As people, we are often fascinated with the aesthetics of older countries. Whether it be hanging a Union Jack flag in our college dorm room or purchasing vibrant beaded curtains for our first apartment, we often look to other cultures for design inspiration. For many, Casablanca is a dream vacation (although I hear nearby Marrakesh is much more tourist-friendly). For me, Moroccan interior design has stepped back into the spotlight.
Moroccan living rooms are a celebration of life, with a focus on boldness. Join us on a journey with our Moroccan living room ideas and turn your space into a colourful haven of cultural heritage and timeless style. Moroccan living rooms are a mix of cultures, African, European and Arabian all woven together in a colourful patchwork of patterns, geometry and textures.
Key Elements of Moroccan Interior Design
Moroccan interior design embraces rich colors, including deep terracottas, indigos, greens, golds, pinks, and purples. Sometimes these colors only appear as accents, showcased in crisper neutral rooms of sandy whites. Like the busy street markets of Marrakech, Moroccan design schemes are layered with rich textiles and intriguing accessories.
Architectural Integrity
Add to your living room’s architectural integrity with features like carved ceilings, arches and wooden screens. Find the architectural elements that define Moroccan inspired living rooms, from outdoor patios to decorative screens and arches. Turn your outdoor living areas into Moroccan inspired retreats with Moroccan pillows, woven throws and ambient lighting.
Traditional Seating
Experience Moroccan living with traditional seating like the Majlis, low sofas, floor cushions and Moroccan pouf leather ottomans. Find the basics of a Moroccan inspired living room, warm pink tones with neutral background and traditional seating like the Majlis.
Read also: The Allure of Blue and White Tile
Moroccan Textiles
Add Moroccan textiles to your living room to increase its tactility and cultural heritage. From woven throws to intricate tapestries and geometric patterned throw pillows, these fabrics will add depth and visual interest and celebrate the craftsmanship of Moroccan art.
Moroccan Lighting
Light your living room with the magic of Moroccan lanterns and henna lamps, the intricate patterns of light and shadow will give you a sense of exotic chic. Find the magic of Moroccan lighting where metal or glass lanterns and henna lamps will create a warm and cosy ambiance. Consider Moroccan table lamps and Moroccan pendant lights to add to the ambiance with their stained glass or metal work.
Transform Your Small Spaces: DIY Moroccan-Inspired Decor Ideas | TDESIGN CHANNEL
Incorporating Moroccan Design Elements
One of the key features of Moroccan inspired living rooms is the use of patterned tile and mosaic. These can be used on floors, walls and furniture to add a sense of artistry and cultural heritage. Add eclectic elements that celebrate Moroccan art and culture to your living room, Moroccan artwork paintings of traditional Moroccan scenes. Add Moroccan artwork and tapestries that tell stories of tradition and craftsmanship to your living room. Bring the outdoors in with indoor plants and Moroccan hospitality with Babouche slippers.
To make a Moroccan living room, add traditional details like carved wooden decor, colourful textiles and soft lighting. Old fireplaces, candle lanterns, plush rugs, low tables, hookahs and tiles will create a relaxed and luxurious feel. Find the finishing touches for your Moroccan inspired living room, from ornate tea pots and pottery to leather poufs and decorative mirrors. Add leather poufs and decorative mirrors to your living room to create a luxurious space that oozes Moroccan glamour.
Read also: Morocco's Blue Pearl
Mixing Moroccan with Modern Styles
Find the art of mixing Moroccan with modern styles like midcentury or Scandinavian to create a modern Moroccan living room that’s eclectic and harmonious. Create a modern Moroccan living room by mixing traditional Moroccan with midcentury or Scandinavian styles. Mix modern eclectic decor by combining Moroccan classics like Beni Ourain rugs with midcentury furniture and bold textiles.
The Essence of Moroccan Style
Go for bold colours, intricate patterns and luxurious textures to create a room that celebrates Moroccan heritage and your personal style. All in all, here's our guide for a Moroccan living room design in a nutshell.
Hallmarks of Moroccan Design
Moroccan interiors are known for their striking geometric patterns, which add depth and character to any space. You can incorporate these patterns with tile, of course, be it a zellige tile mosaic or intricately patterned cement tile. Or, you may look to patterned rugs and intricately designed wallpaper. As you home in on pattern, look for symmetrical designs and repeating motifs inspired by islamic art. These patterns play especially well with accent walls, tabletops, and cushions to create visual interest. Don’t shy away from mixing patterns, either - maintaining a cohesive color palette can help ensure harmony.
Textured wall finishes like tadelakt plaster and stucco are central to Moroccan design. These finishes create a smooth yet organic appearance, offering a subtle play of light and shadow. Tadelakt, in particular, adds a soft sheen and a luxurious feel, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or feature walls. With this route, consider layering color washes or applying a slightly uneven texture for added depth. Of course, we know another way to achieve an artisanal look. (hint: it’s zellige tile.) Similar to tadelakt plaster, zellige and zellige tile lookalikes have inimitable depth and texture thanks to their handcrafted nature.
