Decorate Moroccan Style

Originally published on my blog, decor8, 1.23.07

I’m hearing lots of buzz about the Moroccan look, derived from Hispanic-Moorish style influences, bursting with warmth and energy. Before Canadian House + Home spotted the Modern Moor as a hot trend for ’07, I was already seeing it popping up here in the states and last year, over in Germany, too. H+H says that the Modern Moor look avoids “busy” ethnic interiors by “modernizing the classic motifs and stripping them down to their pure and graphic essence.” Seems culturally inspired decor is popular everywhere you look, Moroccan being one of my favorites because it’s not only welcoming, warm, and somewhat inexpensive, but it’s easy to pull together and adds lots of personality to a space. You don’t have to go over the top with it either. A throw rug, some toss pillows, a bright yellow lamp, an accent wall, and that’s all you need to pull together a rockin’ little casbah of your very own. Modern Moor is all about dotting your space with a few key accessories and keeping it simple. This post will celebrate both the modern take, and the classic Moroccan style which incorporates a more layered and ethnic flair, allowing you to pick and choose a look that is right for you. Clockwise from top left: Morocco headboard from West Elm, the gorgeous Trocadero lamp from Cottage + Bungalow, the camel shawl/throw from Virginia Johnson, Moroccan tile sheet set from Urban Outfitters, Handan stool from Pier 1, Zid Zid Kids poofs, and blue tea glasses from the Moroccan Bazaar. A Morocco window rug from West Elm and the gorgeous Moroccan carpets from Bev Hisey add desert chic to your floors. I’m nuts about this yellow rug! Camel toss pillows in four vibrant colors create the mood. Pillows from Virginia Johnson. Also favorites of mine. Ah. The Marrakesh collection [bed, desk, chest, bookcase] from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. That bed would look perfect with all white linens and shams with a black border. A bright grass green throw at the bottom and a few green camel pillows from Virginia Johnson completes the look. Clockwise from top left: Marrakesh chair from Conran in blue, Salvor Fauna Camel wall hanging from Design Public, an authentic blue lantern, Moroccan side tables from Garnet Hill, and a Moorish wine rack from Cost Plus World Market. The Camel wall hanging is my pick! Yum. Leather poofs in ice cream colors and delicious white cutout tea light holders from Graham + Green. I’ll take my poof in white, please. Don’t you love the patterns on these Moroccan plates? They would look beautiful arranged over a credenza or chest of drawers. Most are only around $19 each! I love all of ’em! Found! One sweet Moroccan foulard bedspread from Urban Outfitters and a blue and white leather hassock may be the perfect addition to add a little ‘Moor’ for your money. ‘You simply must visit Mosaic House in NYC for these stunning tiles. Or online. Perfect selection. Food: Add some flavor to your table with this great Olive Oil from Williams Sonoma, Moroccan lamb dish from Martha Stewart or Moroccan Braised Chicken or the Lamb Chops with Moroccan Spices from Williams Sonoma. Pick up Made in Morocco by Julie Le Clerc and John Bougen and whip up some other amazing eats. Books: Moroccan Interiors: 25th Anniversary edition, New Moroccan Style, Moroccan Silk Designs in Full Color, Living in Morocco: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh, and Alberto Pinto Orientalism. Music tip: Bring a little Arabic Groove into your home for the ultimate Moroccan atmosphere. Light some candles, serve that delish chicken dish shown above, and press play. Blogs: My Marrakesh and Moroccan Decor are great. The View from Morocco is another gem to check out. Online Stores: Les Hommes Blue, Nine Seas Decor, The Moroccan Bazaar, and Casbah Decor are dedicated to Moroccan decor like you wouldn’t believe. Jam packed! Paint suggestions (from Benjamin Moore): Think earthy desert colors, a rich red (Moroccan Red 1309) a perky coral, gold tones, or bold blue. Teals are pretty too. (I like Teal Tone 663.) If you want to keep to the Moorish Modern look, use a perfect white like Decorators’ White (my pick) as your ‘canvas’ color. Then, mix in a few bright bursts via accent pieces. If you want to make your look more ethnic, go for a rich color. Visiting Morocco? Here are some great shopping tips from resident expert, Maryam. And finally, here are a few photos to inspire you from Alberto Pinto, Mosaic House, and Domino. Remember, you can go as far as you want with this look, or as minimal. It’s really up to you. You don’t have to Moroc-ify everything, grab a white leather poof and mix it in with your ghost chair and hardwood floors. You don’t have to play by any rules, just have fun!

I’d like to thank my friend Maryam from My Marrakesh, an amazing blogger who has shown me a new world through her eyes and because of her blog, I was able to find some of these great items. Thanks, Maryam! Next Trend for ’07 to check out… Beautiful Botany. Stay tuned!