Moroccan design incorporates elements of its ancient past with modern
attitudes to life. If you love colour and a richness in your design this
is the style of you.Particular colours dominate Moroccan interiors - blues, purples, oranges,
reds, yellows and greens all intricately woven together in mosaics
or painted in
large quantities on walls and round doors/window frames. The bright,
natural light of the Moroccan day dictates that these colours must be vibrant.
However more subtle colours are also not unknown - the use of earthy browns
and creams - and just reflects the diverse
nature of this country.
Gold coloured metals are also vital to complete the use of colour in such a
design scheme in the form of
brass lamps and
objects which are set off wonderfully by
the use of pattern and texture.
The art of zillij (the use of hand-cut tiles) is seen throughout Moroccan
design and requires immense patience and commitment. It has been likened
to a bonding of religion and beauty and each tile that forms the completed
design has a specific meaning. Islamic tradition dictates that no images
of living creatures are formed and, therefore, as a result intricate geometrical
designs have been created over the centuries.
Of equal importance to the scheme is the use of texture in the form of
wood, particularly cedar. These trees have been abundant in the region for
many years. The male woodworking communities of cities like Marraskesh and
Fez have passed on their kn owledge from one generation to the next and as a
result fantastic works of art have been produced. Symbols cut into the
wood
represents idea, for instance for fertility of to ward off evil (the
classic star shapes th
at we equate with this design style). Some of the
work, the screens often seen in places of worship or palaces that
are
intricately carves into star and octagonal shapes were intended to keep men and
women apart - today their function is more ornamental.
Other natural materials such as stone and plaster are worked into geometric
designs to reflect the images seen in the
zillij.
To soften the look it is vital to use the appropriate woven materials that
suggest hand-weaving, whether in the form of rugs, throws, wall hangings
or window treatments - bold stripes are ideal!
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