Moroccan Colors and Textiles
Moroccan design thrives on bold, vibrant colors that evoke the country’s natural landscapes. Think: deep blues inspired by chefchaouen, fiery reds reminiscent of the desert, and sunny yellows reflecting the mediterranean. Combine these shades with neutral tones like beige or white to balance the palette. You might apply colors through patterned tiles, painted walls, or decorative accessories such as cushions and throws. Whether you opt for a single accent color or a full spectrum, vibrant hues infuse moroccan interiors with energy and warmth.
Read also: Men's Moroccan Fashion
Textiles play a vital role in creating the cozy, layered look of moroccan interiors. Start with handwoven rugs, such as beni ourain or kilim, and then add cushions, poufs, and throws that feature intricate embroidery or tassels. Don’t forget to mix textures like wool, silk, and cotton to add dimension and comfort. Draping fabric over furniture or using it as a canopy will add to the soft and inviting atmosphere. Layering textiles not only enhances warmth but also allows you to showcase moroccan craftsmanship at its very best.
Wood and Metal Accents
Carved woodwork is another staple of moroccan design, adding detail and craftsmanship to any space. Look for pieces such as intricately carved doors and wall panels. These elements often feature arabesque patterns or geometric motifs, showcasing morocco’s artistic heritage. Don’t forget furniture, either. A carved wooden headboard, room divider, or mirror frame can serve as a stunning focal point. Opt for rich, natural wood tones or painted finishes to match your color palette. These statement pieces bring depth and cultural authenticity to your home.
Metal accents, such as brass, copper, and silver, add a touch of glamour to moroccan interiors. You might incorporate hammered metal trays, decorative bowls, or mirrors with ornate frames, for example. Lighting fixtures, like pendant lamps or sconces, often feature intricate filigree work that blends form and function. Metallic finishes pair beautifully with rich colors and patterns, creating a sense of opulence. These accents also reflect light, enhancing the warm, inviting ambience of moroccan-inspired spaces.
Natural Elements
Natural materials are essential in moroccan interiors, grounding the space with organic beauty. Terracotta tile floors, clay pots, and stone accents reflect the earthy tones of morocco’s landscapes. We especially love using terracotta tiles for warmth and texture. Stone countertops, sinks, and decorative elements add another raw and authentic touch. Incorporating these materials not only connects the house design to nature but also creates a sense of timelessness and durability.
Merging Indoor and Outdoor Living
Moroccan homes often blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless connection with nature. Courtyards, patios, and rooftop terraces are integral, serving as relaxing retreats adorned with lush plants, fountains, and comfortable seating. Even if you live in a cooler climate, you can incorporate outdoor-inspired elements inside, such as potted plants, natural light, and water features. Large windows, open layouts, and french doors will also help unify the spaces. By merging indoor and outdoor living, you create a harmonious, tranquil environment reflective of moroccan lifestyle and design principles.
Moroccan Style House: The Riad
A traditional moroccan style house is called a “riad.” Riads are typically found in the medinas, or old quarters, of moroccan cities. The defining feature of a riad is its inward-focused layout, with a central courtyard that’s home to a fountain or garden. This design prioritizes privacy and tranquility, making the courtyard the heart of the home. A riad is usually adorned with intricate zellige tiles, carved woodwork, and tadelakt plaster, showcasing morocco’s beautiful craftsmanship. It offers a serene oasis from the bustling streets, embodying the country’s harmonious blend of function and beauty. For good reasons, many modern homes seek to replicate the riad’s design.
Architectural Features of a Moroccan Style House
Moroccan style houses are distinguished by their intricate and functional architectural features. Key elements include arched doorways and windows, often in a keyhole or horseshoe shape. You’ll also find mashrabiya wooden screens for ventilation and privacy. Courtyards and fountains are central, too, creating a calming retreat. As for walls and floors: those are usually adorned with zellige tiles, while tadelakt plaster provides a smooth, luxurious finish. Ceilings might have exposed wooden beams or carved details.
Subdued Moroccan-Inspired Design
Besides structural considerations, the designer had to be mindful of a young family’s needs. Additionally, the client liked Moroccan, bohemian, shabby chic, and coastal designs and hoped to find a midway between them for her home. Want to see more amazing before and afters? Shaggy rugs, bold neutrals, layered textiles, and ornate lighting flooded the client’s inspiration. She loved Moroccan-style interiors and bohemian interior design above all. But modern coastal and shabby chic spaces also appealed to her sense of style.
Casey’s Moroccan interior design style blends contemporary aesthetics with boho coziness. To balance modern lines and add a global touch, she included Moroccan poufs, textured throw pillows, and blankets. Her suggested statement lighting would also add a stunning touch. Altogether, her concept is stylish without being cold.
The master suite features both coastal and Moroccan-inspired bedroom decor. The white color scheme makes the room feel airy and spacious. It also creates a calming atmosphere. Moroccan-style nightstands and a headboard match the weathered look of the shabby chic dresser.
The client’s daughter wanted a mermaid-themed bedroom, and the result is both fun and classy. A soft scheme of pastel green, blue and pink creates a dreamy kid’s room. The candy-colored interior also features white for its neutral base. Cute artwork and a scalloped mirror adorn the walls. Not only is the Moroccan-inspired living room stylish, but it’s also comfy and enjoyable.
Spice Up Your Interior
You can spice up your interior with a few exceptional pieces. For this project, we’ve put together our favorite Moroccan-inspired décor below. Whatever your style preference or location, you can create your ideal interior.
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