Moroccan interiors make their presence feel with drama, luxury and elegance. This particular style aims for opulence. It is about a mix of colours, patterns, fabrics, textures; More is more, less is unacceptable.
Location and Climate
Morocco lies in the northwesternmost part of Africa, With Spain as the neighbour directly across the water. The northern coasts of the country experience a Mediterranean climate with mild-wet winters and hot dry summers.
Contextual Influence
Due to its exclusive location, Morocco has experienced influences from many cultures. The country comprises African tribes from the Sahara Desert, the Islamic influence from Arabs and European neighbours.
The unique architectural style is evidence of the amalgamation resulting from the different cultures. The most dominant influence is Islam; a direct correlation is evident from the construction and ornamentation of the building in Morocco. The designs originating from Morocco reflect its diverse and rich cultural history.
Colour, Style
The most prominent colours in play are a rich mix of blue, green, orange, gold and lots of red. The styles pick up colour cues from the surrounding landscape and nature. The red and the gold represents the desert and the sand, Orange hue from the blazing sun; The calming blue and green are more of a coastal Mediterranean influence.
The furniture design is simple, but the interiors usually centred around a statement piece, which is intricately decorated and carved.
The overlay of textures and patterns make the interiors ornate and sophisticated; Complementing fabrics with subdued lighting fixtures create a mystical aura. The use of textile adds colour, warmth and comfort to the Moroccan style. The design encapsulates ethnicity with dramatic flares of creativity.
Materials
Stone covers the walls and floor; if the intention is to leave it unfurnished, a rough finish paint adds texture.
Tiles are the most distinctive feature of morocco design. They are extensively used on the floors, walls and ceiling to create elaborate patterns.
The home-furnishing décor involves the use of terracotta to create a connection with nature, an earthy element.
The fenestrations and the railings are well-fit with wrought iron plated or coated with antique golden hue metals.
Key Design Elements
Over the top application of bright warm colours like red and orange. A warm and inviting experience from different shades of blue, pink, green and purple.
The intricate detailing is in almost everything. The stairs, the furniture, the floors and the walls eccentric in design; a single room can keep the observant occupant busy with its alluring quality.
No Moroccan design is complete without the use of a horseshoe arch-Moorish arches. They are symbolic of Islamic architecture, hence an essential to designing.
Moroccan riad is an interior courtyard, an inescapable design element. The Arabic word “Riad” means garden. A riad is like a typical garden that includes a fountain surrounded by plants. A modern-day designer can interpret this into their designs with an addition to an indoor water body like a swimming pool or a pond.
An ornamental piece reflecting the Islamic influence is a ceiling hung lamp made from metals like brass, copper.
Some styles also embrace metal or wooden Islamic style framed mirrors in the room.
The interiors feature the concept of low seating. The lifestyle of the people is that they prefer the comfort of the earth and roam barefoot and relax on a rug. The tables, the chairs are set of a lower height, closer to the ground.
Islamic geometric pattern is everywhere the floors, the walls, the ceilings, furniture, fireplaces and even the entrances of the building.
A touch of Moroccan element to any neutral interior can accentuate the design by adding warmth and make the interiors come to life. The Moroccan design is astoundingly diverse, regardless of perception and preference.
