Morocco remains for many of our compatriots a distant and unexplored country located somewhere in Africa. In fact, the geographical location makes the state the owner of unique climatic conditions. Morocco is comfortably located in the north-west of the African continent, but at the same time only 14 km of the Strait of Gibraltar is separated from the Spanish coast. The state is sometimes called the "country of four seasons." In the morning you can climb the Atlas Mountains, in the afternoon experience the scorching heat of the Sahara Desert, and in the evening swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea of the Atlantic. More than 95% of Moroccans are Muslims, therefore they treat guests with special attention and honor. The furnishings of the houses fit into the general design concept of the East, but at the same time they are not without specific elements that are characteristic only for this country. The Moroccan style in the interior is used less often, but due to its versatility, lightness, laconicism, it organically fits both in luxurious homes and in small apartments.
The history of the Moroccan style is closely connected with the development path along which this state has passed. From ancient times, Morocco attracted the attention of conquerors. They came to these lands and slowly but surely survived the Berbers - the historical people who inhabited the country. Now this layer of the population is only 1/3 of the total population. The conquerors considered the Berbers invaders and robbers, who illegally took advantageous positions near the trade routes passing through the Sahara. At first they were attacked by the Phoenicians, and then the Carthaginians.
Having come under the influence of the Roman Empire, the Moroccans finally learned about a quiet life and first encountered Christianity. The world reigned for only a couple of centuries, until Morocco was conquered by the Arabs. Muslims overthrew the previous religion and imposed Islam, which remained here. Closer to the XIX century, the country was again conquered by Europeans and became a colony. Britain, Germany, Spain and France fought for it. The latter got Morocco at its full disposal. Surprisingly, the French did not try to impose their style in local interiors. The features of the “root” design were preserved and supplemented by new ones.
As can be seen from the rich history, Morocco was exposed to various peoples. All this is reflected in the features of the interior decoration of the rooms. The Moorish and Spanish styles (both nearest neighbors) influenced the root “Berber” trend most strongly. In the Moroccan interiors can be traced rough "native" features, oriental, graceful motifs of the Moors and light Castilian notes.
Style features
The modern Moroccan style has almost no differences with a similar direction that was used in the design of housing many centuries ago. Think about where the country is located and it will become clear why the house for the Moroccan has become an oasis, a corner for rest, peace, reflection and intimate conversations with loved ones.This piece of personal space should stand out among the monotonous desert, to delight your eyes and have a pleasant pastime. Comfort comes first, beauty follows, and only third is functionality.
Among the main features of the Moroccan style are:
Use of gross details. This direction is primarily ethnic, therefore, it uses vintage elements characteristic of Berbers.
Small furniture. Luxury and color of the atmosphere is achieved due to the abundance of textiles and a palette of colors. Furniture goes by the wayside and is significantly “smaller”, that is, only poufs, low tables, couches are used. As an option, the seat can be made out of pillows laid directly on the floor.
Geometric shapes. In Moroccan interiors there are outlines unusual for Europeans. The signature feature of Moroccan houses can be considered arched passages, the dome of which looks like a keyhole or extends to a sharp tip crowning the middle.
Colored glass is used in the decor (mosaic), glazed tiles with original oriental patterns, an abundance of colorful textiles, wood, stone.
Polished wood surfaces in Morocco are considered too boring. They are surely adorned with intricate carvings that echoes the ornate ornament on the walls.
Ideal direction for the design of country houses, cottages, and cottages. The main criterion in this case is the location in nature. Traditionally, Berber houses have large windows that either face a picturesque backyard or a street with the beauties of the local landscape. There is no better complement to ethnic decoration than the natural environment.
