Moroccan style brings magical touch to modern decor
The magic of Moroccan style enhances a home with sensual, relaxing atmosphere.
The Moroccan color palette is rich and pure, redolent with Mediterranean sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green and the dazzle of gold alongside pure white.
The intricate nature of Moroccan decor echoes throughout a room as the characteristic patterns and carved designs sweep across walls, ceilings, floors, furniture and signature lighting.
The intricate nature of Moroccan decor echoes throughout a room as the characteristic patterns and carved designs sweep across walls, ceilings, oors, furniture and signature lighting.”
You can explore the elements of this seductive style and select your favorites to bring added character to your home — and don’t be afraid to mix Moroccan elements with modern decor. These contrasts suit today’s lifestyle, as we happily combine cultures and bring past and the present, local and exotic styles together.
Lighting is a key element in any design, and Moroccan-style floor lamps say it all.
Globes are handmade from iron or brass, intricately chiseled so that when lit, the lights throw dramatic shadows and patterns across the floor and walls. Diverse patterns, some combining colored glass, make these lamps and lanterns a focal point wherever they are placed. Go big or small with ceiling lamps and pendants, a theatrical touch for a dining room, seductive in a bedroom.
Another decorative staple, mirrors are the perfect way to spread light throughout a space. The chiseled frames found on Moroccan mirrors come in arched shapes that are fit for a palace — or your entry hall. Check out www.moroccanbazaar.com for inspiration, as shown here, or look for pieces at local markets or on the Internet.
Mosaic tilework is another important characteristic of Moroccan style, used to embellish floors, kitchen backsplashes and tabletops. You’ll find examples of the colorful designs, handmade tiles and local sources on the Internet.
You also can cut costs and mimic the look of mosaic tile with stencils. One good source for stencils is www.royaldesignstudio.com. In addition to being economical, stencils allow you to decorate areas that are difficult to tile.
Consider framing a few focal windows with stenciled “tilework,” and use soft, flowing panels for curtains. Decorate a flea-market dresser with paint and stencils: Tile the top and stencil the sides and drawers; the design can be filled with color or black and white.
Moroccan furniture is splendid — oversized cabinets, bed
frames, dressers and benches are carved and painted.
Smaller pieces, end tables and chairs may also be introduced that bring beauty and interest to a room without overpowering other furnishings.
Moroccan is a bold style in size and color. To lighten the look of iron and wood, create an airy feel with soft fabrics, perhaps draped over a canopy bed.
Fabric panels can be hung on dowels from the ceiling to cascade down a wall, creating the look and feel of a desert tent.
Bedspreads, cushion covers and tablecloths in sunrise pinks and oranges sparkle with sequin trim.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@
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