Home to some of the most beautiful interior décor, it’s near impossible to take a trip to Morocco without coming back with a suitcase full of exquisite treasures—believe me, I had to buy an extra bag to bring home all of my finds. Situated in Northeast Africa, the country of Morocco is made up of a variety of people groups who are known for their own styles of home furnishings. From textiles and glass to pottery and tile, the country is filled with stunning handmade pieces that add pops of color and design to any space.
It’s hard not to be left speechless, stepping into a traditional riad accommodation. Brightly colored tiles covering almost every surface, a rainbow of fabrics making up the plush seating, and interior courtyards comprised of tranquil pools and fountains typically make up this often open-air lodging.
Morocco is widely known for its finely made rugs. While the different colors and patterns of the rugs make them unique, what is equally fascinating is the materials in which they are made and how they relate to the geographical home of the artisans who make them. For instance, rugs made by people living in the Atlas Mountains tend to be softer because they are often made of cactus silk and sheep’s wool which are prevalent in the area, while rugs made in the Sahara Desert tend to be rougher because they are made from yarn made of camel hair. While these rugs are perfect on the floor of any room, they can also be hung as wall décor or even used as decorative bedding accents. Likewise, a unique green glazed pottery is created right outside of the Sahara Desert in the village of Tamegroute, and pottery items painted in black and white patterns are the signature style of the Berber people.
Weaving through the winding alleyways of the souks—outdoor markets—in cities such as Marrakech and Fes will also bring you across lamp shops brimming with colorful glass and metal lamps of every hue and shape imaginable. From hanging light fixtures to table lamps, this is a great way to incorporate beautiful Moroccan stained glass and lighting into your home.
The city of Fes is best known for its famous tannery, where they use a natural process to dye leather into bright colors. Through this natural process, pigeon droppings and limestone are used to strip the hides of their natural color and create a white base to prepare the leather to be dyed. Rather than using chemical-based dyes, the array of colors used to dye the leather at the tannery come straight from the earth. With flowers and herbs being transformed into dyes, the plain leather is then transformed into a rainbow of varying hues- shades of red derived from poppies, greens from mint, and blues from indigo.
One of the most striking features of Moroccan architecture and design is the widespread use of tile to cover any surface imaginable. From floor to ceiling, the most vibrant tiles arranged in the most intricate patterns can be seen everywhere you look in the country. In places such as Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic school, the words of the Muslim holy book are painted in decorative script on the walls becoming both practical and part of the design. Furthermore, even the wood doors are carved with intricate patterns that are simply mesmerizing.
From every rooftop view to alleyway in Morocco, there is something stunning for the eye to behold. A travel tip to anyone heading to Morocco, pack your suitcase and then take out half of your stuff and leave it at home because I can guarantee, you’ll be coming back with lots of functional souvenirs to decorate your home. It is all too beautiful to pass up!