Color spectrum
The basis of the color scheme is warm colors. Moroccan interiors are bright and colorful, but at the same time the decor is not without oriental grace.Red, pink, burgundy, wine, coral, fuchsia, peach, yellow, brown prevail in the color palette. The influence of the East can be traced in the use of blue, blue, purple, turquoise. For interior decoration, such traditional combinations as red with gold (yellow), heavenly and orange are used. Through the use of luxurious colors, the style claims high luxury, akin to the chic of baroque and rococo. Ideas for decorating rooms draw from nature itself: a red-orange sunset, pale yellowness of sand, aquamarine overflows, gold of boundless expanses to the horizon.
Materials and methods of decoration
The design uses a combination of wood and stone. Of these materials, houses are being built in Morocco. The ceiling can be plastered, but the joint between it and the wall must be decorated with a carved frieze. An alternative to plaster will be small tiles or a non-standard option - wood panels decorated with carvings. To fix such magnificence on the ceiling with your own hands is very problematic. A complex frame base will be required, so it is better to resort to the help of professionals. Since the ceilings are high in Moroccan houses, such a solution looks organic, but in typical domestic apartments, alas, the option will eat valuable centimeters. All surfaces are decorated with ceramic tiles and the reason is not only in its beauty, but also in the ability to “cool” the room.
Since the country is located in Africa, it is characterized by temperature extremes and scorching heat during the day, so the locals escaped in the coolness of their homes. The tiles are chosen bright, patterned and small. Large fragments, which are often used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms, are not suitable in this case. You should choose a special mosaic tile with thematic patterns: rhombuses, octagons, stars, squares and other geometric shapes.
Furniture
The basis of the furniture set is sofas. They are located in almost every room, and the more the better. If possible, then the sofas are forced to the entire perimeter. They are covered by an armada of pillows. Low sofas are not attached to sofas, but coffee tables. Although both of these concepts merged into a single whole, in Morocco they are really used for drinking hot drinks in miniature cups, rather than storing periodicals in a special niche. By the way, there may be more than one table. A picturesque composition of several elements of the same type will become a bright decoration of the interior. Also use trestle beds, couches, small benches, low dressers. Furniture is made of solid wood with the addition of forged elements.
Lighting
Lighting in the interior should be soft and not cause a desire to obscure. Lamps are traditionally made of metal. “Shell” is decorated with oriental patterns. Decorative elements are called Moroccan lanterns. Their shape may be different:
Rectangular fixtures crowned with a miniature dome with a loop for hanging. They are placed either on the floor or threaded through special hooks in the walls.
The elongated shape of the “spindle” with numerous ornaments and constrictions. They look organically not only in the interior of the room, but also on the terrace, open veranda, gazebo.
The shape is "yule", but with soft transitions and rounded sides.
Ceiling chandeliers do not play such an important role as in European styles. Emphasis is placed on sconces, floor and table lamps. They complement the lighting system with wax candles, which will give the atmosphere a touch of oriental romance.
Plafonds are traditionally made of copper and brass by forging. Stamped elements can be purchased in specialized stores, but unique products will give the atmosphere a unique charm and become a “signature” in the author's design.
Accessories and decor
The decor is made exclusively from natural materials. The style dates back to centuries when plastic and composites simply did not exist. The materials are dominated by metal, glass, wood and clay. By the way, there are few decorative elements used, because luxurious painting on the walls and variegated shades make the interiors bright and original. Sofas and beds are decorated with numerous pillows, among which there are certainly elements of elongated forms, traditional for the east.
Decorative niches in the walls are filled with metal plates on stands, elegant boxes, candlesticks on massive legs, flower vases, clay jugs and bowls. Tall windows are decorated with black metal bars. In hot climates, they are rarely closed, so the element is more needed to protect against uninvited guests.
The role of textile in style
Textiles play the main style-forming role. Of the fabrics, only natural ones are chosen: silk, wool, linen and cotton. There is textile in almost every corner of the room: in upholstery, elegant pillowcases for pillows, heavy curtains and light, air curtains, canopies over the bed, handmade rugs. If upholstered furniture has an ugly coating "from the manufacturer", then it is covered with covers and bedspreads. It is advisable to use unique textile products that can be made even by yourself. The fabrics are decorated with a thematic, oriental pattern, which is continued in the surfaces of ceramic tiles.
