Carved Moroccan table
Moroccan decor elicits imported traditions from the Far East, Southern Spain and Northern Africa. Colors are dramatic in jeweled and spiced tones. Fabrics are luxurious silks, embroidered wools and gauze-like sheers. The bedroom is a retreat, your private oasis; the Moroccan theme conjures images of the Bedouin, Moorish palaces and the Sahara Desert. To effectively transform a bedroom, keep it simple with a Moorish flair.
Paint
Color plays an important role. Start with the walls. Colors are bold in cobalt blue, deep purple, saffron yellow and reddish-orange. When setting up a Moroccan motif, imagine the colors of saffron, paprika, curry and cinnamon. These rich colors require balance with more earthy tones such as sand, camel and coffee. Texture is also a consideration. Moroccan walls are rough stucco or weathered. Combine a small amount of sand to the paint for texture. Or use a color wash instead to achieve a windswept ambience. For a conservative approach, use a brighter color on just one wall. This will become the accent color. Make it brighter, such as a deep blue, or alternately try gold or silver. Use also on shutters, window trim and doors. Include this color for accessories and fabrics.
Window Treatment
Take fabric into account when selecting window treatments. Frame windows with airy and lightweight fabric in the rich colors mentioned above. Fabrics should drape and flow. Find sheer or gauzy fabrics and sway them over the rods instead of hanging drapes. If the walls are based around warm tones such as rustic reds, marigold oranges and saffron yellows, choose sheers of a lighter tone but same rich color or select curtains with a light pattern in the accent colors, such as cobalt blue, gold or silver with a gauzy milky white background. Make certain that the curtains filter light but do not obscure it.
Bedding
Sheets, duvet covers, blankets and comforters should match or offset the chosen color scheme. Again, stay with spice colors and balance with the earthy. Add pattern, stripes or fringe to the bedding in tones of poppy red, exotic orange and turquoise. Complete the bedding by adding several embroidered raw silk throw pillows with a Moorish or Eastern pattern. Use mosquito netting above the bed in a rich jeweled tone. Have it match both curtains and bedding to tie color and theme together.
Floor
Hardwood floors should be partially covered with a Persian or woven Kilim area rug to soften the wood. Add floor pillows or floor cushions in embroidered silks, rustic reds and orange kilim colors. For dramatic change, lay down terracotta Spanish tile.
Lighting
In Moroccan décor, lighting sets the mood. Look for Moroccan candle lanterns to place on the nightstands instead of bed lamps. Hang a wrought-iron chandelier with metal cutouts or a tinted resin bowl for the center of the ceiling. Strategically situate a mirror framed in metal with a Moorish design or arch so that light bounces off the glass to infuse the bedroom in a warm glow. Another type of lighting are called henna lighting. The shade is henna-painted (like henna tattoo design) goatskin which lends to an exotic atmosphere.
Furniture
Depending on the size of the room, opt for carved, dark wood or wrought iron when deciding on chairs, benches, dressers and chests. Armoires are heavy pieces of furniture but they are hand painted in the colors and patterns of Moroccan motif. Alternately go for an inlaid dresser or bedside table. Find a painted headboard with Moroccan design that echoes other accented pieces and color. Complete bedframes make a statement with intricate carvings and arches. Pick a carved screen to place in one corner. Think contrast when selecting furniture. An example is a rough wooden table topped with a highly polished silver tray.
Accents
Decorative tiles play an important role in Moroccan design. Irregularity, shape and color add to the overall theme. Use tile for flooring, wall art or mirrors. A distinctive accent could be wrought iron which is found in decorative wall art, wall scones and ornate lanterns. Choose one large piece of ceramic for a tall plant such as palm. Another accent is a large vase with intricate silver and metal work inlaid into the clay. Find a fringed or tasseled wedding blanket to casually throw over a trunk or bed. Keep accents to a minimum or it will come across as poor taste.
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