An abundance of natural beauty, centuries of history, and world-renowned architecture: Morocco has it all, so it’s no surprise that its design style is a mesmerizing feast for the eyes.
Tile Shown: Mini Star & Cross in White Wash // Design: Jessie Lane Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac
Inspired by Morocco’s diverse and colorful history, Moroccan style is full of fluid lines, vibrant colors, and stunning patterns that work together to infuse warmth and comfort into every space. While this style generally isn’t understated, the common thread throughout Moroccan style is comfort–meaning you can dial the drama up or down as much as you like.
Tile Shown: 2x8 in Tidewater and Handpainted Elephant Star in custom colorway, similar to Cool Motif // Design + Image: Justina Blakeney
Create a Moroccan oasis inside your home (and out!) with these five design ideas that embody desert decadence.
1. Go Geometric
Tile Shown: Handpainted Avila in custom colorway, Handpainted Vigo in custom colorway // Design + Image: Sara Combs + Rich Combs
Intricate geometric patterns are a fundamental part of Moroccan design and history, and elaborate mosaic tile installations called Zellij can be found on buildings throughout Morocco. Our favorite way to imitate these detailed Moroccan tiles at home? Using Moroccan-inspired Handpainted Tile.
With so many patterns available, Handpainted Tile can be customized and used around your house in almost any application for enduring maximum impact–from dining room floors, to kitchen backsplashes, to decorative borders, the options are truly endless.
Tile Shown: Mini Star & Cross and 1x6 in Flagstone, Handpainted Alameda in a custom colorway // Design + Image: Claire Thomas
Stay true to Morocco’s intricate patterns or use more abstract geometric shapes for a modern take on this style. If you choose to go more modern with your tile, make sure your space has other Moroccan components like arches, mother-of-pearl accents, or textural elements.
Tile Shown: Jardin Fretwork in custom colorway // Design + Image: Sara Combs & Rich Combs
Watch how we handpainted this tile in a custom desert-inspired colorway.
2. Embrace Morocco’s Palette
A blend of earthy and bold colors, this palette draws inspiration from Morocco’s adjoining ocean, glittering sand dunes, and intense desert sunsets. Our favorite Moroccan-inspired glaze colors include Adriatic Sea, Haystack, Calcite, Tidewater, Bryce Canyon, Sand Dune, Antique, and Caspian Sea. Bring home these Moroccan color samples here.
While vibrant jewel tones are frequently used in Morrocan home decorating, earth tones are just as prevalent–which means you can easily personalize the color scheme to suit your own taste.
Tile Shown: Star & Cross in Ivory // Image: Margaret Austin Photography, Sara Combs + Rich Combs
A somewhat unexpected space to incorporate Moroccan style is in the bathroom, where you can replicate Morocco’s intricate designs and rich colors with tile to create your own personal oasis.
See our best design ideas to bring Moroccan flair to your bathroom.
Tile Shown: 8" Hexagon in Tidewater, Handpainted Summit in White Motif // Design: Faith Blakeney // Image: Justina Blakeney
If you’re a neutral-lover, lean into the sandier side of Morocco’s palette. Thoughtful elements like geometric floor tiles, layered accent rugs, and textured walls found in traditional Moroccan homes make the living room below a beautiful illustration of modern Moroccan style awash in earth tones.
Tile Shown: Star & Cross in Antique // Design: Sara Combs + Rich Combs // Image: Margaret Austin Photography, Sara Combs + Rich Combs
3. Incorporate Arches
Tile Shown: Star & Cross in Adobe // Design + Image: Claire Thomas
One of the most recognizable features of Moorish architecture, arches can be integrated into your Moroccan-style home through design choices both big and small–or both, as evidenced in the stunning abode above.
Tile Shown: 8" Hexagon in Adriatic Sea // Design + Image: Justina Blakeney
The rounded, fluid lines of Moroccan arches work beautifully in bathrooms, making high-impact (and highly practical) built-in shower niches–or even shower entrances with stunning Moroccan architectural drama like below.
Curious about designing your own shower niche? Start here with our tips.
Tile Shown: 3x9 in Sea Glass // Design + Image: Dabito
4. Create Your Own Riad
Tile Shown: Mini Star & Cross and 2x2 Sheeted in Jade // Design + Image: Airey Baringer
Moroccan style doesn’t stop at interior design–exteriors are just as important in Morocco, specifically the traditional riad. These open courtyards typically contain a water feature and serve as a lush place to relax and commune.
For your own riad, consider what works best for your climate and home. Outdoor pools with Moroccan-inspired tile can transport you to an oasis without leaving the backyard, but an enclosed patio with a stunning water feature can be just as serene.
Tile Shown: Chaine Homme in Adriatic Sea and 2x4 in Azul // Design: Wes Architecture // Image: Sen Creative
Copious amounts of lush greenery are highly recommended to layer on Moroccan vibes. The outdoor pool below uses a combination of large tropical plants and bright orange tile to create a refreshing retreat reminiscent of a boutique hotel.
Tile Shown: 4x4 in Koi // Design: Handsome Salt // Image: Jenny Siegwart
Love this look? See more of this pool and hear about the inspiration from the designer.
5. Play With Texture
Tile Shown: Ogee in Ivory // Image: Margaret Austin Photography, Sara Combs + Rich Combs
Texture is an important part of Moroccan design, evident in the stone or rough stucco often used for the walls and interiors of Moroccan homes. Generally, these walls are left bare to create an organic look that’s the epitome of understated beauty.
Brick Shown: San Gabriel // Design: Sara Combs + Rich Combs // Image: Margaret Austin Photography
Try incorporating texture into your home with architectural elements like stucco, brick, and unfinished wood. Alternatively, a less permanent way to bring in texture is through accessories such as woven baskets, textural pillows and rugs, or terracotta pots.
Tile Shown: Star & Cross in Antique // Design: Sara Combs + Rich Combs // Image: Margaret Austin Photography, Sara Combs + Rich Combs
Want to infuse the warmth and beauty of Moroccan style into your home? Our design consultants can help bring your unique vision to life with our free design services. Reach out to be connected with your personal consultant today!