Kitchen interier
The walls and floor of Moroccan cuisine are tiled. To highlight an apron against its background, you can use neutral “natural” shades: sand, cobalt, brown. Furniture is chosen from wood with roughly processed surfaces. Hinged shelves are decorated with metal and clay plates, pots, vases.
If the kitchen is combined with the dining room, then a group of Moroccan lamps of various shapes with a metal "frame" is hung over the dining table. Chairs are made of carved wood. Complete the design with a pair of pots with indoor plants.
Living room decoration
The drawing room is considered the favorite room of Moroccans as visitors and households gather in it. A required attribute for this room is a sofa. It should be as long and as large as possible. If the dimensions of the room allow, then it is decorated with a sofa "series" around the perimeter. The windows are curtained with heavy curtains and air curtains. The walls are decorated with carved panels, ceramic tiles, wall lights, niches with thematic decorations. The ceiling is supported by decorative columns.
Moroccan-style bedroom
The Moroccan bedroom, like other rooms, has a minimal set of furniture: a wide bed, a pair of bedside tables and a table. If the room is spacious, then a traditional sofa (couch, trestle bed) with a coffee table is placed nearby. The accent wall at the head of the bed is decorated with a niche, which has a traditional oriental dome with an elongated tip. It is decorated with a composition of ceramic, glass, clay or wooden elements. A small chandelier crowns the ceiling, and a sconce is installed symmetrically on both sides of the bed. Windows are decorated with wrought iron bars. Cover them with air curtain. The floor must be covered with rugs. Grind the composition with a hookah, indoor plants in pots, plates with fruits and oriental sweets on the tables.
Bath and toilet design
The walls and floor in the Moroccan-style bathroom are finished with fine tiles with a traditional ornament. Modern shower cubicles are abandoned in favor of a luxurious bathtub. The sink uses an invoice. The original decision will be to buy a specimen made of stone, which is of high cost, but at the same time will last for decades.The facades of cupboards for storing towels and household items are decorated with a fine lattice. If the ceilings are high, a vaulted frame structure is added over the bathroom, complemented by open shelves on the sides.
You can spy on the Moroccan style in numerous themed cafes and restaurants. Oddly enough, but the catering facilities honestly reflect the ethnic characteristics of the situation and do not allow the appearance of unusual details. Of course, to get inspired, you can go to the country where this direction originated. Luxurious, endless landscapes, picturesque sunsets, the skyline “shaking” from the hot air - this is what helps to find the right mood to create an original, unique interior in the Moroccan style.
Morocco remains for many of our compatriots a distant and unexplored country located somewhere in Africa. In fact, the geographical location makes the state the owner of unique climatic conditions. Morocco is comfortably located in the north-west of the African continent, but at the same time only 14 km of the Strait of Gibraltar is separated from the Spanish coast. The state is sometimes called the "country of four seasons." In the morning you can climb the Atlas Mountains, in the afternoon experience the scorching heat of the Sahara Desert, and in the evening swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea of the Atlantic. More than 95% of Moroccans are Muslims, therefore they treat guests with special attention and honor. The furnishings of the houses fit into the general design concept of the East, but at the same time they are not without specific elements that are characteristic only for this country. The Moroccan style in the interior is used less often, but due to its versatility, lightness, laconicism, it organically fits both in luxurious homes and in small apartments.
Content
History of style formation
The history of the Moroccan style is closely connected with the development path along which this state has passed. From ancient times, Morocco attracted the attention of conquerors. They came to these lands and slowly but surely survived the Berbers - the historical people who inhabited the country. Now this layer of the population is only 1/3 of the total population. The conquerors considered the Berbers invaders and robbers, who illegally took advantageous positions near the trade routes passing through the Sahara. At first they were attacked by the Phoenicians, and then the Carthaginians.
