Bring Moroccan Charm to Your Living Room
Morocco, a land of contrasts and cultural richness, is known for its enchanting allure and legendary hospitality. From bustling streets to the serene havens of riads, the country offers a unique sensory experience. Traditional wood carving and zellige tiles, known for their intricate mosaic patterns, beautifully adorn interiors with their exquisite design.
Many artists and celebrities have fallen for the charm of Moroccan style in their living spaces. The vibrant colors and stunning architecture of mosques have sparked this trend. Moroccan décor, which combines tradition and modernity, adds an exotic and inviting touch. Learn how to transform your space with carved furniture, luxurious textiles, and typical decorative objects to create your own Moroccan oasis.
What Colors to Choose?
The captivating charm of Morocco is reflected in its vibrant and soothing colors that define its interiors. Whether you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere or a peaceful oasis, Moroccan colors can transform your living room into a unique and inviting space. Here’s how to select shades for Moroccan décor that evoke the beauty of the most remarkable riads and artist homes.
1. Bright and Warm Colors
Red: A symbol of warmth and energy, red is omnipresent in Moroccan living rooms. Whether on cushions, rugs, or even walls, it invigorates the space, creating a festive and welcoming ambiance.
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Inspiration: The Bahia Palace in Marrakech, where red rugs add a luxurious and warm feel.
Orange: Bringing conviviality and joy, orange is found in accessories like cushions and poufs, adding a vibrant note to your décor.
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Inspiration: The home of artist Yves Saint Laurent, where orange elements contrast beautifully with the famous Majorelle blue of the exterior walls.
Yellow: Representing light and optimism, yellow brightens the room. Use it for textiles and small decorative items to add a sunshine touch.
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Inspiration: The El Fenn Riad, where vibrant yellow interiors create a cheerful and sunny atmosphere.
2. Soothing and Elegant Colors
Blue: Inspired by Moroccan skies and seas, blue creates a calming atmosphere. Perfect for walls, furniture fabrics, and zellige tiles.
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Inspiration: The Majorelle Gardens, where Majorelle blue walls and flower pots add a refreshing note.
Green: Evoking nature and serenity, green can be incorporated through plants, textiles, or ceramics for a touch of freshness.
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Inspiration: The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, where green is featured in mosaics and wall decorations.
Beige and Brown: These neutral tones recall the natural hues of the desert and balance the brighter colors, perfect for wooden furniture, rugs, and walls.
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Inspiration: The Marrakech Museum, where beige and brown create a calming and authentic setting.
3. Metallic and Luxurious Shades
Gold: A synonym of wealth and luxury, gold is perfect for decorative details like lamps, mirrors, and frames.
- Inspiration: The Royal Palace of Fes, with its golden ornaments adding a royal and sophisticated finish.
Silver: Adding elegance and modernity, silver is found in metal accessories and fabric patterns.
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Inspiration: Medinas' riads, decorated with silver lanterns and mirrors.
4. Combinations and Contrasts
Shapes and Mosaics: Geometric shapes and zellige mosaics integrate multiple colors, creating a harmonious and captivating blend.
- Inspiration: The Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, where colorful mosaics adorn walls and floors, adding a touch of elegance and complexity.
Contrast: For a modern Moroccan living room, combine vivid colors with neutral tones to avoid visual overload. For example, pair red and orange cushions with beige or white walls for perfect balance.
These iconic places and artistic homes demonstrate how traditional Moroccan colors can be used to create stunning and welcoming interiors. By blending these shades in a balanced way, you can transform your living room into a space that reflects the cultural richness and hospitality of Morocco.
Moroccan Living Room Furniture
The Moroccan living room, or "majlis" in Arabic, is the heart of the home, a space where tradition and hospitality meet. Traditionally, each home features a main and a secondary living room to accommodate guests. The "sedari" are low benches typical of Moroccan décor, often arranged around the room for optimal comfort. Designed to be close to the ground, these benches create a welcoming and warm atmosphere.
The Art of Carving and Ornamentation
Moroccan furniture is often adorned with intricate carvings and complex shapes. Carved wood, meticulous details, and geometric designs reflect traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, renowned worldwide. Each piece is a work of art in itself.
A Multifunctional Living Space
Like Europeans, Moroccans often dine in the living room. This is why it's rare to find low coffee tables in a traditional Moroccan living room. Tables are generally higher and designed to accommodate meals, making the furniture not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.
