Moroccan home decor is a well-appointed way to bring both form, function, and flair to your home. The North African country is well-known for its lanterns, bold patterns, and hand-crafted accents—but there’s so much more to Moroccan decor than just the colorful and cozy aesthetic.
“I believe that everyone all over the world has a Moroccan object somewhere at home, maybe without even knowing it,” says Vanessa Di Mino, Artistic Director for Chabi Chic. “This is what is so great about Moroccan craftsmanship and home decor—it manages to cross all borders, all social classes, all styles of decoration.”
Looking to learn more about how to design and decorate a Moroccan-inspired space? We spoke to a handful of Moroccan designers and hoteliers about exactly how to bring the coveted Moroccan style and philosophy home.
Meet the Expert
- Manuela Marzari is the Hotel Owner and Manager at MonRiad Marrakech.
- Tom Lawrence-Levy is the Founder of Natural Asthetik.
- Vanessa Di Mino is the Artistic Director at Chabi Chic.
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Incorporate a Touch of Zellige
“The main characteristic of Moroccan houses is the presence of Zellige tilework, which is the maximum expression of local craftsmanship,” explains Manuela Marzari, Hotel Manager at MonRiad Marrakech. “Zellige, colored tiles, arches, and hand-made stuccoes will all give a Moroccan-inspired feel.”
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Take Inspiration from the Medina
“Giving a Moroccan touch to an apartment is not difficult and above all even without a huge budget,” says Marzari. “Lanterns, hands of fatima, colored tassels, pillow covers, wall lamps, and raffia decorations are all available at the Medina (and from online markets!) at budget-friendly prices.”
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Make Time for Tea
According to Marzari, no Morrocan home or riad is complete without ample time for tea. “Trays and teapots are easy to find in the souks of the cities and at affordable prices,” she says.
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Invest in Moroccan-made Furniture and Rugs
For those with higher budgets, Marzari suggests opting for traditional Moroccan-made furniture, which is typically made of high quality, hand-carved wood, wrought iron, and sometimes can even be hand-painted. Marzari also suggests investing in a large Berber carpets for a little extra coziness.
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A Little Goes a Long Way
“If you do not want to decorate your home in complete Moroccan style for a thousand and one nights, the addition of a Moroccan pouf or a raffia pot plant cover can give your home a more subtle bohemian taste,” says Marzari.
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Consider Warm Neutrals Fabrics
With Moroccan style, incorporating various textures and fabrics is key. “I love keeping styles more neutral, while still including some Moroccan touches,” says Tom Lawrence-Levy, Founder of Natural Asthetik. “For example, I love including Moroccan mudcloth pillows and throws, which adds warmth and focuses more on texture as opposed to loud colors or prints.”
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Lean into Bohemian Style
“What’s great about Moroccan-inspired decor is that we can easily add little touches to foster an impactful ambience,” says Di Mino. “You could easily go for a Bohemian theme with some woven accent furniture, dried flowers, and handmade goods that can supplement your existing style.”
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Bring the Outside In
Di Mino also suggests leaning into a more rustic approach if you want to move away from more obvious Moroccan-inspired decor. “For rustic interior styles, consider bringing objects from outside into your home. All of those natural materials that are resistant to the outdoors will offer a distinctly rustic Moroccan stamp on your home.” Di Mino recommends baskets, lanterns, wooden side tables, and even foraged foliage to give your space a subtle rustic Moroccan look.
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Go Minimal
Di Mino suggests investing in a couple of high quality vintage artisan pieces that were made to last (but might already have some well-worn character to them) if you’re looking for a more minimal approach to Moroccan style. “For minimalist styles, that's where it becomes more interesting,” says Di Mino. “Moroccan craftsmanship has everything you need for this kind of decoration. An oversized hammered metal tray placed on a coffee table or simply placed against a wall that will catch the light is just perfect. I also find raw terracotta very beautiful in accumulation on a dining room table.”
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Don’t Overlook Scent
If you’ve ever been to Morocco, you’re likely well aware of just how well the country does fragrance. “Orange blossom, Oud, and Jasmine will transport you back to memories of Morocco,” explains Di Mino. “A ceramic burner where you can change the oil scents to diffuse will create a cozy atmosphere and give your space a distinct feeling of Moroccan flair.”
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Consider Both Form and Function
While Moroccan decor seems to hold aesthetic and style at the forefront, Di Mino urges anyone hoping to emulate Moroccan flair to consider both form and function; seeing the beauty in everyday routine. “In Morocco, we place emphasis on the need for each piece to be designed for a specific function in the everyday life of Moroccans,” she says. “What’s more, the handmade aspect gives these objects a particular character... a soul.”