Moroccan Style Stirs Up Exotic Flair
Use patterns, tilework and architecture to bring the enticing feel of Morocco to your home
Charmean Neithart
May 7, 2012
I recently pulled out a cookbook looking for a favorite family recipe, Moroccan cumin-flavored meatballs. The ingredients are a fragrant medley of garlic, cumin, coriander and beef. Yum!
Fragrance can stimulate memory, and I know it does for me. Many years back I visited the World Expo in Canada, where I had my first experience with Moroccan style. The Moroccan area of the expo was full of color, exotic scents and music that will always stick in my mind. I am still fond of this style today. Inspired by the fragrance of my meatballs, I thought I'd take a look at how Houzz designers are including Moroccan details in their spaces.
Fragrance can stimulate memory, and I know it does for me. Many years back I visited the World Expo in Canada, where I had my first experience with Moroccan style. The Moroccan area of the expo was full of color, exotic scents and music that will always stick in my mind. I am still fond of this style today. Inspired by the fragrance of my meatballs, I thought I'd take a look at how Houzz designers are including Moroccan details in their spaces.
Morocco is known for its gorgeous handmade zellige tile. Here is a contemporary translation that is just stunning. The teal and orange tile feature geometrics and the Moorish star.
I love the use of Moroccan-inspired arches in this vanity design. The crisp white vanity feels modern and fresh against the dark tiles. Notice how mysterious the lamps feel with a hint of light shining through the lacy pattern.
An elegant master bathroom is enhanced with a Moroccan-inspired pattern in the custom window. Note the arch in the custom vanity — I think this also feels like Moroccan architecture.
I love the dreamy outdoor bed set under iconic Moroccan arches. Note the tone-on-tone pattern in the elegant floor tiles.
So sculptural and simple in form, this stairwell proves the power of a good-looking rug. Moroccan-style rugs are so versatile; they can be modern, traditional or rustic. The patterns are perfect in orange tones set against the geometry of these floor tiles.
A classsic example of zellige-inspired tile. Authentic zellige tile is terra-cotta covered with enamel in the form of chips set in plaster. The patterns are traditionally geometrical mosaics, and the tiles are used mainly on walls, ceilings, fountains, floors and pools.
This jewel of a powder room is graced with an antique vanity and a pair of petite Moroccan-style pendants. This is a very subtle detail that effectively evokes Morocco.
I love the idea of using Moroccan patterns on the floor. Here a beautiful encaustic tile (a ceramic tile in which the pattern is not a product of the glaze but of different colors of clay) is used with neutral furniture for a global-modern vibe.
This vintage Moroccan screen was sprayed black and made into a custom four-poster bed. Notice the great color combination of green and black for this whimsical guest bedroom.
At first glance this minimalist space does not feel Moroccan at all. But the Moroccan-feel patterned fabric on the ottoman creates an interesting contrast against the sparseness of the room.
This great space is graced by traditional Moroccan lanterns, a common symbol of Moroccan style. These types of lanterns are usually stamped tin or metal with colorful glass.
More:
Moroccan Style
More:
Moroccan Style
Related Stories
Events
What’s New in Tile for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See 5 trends in new tile collections that debuted at The International Surface Event trade show in Las Vegas
Full Story
Before and Afters
Before and After: 5 Kitchens With Light Neutral Backsplashes
These kitchens illustrate how pattern and texture can make a white or other light neutral backsplash a knockout
Full Story
Events
What’s New in Tile for 2023
By Julie Sheer
Five trends in new tile collections were spotted at the recent International Surface Event 2023 trade show in Las Vegas
Full Story
Events
The Changing Face of Tile at Italy’s Cersaie 2022 Trade Fair
We saw muted tones, tactile surfaces, smaller formats and innovation at the international ceramics and bathroom show
Full Story
Bathroom Design
9 Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Styles
By Laura Wheat
Get acquainted with the basics of combining shapes, colors and finishes for a symphony of tiles
Full Story
Events
6 Top Tile Trends to Inspire You in 2022
By Julie Sheer
See the latest tile colors, shapes and patterns that stood out at the recent International Surface Event trade show
Full Story
Design Details
5 Great Places to Use Handmade Tile
Get pro tips on choosing and placing handmade tile for the biggest visual impact
Full Story
Materials
3 Tile Trends Emerging in 2021
By Julie Sheer
See the latest tile colors, shapes and patterns that stood out at the virtual International Surface Event trade show
Full Story
Bathroom Design
Floor Tile Options for a Stylish Bathroom
By Cheryl F
From the countless choices of bathroom tile available, we focus on some of the best looks for the floor
Full Story
Bathroom Design
New This Week: 4 Visual Tricks With Bathroom Tile
See how pros use tile color, size and placement to make rooms appear larger or smaller
Full Story
Hand cut tile medallion from www.LascauxTile.net Made in USA