9 Ways to Bring Moroccan Flavor to Your Interiors

Moroccan architecture and interior design express the country's diverse history through detail, texture and geometry. Influenced by multiple cultures and religions, this style can feel at home in traditional or modern homes. Rich, luxurious and exotic, the style has bold colors and shapes that make it a favorite of many interior designers.

Want to bring this warm and bright style into your life? Here are nine Moroccan design elements to try introducing.

1. Architectural details. Traditional Moroccan architecture is shaped by centuries of cultural and religious influences. Beautiful archways and curved doorways in the Islamic keyhole design are some of the style's most recognizable elements.

Get this look: Try adding these details through less permanent and less expensive paint finishes — just tape off your design on a wall, bookshelf or canvas, and paint over it in the color of your choice.



2. Courtyards. Traditionally Moroccan homes were designed with privacy in mind, which meant no front yards or backyards. Instead, homes were built around a central courtyard, often adorned with fountains or pools.

This Americanized version has colorful and comfortable seating, accessories and even a little fire to contrast with the water.

Get this look: Most of us don’t have the opportunity to change the footprint of our homes to include a new central courtyard. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t include some Moroccan elements in our outdoor spaces. Try adorning your outdoor space with a simple, store-bought central water feature. Fragrant flowers, colorful pottery, low bench seating and hanging lanterns can all add some Moroccan spice in subtle and affordable ways, too.


3. Bold color choices. The colors embraced in traditional Moroccan interiors ranged from bold and brilliant to subtle and subdued. Most often the color scheme reflected either desert or ocean hues. It was common to see brilliant reds, oranges, greens and blues dominate the interiors, with a neutral or color-washed background.

Get this look: Go high contrast with brilliant-hued accents set against a neutral backdrop or wash all of your walls in color. Not ready to paint? Plenty of pillows, rugs and poufs can add bold color to your home, too.


4. Ornate and plush furniture. Delicately carved furniture and plush upholstered pieces are staples of Moroccan interiors. Carved seat bases, chests, coffee tables and side tables often contrast with plush couches, poufs or floor cushions in a single room.

Get this look: If you’re on a budget but still love that Moroccan flair, add a pounded metal tray to the top of a table, or a few inexpensive Moroccan poufs or floor cushions to a room. Carved elements can be added to existing pieces via affordable wooden appliques — although the more ornate, the better.


5. Rugs. Moroccans have created some of the world’s most distinct rugs for centuries. Traditionally, these rugs were used as bedding, blankets or saddles. Their designs focused on abstract and geometric patterns with colorful and neutral palettes.

Get this look: Authentic or vintage Moroccan rugs can cost a lot of money these days. Reproductions are available, but you can also re-create the bold design with a modern twist using tape, outdoor paint and a sisal or jute rug.

DIY: How to Paint a Sisal Rug


6. Textiles. Moroccan fabrics, such as silks or other gauzy textiles, can be used and layered as room dividers, draperies or furniture protectors.

Get this look: Hit your local fabric store and keep an eye out for colorful, intricately patterned or gauzy textiles. Mix and match patterns and colors to get the eclectic Moroccan look. You can always turn these textiles into pillows or floor cushions, or drape a few yards over furniture or above outdoor spaces.



7. Tiles. Bold Moroccan tiles focus on geometric forms, framing doors and windows and decorating floors, walls, fountains and accent and art pieces.

Get this look: Many Moroccan motifs can be found at tile retailers. Their classic, bold look works well in traditional or modern settings. Try adding some to a backsplash, floor or fireplace. Tight budget? Just choose a few to put on a tabletop or outdoor entryway.


8. Lanterns. Moroccan lanterns are one the most recognizable parts of this design style. Intricately made from metals such as brass or copper, these pieces cast amazing shadows on their surroundings when hung from the ceiling.

Get this look: Metal lanterns come in various styles and finishes that pay tribute to Moroccan interiors. Hang a small cluster in a room corner or as a focal point over a dining area.


9. Metalwork. Moroccan metalwork has been passed down from generation to generation, resulting in beautiful and intricate decorative accessories for the home. Metal mirrors, vases, lanterns, kettles and trays are just a few of the traditionally hand-crafted metal items that adorn Moroccan interiors.

Get this look: Don’t limit metal Moroccan accessories to the main rooms of your home. Sometimes it's easier to introduce new accents in less-used spaces. Swap out a plain bathroom mirror with a more intricate metal one. Include a Moroccan frame on an art wall, a metal serving tray to hold remotes or a cluster of metal vases on an entry table.

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