Hospitality and Comfort First
Moroccan furniture is crafted to offer the best possible hospitality and comfort to guests. Thick cushions and sumptuous textiles like velvet and silk add a touch of luxury and relaxation. Each element is carefully chosen to create an inviting space where guests feel welcome and thoroughly comfortable.
How to Choose Moroccan Furniture?
Opt for Sedari
Essentials of the Moroccan living room: The "sedari" are low benches, often arranged around the room. They are designed to maximize comfort and encourage a convivial reception.
- Materials: Look for sedari made from solid wood, featuring carved finishes
- Cushions: Choose thick, plush cushions in velvet or silk for optimal comfort.
Prefer Noble Materials
Carved Wood: Moroccan furniture is often made of noble woods like cedar, thuya, or walnut. The complex carvings and decorations add a touch of artistry.
- Coffee Tables and Chests: Opt for furniture with finely carved geometric or floral elements.
Metals: Brass or copper elements are common in Moroccan décor.
- Tables and Accessories: Look for tables with brass trays or decorative copper accessories to add a touch of luxury.
By following these tips, you can choose Moroccan furniture that not only respects tradition but also fits perfectly into your modern living space.
What Decorative Objects to Add to a Moroccan Living Room?
To complement the design and create an authentic and warm style, it is essential to choose the right decorative objects. Here are some suggestions to add a Moroccan touch to your interior:
1. Carpets
Persian and Berber Rugs: Carpets are indispensable. Persian rugs, with their rich and colorful oriental patterns, add a traditional touch, while Berber rugs, often woolen with geometric patterns, bring softness and warmth.
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Inspiration: Combine several small rugs or choose a central large rug to structure the space.
2. Poufs
Leather and Berber Poufs: Poufs are both practical and decorative. Leather-embroidered poufs add visible patterns and color, while Berber poufs, available in many colors and styles, complement a bohemian vibe.
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Inspiration: Choose poufs handcrafted by local artisans.
3. Screens
Wooden Screens: Used to divide spaces without obstructing natural light, wooden screens with oriental patterns add a touch of traditional Moroccan décor.
- Inspiration: Opt for carved screens to add character.
4. Lighting
Oriental Lamps and Lanterns: Lighting plays a crucial role in Moroccan décor. Forged iron or copper lamps and lanterns, often with geometric patterns, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Inspiration: Hang lanterns from the ceiling or place lamps on tables for a soft and diffused light.
5. Mirrors
Wooden or Metal Mirrors: Mirrors visually enlarge the space and add a decorative dimension. Mirrors with carved wood or metal featuring traditional oriental patterns are perfect for a Moroccan living room.
- Inspiration: Arrange multiple small mirrors or choose a large mirror to hang or lean against a wall.
6. Textiles
Cushions and Curtains: Luxurious textiles like velvet and silk are essential in Moroccan décor. Embroidered cushions and curtains in rich fabrics add color and comfort.
- Inspiration: Layer cushions on the sedari and use thick curtains for a luxurious finish.
7. Decorative Accessories
Brass and Copper Trays: Decorative trays in brass or copper are typical of Moroccan décor. They can be used as serving trays or simply as decorative elements.
- Inspiration: Place decorative trays on coffee tables or shelves to add a touch of shine.
Candle Holders and Candles: Metal candle holders with openwork designs spread a soft light and create an intimate and warm atmosphere.
- Inspiration: Set candle holders on tables or window sills for soft lighting.
Decorative Paintings: In addition to wall sculptures, paintings are very prevalent in Moroccan style. They often feature calligraphy, a highly valued art in Islamic culture. Due to the prohibition of human representation in this culture, paintings focus on calligraphic writings, stylized landscapes, and geometric illustrations.
- Inspiration: Hang paintings with calligraphed verses or nature-themed designs to enrich your wall décor while respecting tradition.
By integrating these objects into your living room, you can recreate an authentic and welcoming Moroccan living space. Carefully chosen elements will add a touch of elegance and warmth to your interior, making it both inviting and exotic.
Conclusion
The charm of Morocco, with its vibrant colors, luxurious textures, and geometric patterns, offers endless possibilities for transforming your living room into a welcoming and elegant space. By balancing traditional furniture with carefully selected decorative objects, you can create an interior that not only embodies Moroccan cultural richness but also adds a unique and personal touch to your home. Let yourself be inspired by Moroccan living and welcome exoticism and hospitality into your interior.
