Home Library
Design books that are perfect for gift-giving.
Design books to give and get for the holiday season
FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER INSIDE MARRAKESH
By Meryanne Loum-Martin
An accomplished lawyer and world traveller, Meryanne Loum-Martin may have lived in Abidjan, Paris, New York and London, but she only truly felt at home when she stepped foot in Marrakesh. Her book takes readers on a tour of famous riads in the city, including Yves Saint Laurent’s
Dar el-Hanch and hot spots such as El Fenn, La Mamounia and Jnane Tamsna — her own boutique hotel in Palmeraie. Rizzoli, 2020, $80.
H&H: Morocco is a huge inspiration for decorating right now. Why do you think this look resonates?
MLM: Everyone dreams of a romantic and exotic escape. Today’s decorating is about fusion, and Moroccan style is easy to sprinkle into an interior anywhere in the world.
H&H: You’re the first (and only) Black female hotel owner in Marrakesh. What were some of your biggest challenges?
I wasn’t interested in everyone giving their opinion, and I made that known. The construction trade is very masculine, as is the Arab culture. It wasn’t my country, and I don’t speak Arabic. I was probably crazy, but this fearlessness made me blind to difficulties, and I never stopped moving forward. It was worth it to be able to live my passion.
H&H: What inspired your hotel design?
Nature was my main influence. The palm trees determined the size of the houses and the windows, and I created a courtyard to save other palm trees.