The Characteristics That Define Moroccan Interior Design

moroccan design

Homeowners use all types of inspiration when choosing an interior décor scheme for their home. Many popular styles are influenced by different locations from around the world. Each of these will appeal to different people depending on their personal preferences. The characteristics of styles associated with locations will depend on factors such as the climate in that country, traditions, thee materials available in a location, history, and culture. One style that you may consider is Moroccan interior design. The following is an overview of the characteristics that define Moroccan interior design style, and how you can apply this style in your home.

What Is Moroccan Interior Design?

The Moroccan interior design style is inspired by the North African country Morocco. This country has coastal borders on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It has borders with Algeria, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and three Spanish-controlled exclaves including Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera. Morocco is also divided into French and Spanish territories.

Therefore, Moroccan style has influences from each of these countries. In addition to the geographical influences on Moroccan style, there are several other factors that have impacted on the style choices of Moroccans. These include Moroccan culture, the history of the country, the Mediterranean climate, the materials available, and the fact that Morocco is an important trade hub for many inland African countries.

According to Love Happens Magazine, the Moroccan look first became popular outside of Morocco during the 1960s when the country became a popular tourist destination for affluent hippies who returned home and attempted to replicate the look. Although there are many different elements to the Moroccan style that you can use in your interior design, the overall look is best described as exotic, dramatic, luxurious, opulent, and elegant. It is a look that focuses on colors, patterns, and fabrics to create stunning spaces.

Materials Used in Moroccan Interior Design

Moroccan Living Room

There are some materials that are typically used in Moroccan style. Some of these include the following:

  • Stone– This material is often used on both the walls and the floors. In the case of floors, it is left bare. Stone walls are either left bare or painted directly onto the stone. This gives a rough finish that adds texture to the room.
  • Tiles– The use of tiles is one of the most important and distinctive materials in Moroccan style. They are predominantly used to create intricate patterns on floors, although they are also used on walls and sometimes on ceilings.
  • Terracotta- This material is used for pots in both the home and the garden. Terracotta is also a material used to create many tiles and accessories.
  • Wrought iron– You will find wrought iron used on many of the internal fittings in Moroccan style. Wrought iron is also used on windows and doors. Another type of material used for fittings is antique gold-style coated metals.
  • Textiles– The use of textiles adds color, points of interest, warmth, comfort, and pattern to Moroccan style. Textiles are used in the form of rungs, wall hangings, cushions, throws, curtains, and bedding.
  • Leather– This is another common material that is used in Moroccan style, either for furniture or accessories.

The Characteristics That Define Moroccan Interior Design

moroccan style living room

  • Architectural Features – Home Designing highlights some of the important architectural features of the Moroccan interior design style. Intricate carvings in the corner of the room are an important feature. Another is the use of arched windows and doorways. These may have a simple curved top or a style that is known as the horseshoe arch, and this looks like the outline of a temple. Similarly, you may see arched alcoves in traditional Moroccan rooms. Another interesting feature of Moroccan style windows is the stained glass. This throws colorful beams of light around the room, so they are a pretty feature. Replacing your windows with stained glass is expensive. However, there is a cheaper and easier alternative that you can use. Many major DIY retailers sell peel-off strips of stained-glass effect plastic that has an adhesive on one side. You can cover sections of a window with this stained-glass effect product.
  • Colors – Color is possibly the most important element of Moroccan style. Although white and neutral colors are often used for the wall, almost everything else in a Moroccan style interior features bright and bold colors. says Don Pedro Home Design. Jewel colors feature strongly in Moroccan style, as do blues and greens to represent the ocean. Earth tones are also used in this style.
  • Walls – Compared to other features of Moroccan style, the walls are usually bare. Stone walls are rendered and then painted either stark white or a neutral color. Alternatively, they are painted in bold colors.
  • Patterns – Patterns are a strong feature of Moroccan style. Most commonly, geometric and repetitive patterns are used in various colors. Patterns are a feature of floors, accessories, textiles, and even furniture.
  • Floors – Carpets are rarely seen in Moroccan style, and the most common type of flooring is elaborately patterned tiling. Other alternatives include stone flags or wooden flooring. Floors are usually adorned with beautiful rugs that feature bold colors and intricate patterns.
  • Fittings – A common material that is used for fittings is wrought iron, although copper is also used. Wall lamps and chandelier-style lighting are common in this style.
  • Textiles – Textiles are used in every room of Moroccan style home. You will see the use of textiles in wall hangings, bedding, some furniture, throws, and rugs. Textiles add color, depth, texture, and pattern to any room. You can also use textiles to create interesting focal points.
  • FurnitureThe Heart of Bespoke explains that considering the flow of the room is important when choosing furniture to create a Moroccan style. The actual design of the furniture is less important as the Moroccan style allows for quirks and unconventionality. Wooden furniture, including hand-carved pieces, are typical of this look. Not all the pieces have to match as the Moroccan interior design style is associated with unconventionality.
  • Accessories – Adding accessories to rooms can make them feel more homely. Typical accessories to include in a Moroccan style room include wooden bowls, terracotta pots, ornate mirrors, wrought iron ornaments, hand-painted ceramics, and stained glass vases.