Having come under the influence of the Roman Empire, the Moroccans finally learned about a quiet life and first encountered Christianity. The world reigned for only a couple of centuries, until Morocco was conquered by the Arabs. Muslims overthrew the previous religion and imposed Islam, which remained here. Closer to the XIX century, the country was again conquered by Europeans and became a colony. Britain, Germany, Spain and France fought for it. The latter got Morocco at its full disposal. Surprisingly, the French did not try to impose their style in local interiors. The features of the “root” design were preserved and supplemented by new ones.
As can be seen from the rich history, Morocco was exposed to various peoples. All this is reflected in the features of the interior decoration of the rooms. The Moorish and Spanish styles (both nearest neighbors) influenced the root “Berber” trend most strongly. In the Moroccan interiors can be traced rough "native" features, oriental, graceful motifs of the Moors and light Castilian notes.
Style features
The modern Moroccan style has almost no differences with a similar direction that was used in the design of housing many centuries ago. Think about where the country is located and it will become clear why the house for the Moroccan has become an oasis, a corner for rest, peace, reflection and intimate conversations with loved ones.This piece of personal space should stand out among the monotonous desert, to delight your eyes and have a pleasant pastime. Comfort comes first, beauty follows, and only third is functionality.
Among the main features of the Moroccan style are:
Polished wood surfaces in Morocco are considered too boring. They are surely adorned with intricate carvings that echoes the ornate ornament on the walls.
Color spectrum
The basis of the color scheme is warm colors. Moroccan interiors are bright and colorful, but at the same time the decor is not without oriental grace.Red, pink, burgundy, wine, coral, fuchsia, peach, yellow, brown prevail in the color palette. The influence of the East can be traced in the use of blue, blue, purple, turquoise. For interior decoration, such traditional combinations as red with gold (yellow), heavenly and orange are used. Through the use of luxurious colors, the style claims high luxury, akin to the chic of baroque and rococo. Ideas for decorating rooms draw from nature itself: a red-orange sunset, pale yellowness of sand, aquamarine overflows, gold of boundless expanses to the horizon.
Materials and methods of decoration
The design uses a combination of wood and stone. Of these materials, houses are being built in Morocco. The ceiling can be plastered, but the joint between it and the wall must be decorated with a carved frieze. An alternative to plaster will be small tiles or a non-standard option - wood panels decorated with carvings. To fix such magnificence on the ceiling with your own hands is very problematic. A complex frame base will be required, so it is better to resort to the help of professionals. Since the ceilings are high in Moroccan houses, such a solution looks organic, but in typical domestic apartments, alas, the option will eat valuable centimeters. All surfaces are decorated with ceramic tiles and the reason is not only in its beauty, but also in the ability to “cool” the room.
Since the country is located in Africa, it is characterized by temperature extremes and scorching heat during the day, so the locals escaped in the coolness of their homes. The tiles are chosen bright, patterned and small. Large fragments, which are often used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms, are not suitable in this case. You should choose a special mosaic tile with thematic patterns: rhombuses, octagons, stars, squares and other geometric shapes.
Furniture
The basis of the furniture set is sofas. They are located in almost every room, and the more the better. If possible, then the sofas are forced to the entire perimeter. They are covered by an armada of pillows. Low sofas are not attached to sofas, but coffee tables. Although both of these concepts merged into a single whole, in Morocco they are really used for drinking hot drinks in miniature cups, rather than storing periodicals in a special niche. By the way, there may be more than one table. A picturesque composition of several elements of the same type will become a bright decoration of the interior. Also use trestle beds, couches, small benches, low dressers. Furniture is made of solid wood with the addition of forged elements.
