Continuing our journey around the world’s many different interior design traditions, we dive into the exotic beauty of Morocco…
See also:
Around the world in interior design: Italy
Around the world in interior design: India
Around the world in interior design: Feng Shui
Around the world in interior design: Mexico
Around the world in interior design: the USA
With endless sunshine, mountain ranges, historic coastal and desert cities, extraordinary architecture, abundant wildlife, memorable food and vibrant colour everywhere, it’s hardly surprising that Morocco attracts visitors by the million. And it’s not just tourists who are drawn to Morocco: for many decades it has been a destination for those in search of the unknown and unexpected, of an alternative lifestyle, and of exotic, colourful beauty.
Pooky needed no excuse to set off on a virtual exploration of Morocco’s breathtaking interiors… and a few exteriors too, because, in Morocco, land of the riad, inside leads outside and outside leads in. And, as ever, we provide some tips for bringing some Moroccan magic into your home with lighting.
Interior design: Moroccan style
Morocco is an extraordinary blend of sensuality and spirituality that draws on a mix of heritages: Arab, Berber, English, French and Spanish. Homes range from richly decorated palaces to nomadic tents to the traditional Moroccan riads, with their beautiful courtyards.
As you might expect in a country with such a rich and varied cultural heritage, Moroccan interiors, whether traditional or contemporary, are likely to incorporate rich colours and textures, and intricate patterns.
Colours and patterns
Inspired by the country’s landscapes, the Moroccan colour palette is bold and vibrant. Expect to see deep reds, rich oranges, lush greens and, above all, vibrant blues, often with gold and silver accents.
These were the colours that captivated fashion designer, Yves St Laurent (born and bred in French colonial Algeria), on his first visit to Marrakech in 1966. He and his then partner, Pierre Bergé bought their first holiday home in the city. In the 1970s, they moved to the larger Villa Oasis, which was attached to the stunning Jardin Majorelle (created over 40 years from the 1920s onwards by French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle) The villa is now the Yves St Laurent Museum and the Jardin Majorelle also houses the Pierre Bergé Museum Of Berber Arts, all of which are open to the public.
Moroccan patterns reflect the country’s Islamic heritage: look out for geometric patterns, arabesques, and intricate tilework. Handmade mosaic Zellige tiles (handmade mosaic tiles) are often used for floors, walls, and fountains.
Moroccan materials
Natural materials like terracotta, wood, and stone are widely used in Moroccan homes. The country has a long and rich tradition of intricate carpentry, frequently found in carved doors, ceilings, and furniture. Hand-beaten metalwork (brass, copper and iron) is used for lanterns, trays, and other decorative items.
Architectural features such as horseshoe arches, keyhole arches, and ornate doorways are characteristic of Moroccan design, reflecting the Moorish heritage.
Terracotta tiles and polished concrete, which create an earthy, grounded feel, are popular, while luxurious and richly textured fabrics are everywhere. Tactile fabrics such as silk and wool have always been popular, as well as cotton. Traditional colours and patterns are a feature of cushions, drapes, kilims and rugs.
Lighting and furnishings
If you step into a traditional Moroccan home, you can expect to see low seating such as floor cushions, pouffes, and low sofas, with plush upholstery. The emphasis is on comfort and informality, to make guests and visitors feel welcome and at ease.
Interiors are richly decorated with different accessories, including traditional handmade pottery, ceramics, crafts, mosaic mirrors, and intricately designed tea sets. Traditional paintings and antique pieces add authenticity and a sense of cultural richness.
And in traditional homes, with thick walls and small windows, designed to keep interiors cool, lighting is key. Metal and coloured glass lanterns are intricately designed and cast distinctive patterns that create the ambient and mystical lighting so typical of Moroccan interiors.
Moroccan riads
Moroccan homes often include courtyards or riads – central outdoor spaces surrounded by the house. Riads are lush with greenery, water features, and comfortable seating, enabling interior style to flow seamlessly into the open air. Inspired by Roman villas, riads date from the time of the Idrisid dynasty (788-974), their inward focus designed for family privacy and protection from the weather.
And in case you are wondering whether it’s possible to introduce the spirit of a traditional Moroccan riad into an English home, designer Lucy Barlow, whom we interviewed here, successfully does just that every summer.
“…at this time of the year I have a little courtyard, which I have designed as an exotic paradise,” says Lucy, “using a coral colour with a Venetian paint effect on the walls and wide striped and palm patterned bench cushions…It’s a leafy retreat from the world and the perfect place for cosy summer dinners and escaping from the world. It is my little oasis…”
Contemporary interior design in Morocco
Morocco has long inspired interior designers from Europe (France, in particular), the USA, and elsewhere, but the country is increasingly producing its own highly talented designers, who are adept at blending traditional elements with contemporary styles.
Take a look at the work of Younes Duret. His innovative approach combines Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design principles, and sleek, contemporary lines with traditional Moroccan materials and motifs. It is a unique fusion that appeals to local and international tastes.
Hicham Lahlou’s work spans furniture, interior design, and urban design. He embraces bold colours and patterns, while drawing inspiration from Moroccan culture and heritage.
Moroccan-style lighting – Pooky steps into the souk
Moroccan lighting is strong on metal, coloured glass and clever filters, all of which can be found in our various ranges. If you want to introduce a hint of Moroccan vibe to your home, we think you’ll like our Safi table lamp. With its antique brass finish and concentric circles it has a distinctly Moorish look. You can almost see the bustle of the packed marketplace, hear the bubbling hookah pipes and taste the sweet mint tea:
For a modern twist on multi-coloured glass, how about our Sweetie table lamp? It really does resemble a stack of perfect boiled sweet drops, just the sort of colours you can find in Morocco’s glass lampshades...
And you won’t find a more colourful glass pendant than Pooky’s Lisboa, which is hand blown in northern Portugal and carries a hint of Portugal’s Moorish past. Lisboa comes in four different colours: smoke, amber, turquoise and violet.
If you want a pendant shade that will give you that delightful effect created by Morocco’s perforated lanterns, Pooky’s brass Mundo is the answer. You can hang it from the ceiling, attach it to a wall fitting, or even pair it with a suitable table lamp.
But we can’t leave Morocco without including something suitably geometric—and blue. Here is our straight empire gathered lampshade in Turkish blue Dervish cotton. The cotton is actually block-printed in Jaipur but geometric prints, like good lighting, will happily cross borders...
For more interior design inspiration, browse our tips-packed blog. And see our full range of lamps and shades here.
Photo top by Jessica Kantak Bailey on Unsplash
