Moorish style or Moroccan ethnic home decor is generally inspired by multiple cultures and ethnicities. If you are considering re-designing your house to have the Moorish look, you will find that Moroccan home decor collection is influenced by different cultures all over the world. French style is apparent in their art, and Arabic style has great significance in Moorish furniture and architecture.

Moroccan ethnic home decor can be categorized into two types, the urban decor and the rural decor. Understandably, the urban decor is greatly influenced by their neighbouring countries of Europe where use of metal, ceramics, wood and leather is rampant. The rural decor has huge inclination to be identified with the Middle East making use of rugs and embroideries; with fabric and textile as their main items.

Bright natural colors are one of the most significant details you can find in this beautiful style of interior design. They have a passion to use earth colors that they feel represents their culture. The blue of the sea and the gold of the dessert are the two most used shade. They normally combine these with yellow, green, orange and purple. The key is to have a sense of vibrancy, as such, any color will do provided that is it bright and vibrant. Mosaic is greatly appreciated in Moroccan standard; you can find mosaics created in bright colors on doors, windows and tables. Since Morocco is a tropical country, their houses will never do without plants. A textured green wall can create an illusion of a forest, making the surrounding warm and relaxing.

Pictured: Moroccan Leather Poufs

Now, the most distinct feature this brand of ethnic home decor can offer is the lighting. Lighting is one of the most important attribute of a Moroccan house. They normally use wide variety of different lights in their home such as, Moroccan chandeliers, Moroccan scones, lanterns, hanging pendants and lamps. Normally, these lights have a Moroccan unique design handcrafted from Moroccan solid brass with very intricate and elaborately sophisticated patterns.

Moroccan ethnic home decor is not about smooth and flawless style. They generally love texture and shapes. A typical Moroccan home will most likely consist of different rugs that were created using different materials and designed having different shapes and patterns. Draperies are also lavishly textured created from thick fabrics in colorful design and patterns. However, this is much apparent in a rural decor than the urban decor since urban decor are more westernized than the other. Note also that Moroccans love jewels, you can find their pillows and cushion with jewels embedded on it.

In creating a Moroccan home, bear in mind that theirs is a rich culture with a long history and many influences. There are many choices you can choose to get the look and feel you desire.

Furniture:

Furniture is essential to completing this design style and the bed will be the center piece. You likely already have a vision of what a harem bedroom looks like, so you know that the traditional Maharajah style four poster bed compliments the Indian or Moroccan theme very well. Also referred to as a canopy style bed, it should have four posts, or one post at each corner of the bed. If you are shopping for new bedroom furniture – then put that on your list of things to get. However if a new bedroom suite is not in your budget, there are a few things that you can do to work around this. The Maharajah bed is typically draped with with colorful fabrics, as if to almost create an enclosed space. Look for fabrics in vibrant jewel tone colors such as ruby reds, deep royal purples and golds. You may also want to visit your local Indian market for fabrics used in traditional Saris, or the long wraps that Indian women wear. Drape the fabric elegantly around the posters of your bed. If you do not have a canopy or poster style bed, you can create a similar look by hanging them from your ceiling or purchasing pre-hung canopy netting.

Ambiance:

People like harem themed events because it makes them feel sensual and sexy, so remember – ambiance is very important to this design style. You definitely want to ditch the harsh lighting – soft “mood” lighting is the way to go here. If your room isn’t equipped with light dimmers then use some of your fabric to cover your windows. This will soften the natural light coming into the room. You can also purchase light bulbs in the lost wattage possible. If the room is still too bright, look for small Asian inspired lanterns and candles. The smell of the room is also important. Avoid citrus or fruit scents, instead opt for wild flowers, night musk, orchids or even myrrh.

Accents:

Unlike Zen inspired rooms, where minimalism is key – Indian, Arabian or Moroccan inspired rooms are marked by the use of accent pieces and accessories. Of course you don’t want to go overboard with this, but it’s definitely a style that lends itself to “stuff”. Adorn your bed and a designated corner or seating area of your room with throw and body pillows of various sizes. Small tables, beads, bowls of exotic fruit, and mirrors are also great ideas!

Asian Inspired Decor

There are a few key elements to creating that exotic Moroccan theme, those elements are the right color, use of fabrics and the right furniture or accent pieces. The colors most commonly found in this theme can be described as spicy, warm, and jewel toned. On one hand, deep reddish-oranges are very common, but so is a sapphire blue, magenta or even saffron yellow. Just make sure your colors are warm and “sultry”.One of the most recognizable aspects of a Moroccan themed room is in the use of fabrics. If you want to be as close to authentic as possible, using fabrics is a must! Silk draperies, satin throws, or elegant fabrics draped across a chaise lounge or bed post are all great ideas.

The type of furniture used will vary from beds or mattresses that rest completely on the floor or larger beds on elevated platforms complete with a canopy. If you aren’t looking to totally replace your existing furniture, consider making or purchasing a netted canopy to hang over the head of your bed. This accessory can be found at most bedding stores for less than fifty dollars. It adds exotic style to your bedroom without spending a ton of money. You can complete your look with a few well placed accent pieces. Over sized seating cushions add authenticity and create a place to lounge. Lamps and candles are also a really important part of the theme. Candle holders and wall sconces with Arab influences can be found online or at stores like Pier 1 Imports. It’s ok to be eclectic when creating your look – so have fun with it.