12 Moroccan Interior Design Ideas (with Pictures)
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Kristin Hitchcock
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Moroccan design may not be as popular as it once was. However, it does provide an interesting way to set your home apart from others. Moroccan décor is all about unique structural statement pieces and bright colors. Often, patterns take center stage.
Many describe this design style as copying the shapes and colors of the desert, especially since it is so closely related to the Moorish designs of the East. However, Moroccan design was influenced by a number of cultures over the years, including those of Spain, France, and Portugal. This unique blend gives this style a unique feel that relies on a few easily identified characteristics.
In this article, we’ll take a look at those characteristics to help you bring some Moroccan design into your home.
The Top 12 Moroccan Interior Design Ideas For Your Home
1. Gentle Curves and Angles
There are very few straight lines in Moroccan design. For the most part, curved doorways and gentle curves are used. This structural style is one of the things that makes this design style stand out. Therefore, it is vital if you’re trying to take after Moroccan décor.
Furthermore, doors are usually carved and curved, as well. Traditionally, the home itself was white or another unassuming color so the carving and color of the door were where the home got its character from. For Moroccan styles, we recommend paying more attention to the structure of your home than you might otherwise.
2. Tile
Moroccan décor utilizes tile heavily. It’s how Moroccan homes get their distinguished patterns and character. Most rooms in Moroccan-style homes should have a tile of some sort—no longer is tile only seen in the bathroom and kitchen.
When choosing tile, pattern and color are important. You’ll want bold tiles that have interesting patterns. Use these tiles to frame doors and as accent pieces. These stairs are a great example of using tile to bring interest to something that would otherwise be ordinary.
3. Add Mirrors
Moroccan-style mirrors feature the same curved lines as other elements. Usually, these mirrors are outlined in patterned tile, which makes them stand out against the backdrop. While you don’t have to use mirrors in a Moroccan home, they do make wonderful statement pieces.
4. Get a Tajine
A tajine is a round cooking vessel that is heavily patterned and used in traditional Arab cooking. These cooking vessels can add a splash of authenticity to your Moroccan home, especially if you really cook in one. You can find these cooking vessels in all sorts of different designs, colors, and patterns. Adding a few to your kitchen is a practical way to spice up the room.
5. Moroccan Lamps
A Moroccan lamp can quickly spice up a room and add some exotic flair. While these lamps can get expensive, they easily steal the show. If you’re doing your entire home in a Moroccan style, we recommend that at least one room has a Moroccan lamp. They’re one of the prettiest parts of Moroccan décor, so it would be a shame to leave them out of your design.
Plus, you can find tons of different options. From big lamps to very small ones, these design elements are surprisingly popular and easy to get your hands on.
6. Colorful Tables
Tables play an unusual place in Moroccan design. Typically, tables aren’t super imposing pieces. However, Moroccan tables tend to be patterned and colorful, making them show-stopping statement pieces. Plan your own design accordingly.
Tables can be painted, but they are commonly tiled as well. Patterned tiles aren’t unusual to see as tables themselves, so keep an eye out for interesting designs. Of course, tables usually feature rounded designs—not the right angles most western decor.
7. Colorful Fabrics and Pillows
Fabrics are much varied in Moroccan design. However, colorful patterns and pillows are common. Look for mismatched pillows that feature Arab-like patterns and match the other colors in your home. As for couches, they can be patterned or solidly colored. Either way, be sure to use patterns throughout your design, which is relatively easy to do if you utilize pillows to their full potential.
8. Hanging Rugs
It is nearly impossible to find a Moroccan room without a patterned hanging rug. Hanging rugs are a key part of Moroccan design. Like other design elements, these rugs are usually heavily patterned and colorful. However, subdued rugs can also be utilized for more modern spaces.
Either way, add some texture and interest to your walls using rugs and forego more western-style paintings.
9. Raffia
While not as common as other design elements, raffia is perfect for adding textures to walls when introducing more patterns isn’t suitable. These design pieces aren’t typically extremely colorful or patterned themselves, so they work well when used with the other elements we’ve mentioned thus far. After all, you can have too many colors and patterns, even in Morocco.
10. Moroccan Tea Set
Tea is an extremely popular beverage around the world, including in many places that influenced Moroccan design. Therefore, Morrocan tea sets are a great practical design element that you can actually use. We recommend choosing a tea set that can be used for drinking tea, preferably one that also comes with a display tray.
Use this tea set in a living space or the kitchen as a tool and design element.
11. Consider Bohemian Elements
While not necessarily Morrocan in itself, Bohemian style does draw a lot from Moroccan elements. Therefore, you may want to consider adding some Bohemian elements as well, especially if you’re going for a less colorful look. For those trying to mix modern décor with Moroccan style, Bohemian is often what you end up with.
Furthermore, some Bohemian elements are easier to find in the western world. However, these elements can often be repurposed for a Moroccan style easily.
12. Embrace Mudcloth
Mudcloth pillows add a bit of texture and interest to a room, making them great choices for Moroccan design. These pillows are increasingly popular as well, so they are often much easier to find in the western world. You can use very simple mudcloth pillows or more brightly patterned options. Either way, these pillows tackle the very important design element of texture that Moroccan design relies upon so heavily.
Conclusion
Moroccan design is often seen as extremely exotic and out-there. For this reason, you typically don’t see whole homes designed in this style. However, the colorful, patterned style is making a bit of a comeback. There are tons of ways Moroccan style differs from the typical, modern style. For instance, curved lines replace straight angles and bright colors show up everywhere.
Plus, the Moroccan style also embraces tons of patterns.
It may take a bit of mind-bending to design a home in a Moroccan style, but it is certain to stand out in today’s world of solid, neutral colors.
Featured Image Credit: JeannieS, Pixabay
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