Bring the Magic of Morocco into Your Living Room
Morocco, a land of contrasts and cultural richness, captivates with its enchanting charm and legendary hospitality. From bustling streets to the serene havens of riads, the country offers a unique sensory experience. The ancient art of wood carving and the typical mosaic tiling known as zellige adorn interiors with their intricate details.
Many artists and celebrities have fallen for Morocco's charm in their living rooms. The vibrant colors and the stunning mosques have inspired this trend. Moroccan decor, blending tradition with modernity, brings a touch of exotic warmth and conviviality. Discover how to style your home with carved furniture, luxurious textiles, and typical decorative items to create a peaceful haven inspired by the Moroccan way of life.
What Colors to Choose?
The enchanting allure of Morocco is reflected primarily in the vibrant and soothing tones that characterize its interiors. Whether you want to create a warm, friendly atmosphere or a serene retreat, Moroccan colors will transform your living room into a unique and welcoming space. Here's how to select the shades for Moroccan decor worthy of the most beautiful riads and artist homes.
1. Bright and Warm Colors
Red: A symbol of warmth and energy, red is ubiquitous in Moroccan living rooms. Used on cushions, rugs, or even walls, it energizes the space and creates a festive and inviting spot.
- Inspiration: The Bahia Palace in Marrakech, where red carpets add a touch of luxury and warmth.
Orange: Bringing warmth and joy, orange is found in accessories like cushions and poufs, adding a lively note to your decor.
- Inspiration: The home of artist Yves Saint Laurent, where orange accents harmoniously contrast with the famous majorelle blue of the exterior walls.
Yellow: Representing light and optimism, yellow brightens up the room. Use it for textiles and small decor pieces for a sunny touch.
- Inspiration: The El Fenn riad, where vibrant yellow interiors bring a joyful and sunny note.
2. Soothing and Elegant Colors
Blue: Inspired by Morocco's skies and seas, blue creates a soothing atmosphere. Perfect for walls, upholstery, and zellige tiles.
- Inspiration: Majorelle Gardens, where majorelle blue walls and flowerpots add a refreshing note.
Green: Evoking nature and serenity, green can be incorporated through plants, textiles, or ceramics for a hint of freshness.
- Inspiration: The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, where green is found in mosaics and wall decorations.
Beige and Brown: These neutral tones recall the natural colors of the desert and balance the brighter hues, perfect for wooden furniture, rugs, and walls.
- Inspiration: The Marrakech Museum, where beige and brown create a calming and authentic setting.
3. Metallic and Luxurious Shades
Gold: Synonymous with wealth and luxury, gold is perfect for decorative details like lamps, mirrors, and frames.
- Inspiration: The Royal Palace in Fez, with its golden ornaments adding a royal and sophisticated finish.
Silver: Bringing elegance and modernity, silver is found in metal accessories and textile patterns.
- Inspiration: The riads in the medina, decorated with silver lanterns and mirrors.
4. Combinations and Contrasts
Shapes and Mosaics: Geometric shapes and zellige mosaics incorporate several of these 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 bright colors with neutral tones to avoid visual overload. For instance, pair red and orange cushions with beige or white walls for perfect balance.
These iconic places and artist homes show how traditional Moroccan colors can be used to create stunning and welcoming interiors. By balancing these shades, you can transform your living room into a space that exudes Moroccan cultural richness and hospitality.
Furniture in a Moroccan Living Room
The Moroccan living room, or "majlis" in Arabic, is the heart of the home, a space where tradition and hospitality meet. By tradition, every house has a main and a secondary living room for hosting guests. "Sedari" are low benches typical of Moroccan decor, often arranged around the room to offer optimal comfort. Designed close to the ground, these benches foster a friendly and warm atmosphere.
The Art of Carving and Ornamentation
Moroccan furniture is often adorned with carvings and complex shapes. Carved wood, meticulous details, and geometric patterns reflect traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, recognized worldwide. Each piece of furniture is a work of art in itself.
A Multifunctional Living Space
Like Europeans, Moroccans usually eat in the living room. Therefore, finding low tables in a traditional Moroccan living room is rare. Tables are often higher and designed for dining, making the furniture not only aesthetic but also extremely functional.
Welcoming and Comfort First
Moroccan furniture is designed to welcome guests in the best way, offering optimal comfort. Thick cushions and luxurious textiles like velvet and silk add a touch of luxury and relaxation. Each element is carefully chosen to create a space where guests feel welcomed and perfectly at ease.