Lighting
Lighting in the interior should be soft and not cause a desire to obscure. Lamps are traditionally made of metal. “Shell” is decorated with oriental patterns. Decorative elements are called Moroccan lanterns. Their shape may be different:
Ceiling chandeliers do not play such an important role as in European styles. Emphasis is placed on sconces, floor and table lamps. They complement the lighting system with wax candles, which will give the atmosphere a touch of oriental romance.
Accessories and decor
The decor is made exclusively from natural materials. The style dates back to centuries when plastic and composites simply did not exist. The materials are dominated by metal, glass, wood and clay. By the way, there are few decorative elements used, because luxurious painting on the walls and variegated shades make the interiors bright and original. Sofas and beds are decorated with numerous pillows, among which there are certainly elements of elongated forms, traditional for the east.
Decorative niches in the walls are filled with metal plates on stands, elegant boxes, candlesticks on massive legs, flower vases, clay jugs and bowls. Tall windows are decorated with black metal bars. In hot climates, they are rarely closed, so the element is more needed to protect against uninvited guests.
The role of textile in style
Textiles play the main style-forming role. Of the fabrics, only natural ones are chosen: silk, wool, linen and cotton. There is textile in almost every corner of the room: in upholstery, elegant pillowcases for pillows, heavy curtains and light, air curtains, canopies over the bed, handmade rugs. If upholstered furniture has an ugly coating "from the manufacturer", then it is covered with covers and bedspreads. It is advisable to use unique textile products that can be made even by yourself. The fabrics are decorated with a thematic, oriental pattern, which is continued in the surfaces of ceramic tiles.
Kitchen interier
The walls and floor of Moroccan cuisine are tiled. To highlight an apron against its background, you can use neutral “natural” shades: sand, cobalt, brown. Furniture is chosen from wood with roughly processed surfaces. Hinged shelves are decorated with metal and clay plates, pots, vases.
If the kitchen is combined with the dining room, then a group of Moroccan lamps of various shapes with a metal "frame" is hung over the dining table. Chairs are made of carved wood. Complete the design with a pair of pots with indoor plants.
Living room decoration
The drawing room is considered the favorite room of Moroccans as visitors and households gather in it. A required attribute for this room is a sofa. It should be as long and as large as possible. If the dimensions of the room allow, then it is decorated with a sofa "series" around the perimeter. The windows are curtained with heavy curtains and air curtains. The walls are decorated with carved panels, ceramic tiles, wall lights, niches with thematic decorations. The ceiling is supported by decorative columns.
Moroccan-style bedroom
The Moroccan bedroom, like other rooms, has a minimal set of furniture: a wide bed, a pair of bedside tables and a table. If the room is spacious, then a traditional sofa (couch, trestle bed) with a coffee table is placed nearby. The accent wall at the head of the bed is decorated with a niche, which has a traditional oriental dome with an elongated tip. It is decorated with a composition of ceramic, glass, clay or wooden elements. A small chandelier crowns the ceiling, and a sconce is installed symmetrically on both sides of the bed. Windows are decorated with wrought iron bars. Cover them with air curtain. The floor must be covered with rugs. Grind the composition with a hookah, indoor plants in pots, plates with fruits and oriental sweets on the tables.
Bath and toilet design
The walls and floor in the Moroccan-style bathroom are finished with fine tiles with a traditional ornament. Modern shower cubicles are abandoned in favor of a luxurious bathtub. The sink uses an invoice. The original decision will be to buy a specimen made of stone, which is of high cost, but at the same time will last for decades.The facades of cupboards for storing towels and household items are decorated with a fine lattice. If the ceilings are high, a vaulted frame structure is added over the bathroom, complemented by open shelves on the sides.
You can spy on the Moroccan style in numerous themed cafes and restaurants. Oddly enough, but the catering facilities honestly reflect the ethnic characteristics of the situation and do not allow the appearance of unusual details. Of course, to get inspired, you can go to the country where this direction originated. Luxurious, endless landscapes, picturesque sunsets, the skyline “shaking” from the hot air - this is what helps to find the right mood to create an original, unique interior in the Moroccan style.