DECOR BY WAY OF MARRAKECH / by Yarah David

Ah Morrocco. The Moors. And a legacy of design that is so exotic and decorative it is simply, well, Moreish. The country is extremely diverse, with residents that are Arab, Berber, European and sub-Saharan African whose collective cultural hertitages contribute to a design style that is rich and varied. Even so, as diverse as the influences are, Morrocan style can generally be characterised by a few well known decoratif motifs, (such as the horseshoe arched doorway) and with the addition of only a few key features; think super rich jewel colours, fretwork screens, intricately carved woodwork and multi patterned tiles, any home can take on an the air of a Morroccan riad. It probably goes without saying I'm a huge fan, hence a well deserved post on Decor by way of Marrakech; the enduring influence of Morrocan design. 

There is nothing shy or retiring about these monochrome Morrocan style tiles. And choosing to decorate with Morroccan tiles is often about making a statement, so why not? If you're going to do it, be bold.

There is nothing shy or retiring about these monochrome Morrocan style tiles. And choosing to decorate with Morroccan tiles is often about making a statement, so why not? If you're going to do it, be bold.

Alternatively here's how to do pared down classic Morrocan styling, Arabian arches with green and white trellis wall tiles - Turkish themed Spa at Glenmere Mansion, upstate New York. 

Alternatively here's how to do pared down classic Morrocan styling, Arabian arches with green and white trellis wall tiles - Turkish themed Spa at Glenmere Mansion, upstate New York. 

Another screen influence - minimal graphic take on a well known quatrefoil trellis shape. 

Another screen influence - minimal graphic take on a well known quatrefoil trellis shape. 

Decorative horseshoe arch and classic tiles in sea green make for beautiful serenity in this bath alcove.

Decorative horseshoe arch and classic tiles in sea green make for beautiful serenity in this bath alcove.

Fresh morrocan tiles make a sharp citrus splash in the kitchen.

Fresh morrocan tiles make a sharp citrus splash in the kitchen.

Classic blue and white hand painted tiles compliment old brass bathroom fixtures beautifully.

Classic blue and white hand painted tiles compliment old brass bathroom fixtures beautifully.

Contrasting rose concrete encaustic tiles make a feature of this shelf nook.

Contrasting rose concrete encaustic tiles make a feature of this shelf nook.

Randomly laid squares of patterned tiles make up a vibrant patchwork floor.

Randomly laid squares of patterned tiles make up a vibrant patchwork floor.

Emerald green cabinets and a wall of tiles - cleverly broken up with blank white tiles to alleviate and refresh the look of the repetitive pattern.

Emerald green cabinets and a wall of tiles - cleverly broken up with blank white tiles to alleviate and refresh the look of the repetitive pattern.

Fretwork screen archway, cool aqua-wash walls and a decorative fan mirror. A Morroccan edge cleverly combined with European influences. 

Fretwork screen archway, cool aqua-wash walls and a decorative fan mirror. A Morroccan edge cleverly combined with European influences. 

Maximum impact; wall to wall geometric tiles in the walk in shower. Contrasted by plain stone tiles on the floor and seat.

Maximum impact; wall to wall geometric tiles in the walk in shower. Contrasted by plain stone tiles on the floor and seat.

Simple geommetric trellis pattern bought up to date in chic gold and white.

Simple geommetric trellis pattern bought up to date in chic gold and white.