By integrating these elements into your own living room, you can recreate the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a real Moroccan oasis. Whether hosting friends or enjoying family moments, the Moroccan majlis is a living space that combines tradition, comfort, and elegance.
How to Choose Moroccan Furniture?
Opt for Sedari
Essentials in the Moroccan living room: "Sedari" are low benches, often arranged around the room. They are designed to maximize comfort and foster a friendly welcome.
- Materials: Look for sedari made from solid wood, with carved finishes.
- Cushions: Choose thick, plush cushions in velvet or silk for optimal comfort.
Prefer Noble Materials
Carved Wood: Moroccan furniture is often made from noble wood such as cedar, thuya, or walnut. Intricate carvings and decorations add an artistic finish.
- Coffee Tables and Dressers: Opt for furniture with intricately carved geometric or floral elements.
Metals: Brass or copper elements are common in Moroccan decor.
- Tables and Accessories: Look for tables with brass tops or decorative copper accessories to add a touch of luxury.
Following these tips, you can choose Moroccan furniture that not only respects tradition but also integrates perfectly into your modern living space.
What Decorative Items to Add in a Moroccan Living Room?
To complete the setup and create an authentic and warm style, it's crucial to choose the right decorative items. Here are some suggestions to add a Moroccan touch to your interior:
1. Rugs
Persian and Berber Rugs: Rugs are indispensable. Persian rugs, with their rich and colorful oriental patterns, add a traditional touch, while Berber rugs, often woollen with geometric patterns, bring softness and warmth.
- Inspiration: Pair multiple small rugs or choose a large central rug to structure the space.
2. Poufs
Leather and Berber Poufs: Poufs are both practical and decorative. Embroidered leather poufs add visible patterns and color, while Berber poufs, available in many colors and styles, complete a bohemian ambiance.
- Inspiration: Choose poufs made by local artisans.
Want to delve deeper into Moroccan decor? Check out our article dedicated to Berber decor, a chic nomadic style blending raw simplicity, ancient patterns, and warm textures.
3. Screens
Wooden Screens: Used to define spaces without blocking natural light, wooden screens with oriental patterns add a touch of traditional Moroccan decor.
- Inspiration: Opt for carved screens to add charm.
4. Lighting
Oriental Lamps and Lanterns: Lighting plays a crucial role in Moroccan decor. Lamps and lanterns in wrought iron or copper, often adorned with geometric patterns, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Inspiration: Hang lanterns from the ceiling or place table lamps for soft and diffused lighting.
5. Mirrors
Wood or Metal Mirrors: Mirrors visually enlarge the space and add a decorative dimension. Mirrors in carved wood or metal with traditional oriental patterns are perfect for a Moroccan living room.
- Inspiration: Arrange several small mirrors or opt for a large mirror hung or standing on the floor.
6. Textiles
Cushions and Curtains: Luxurious textiles like velvet and silk are essential in Moroccan decor. Embroidered cushions and rich fabric curtains add color and comfort.
- Inspiration: Pile 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 decor. They can be used as serving trays or simply as decorative pieces.
- Inspiration: Place decorative trays on coffee tables or shelves to add a touch of brilliance.
Candle Holders and Candles: Pierced metal candle holders diffuse a soft light, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere.
- Inspiration: Scatter candle holders on tables or window sills for a soft glow.
Decorative Artworks: In addition to wall sculptures, artworks are prevalent in Moroccan decor. They often incorporate calligraphy, a highly valued art in Islamic culture. Due to the prohibition of human representations in this culture, the artworks focus on calligraphic writings, stylized landscapes, and geometric illustrations.
- Inspiration: Hang artworks with calligraphic verses or nature-inspired designs to enrich your wall decor while respecting tradition.
Incorporating these items into your living room allows you to recreate an authentic and welcoming Moroccan-style decor. These carefully chosen elements will bring a touch of elegance and warmth to your interior, making your space both friendly and exotic.
Conclusion
The allure of Morocco, with its vibrant colors, luxurious textures, and geometric patterns, offers countless possibilities to transform your living room into an inviting and elegant space. By combining traditional furniture with carefully selected decorative items, you can create an interior that not only exudes Moroccan cultural richness but also adds a unique and personal touch to your home. Let yourself be inspired by Moroccan art of living and invite the exotic warmth and social delight into your home.