Moroccan Interior Design by Room

Moroccan Villa Design

The Moroccan style is a diverse one, and this means you can apply it in different ways to the various rooms in your home. The following are some tips for adding Moroccan style to each of your rooms.

  • Living Areas – A typical Moroccan living area will have white or neutral walls with patterns and color added through the use of textiles or accessories. Seating is the most important aspect of a living area, and it is important this is comfortable. Low seating is a good option because it will help you to relax and it will also improve the flow of the room. Add cushions and throws in bright colors to your seating and top a tiled floor with a rug. Textile wall hangings and ornate mirrors will add focal points to the room. An extra detail to consider including are wood carvings in the corners of the rooms.
  • KitchenFireclay Tile says that there are several ways you can achieve the look of a Moroccan kitchen. The main thing to consider for many people who are designing their kitchen is the units. The best option is darker wood units or painted wood units. Like in many other rooms in Moroccan homes, tiles are an important feature of the kitchen. Create a backsplash using ceramic tiles featuring intricate patterns as this will act as both a practical and an aesthetically pleasing feature in the room. Tiles can also feature on the work surfaces.
  • Dining Rooms – Bold colors work really well in dining rooms, so opt for deep reds, oranges, blues, or greens. The main feature of a dining room is the dining table and chairs. Ideally, opt for a rectangular, wooden table with carved legs. Choose high-backed wooden chairs that feature elements of carving. If you can find ones with patterned fabric seats that complement your color scheme, then these are the best option. A candelabra hanging above the center of the table is a dramatic feature. Another feature you could add is a large mirror with an antique gold surround.
  • Bedrooms – There are two ways that you can go with the Moroccan style when designing your bedroom. First, you can opt for a light and relaxing look with white as the predominant color. Paint the walls white and opt for crisp white bedding. Add splashes of jewel colors using throws, cushions, and wall hangings. The second option is to create a dramatic look using bold colors. Paint the walls in a vivid red or a deep terracotta. Choose bedding that is colorful and features typical Moroccan patterns. In terms of the furniture, a wooden four-poster bed will look amazing. If you have opted for the light and relaxing design, add white, voile drapes to the bed. On the other hand, if you have opted for the dramatic look, choose heavy, patterned drapes.
  • Hallway – A hallway is often one of the smallest rooms in the house, so it is important to focus on adding light to the room to create an illusion of more space. Paint the walls in neutral colors and choose smaller pieces of simple wooden furniture. Adding an ornate mirror will add an interesting feature to the room, and it will also enhance the light in the hallway. Wrought iron wall lights are another nice addition to smaller rooms. By maximizing light in this way, it will improve the flow through the hallway, which is another important element fo Moroccan design.
  • Bathroom – You can easily create a luxurious bathroom by applying a little Moroccan style. A freestanding bath works really well with this style, and you should opt for gold-colored taps and fittings rather than chrome. The use of tiles is the perfect way to create a Moroccan style. Colorful or elaborate tiles laid to form patterns on the floor is the perfect way to achieve the Moroccan look. Similarly, you can use tiles on the walls and create features or focal points.

Extending a Moroccan Interior Design Theme to the Garden

If you love the Moroccan style in your home, you may also wish to extend this theme to your garden. According to The Telegraph, creating a courtyard is the best way to reflect Moroccan style in your garden. Having a terrace is another way to recreate the look. If possible, add tiles to the floor, either on the terrace or along footpaths. Trees are another important feature of a Moroccan garden, and this is something you can add even if you do not have a large garden. Ornamental trees in terracotta pots will work just as well. A great choice is potted lemon trees as these will also add fragrance, which is another key element of a Moroccan style garden. A seating area is something else that you should add. To this, you can add colorful cushions and throws so that you can relax in comfort in your garden.

Moroccan Interior Design – The Final Verdict

The Moroccan style is inspired by the culture, history, and landscape of Morocco. The interior design is diverse and interesting due to the many influences on Moroccan style. This means that you can interpret the Moroccan interior design style in a way that reflects your personality and personal tastes. The main points to remember when creating this theme at home is to use bold colors, patterns, and textiles to create a comfortable space that flows. It is possible to add elements of Moroccan style to any room in your home, and you can even extend this style to your garden.

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