions, really adds warmth to this white Moroccan-inspired room:
Tantalising Textiles
Layered colourful or plain textiles (depending on your ‘take’ on Moroccan style), such as throws, cushions and even rugs are another feature of this style. These are for keeping warm in the surprisingly cold desert nights and feature linen, wool, cotton and other natural fibres.
Sensual Scents
What Moroccan-styled home would be complete without that lovely musky scent it inspires. Rich spicy blends made from sandalwood, cinnamon, orange blossom, jasmine, clove etc. Scented diffusers or bowls of fragrant potpourri are simply a ‘must’ as you lie back and chill in your Bedouin ‘desert’ haven.
To give your home a little bit of Moroccan style design, see our fab new collection at Caroline Jane today.
