Moroccan Style Interior Design

Situated in Northern Africa, as one of the only three countries to have a coastline along both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Morocco has often been the subject of lush and romantic fantasy. The country is extremely diverse, with residents that are Arab, Berber, and many European and sub-Saharan African immigrants. The interior design that originates in Morocco reflects this diverse area, rich in cultural traditions and history. Characterized by intricate carvings, arched doorways, and colorful fabrics, it should come as no surprise that Moroccan interior design has become quite popular around the world. The images in this post are representative of some of the most stunning and vibrant modern examples of Moroccan interiors, both in and outside of the country itself.

1 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Much of what can be described as Moroccan interior design has its origins in Moorish architecture.

2 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

3 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Moorish architecture was quite common and continues to be seen throughout the Arab regions of North Africa as well as on the Iberian Peninsula.

4 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

5 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Some of the most common characteristics of Moorish architecture including arches, domes, courtyards, and decorative tile work, all of which are well represented in the homes included here.

6 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

7 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

This particular house is rich with Moroccan details, but also draws inspirations from the simplicity of Scandinavian design, despite the fact that the home is actually situated in Doha, Qatar.

8 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

9 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

The design comes from the Mimar Interiors, and incorporates the stunning colors and contrast that are so common in Moroccan-inspired designs.

10 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

11 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

The horseshoe arches are extremely common in Moroccan design and are characterized by a large round arch atop a straighter, narrower doorway (or in this case, indentation). In fact, they may also be referred to as Moorish arches (or keyhole arches).

12 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

13 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

It is not unusual to find these types of arches in mosques. Here, they act as a lovely framing device for interesting art pieces.

14 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

The following images are also from the designers at Mimar Interiors, but represent more modern and varied takes on Moroccan styles.

15 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

16 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Colorful textiles, from upholstery to wall hangings, can indicated Moroccan influence as well.

17 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

18 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

19 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

20 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

For the layman, it may indeed by archways that are most indicative of Moroccan design.

21 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Any room or home with a peaked doorway can immediately be categorized as having at least some influence from Moroccan design.

22 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

23 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Although not the most common arch found in Moroccan interior design, this equilateral archway, combined with the surrounding interior elements, is certainly notable.

24 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

25 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Riads are an extremely notable and gorgeous aspect of Moroccan design and architecture.

26 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

27 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

The term “riad” can refer either to a palatial house, or to the house’s interior garden or courtyard.

28 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

29 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

A Moroccan riad is usually characterized by an elaborately carved skylights that were open to the air.

30 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

31 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

This decidedly modern bathroom uses the Moroccan style as a jumping off point for contemporary decor. The archway, for instance, is a classic example of the Moroccan look, but instead of using brightly colored tile mosaics, here we see flashy silver.

32 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

33 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

34 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Here, the use of interior plantings in the center of the room is clearly a reference to the riad design.

35 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

36 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

It is interesting to note that the concept of riads was originally due to Muslim influence. Since women were generally not allowed outside of the home alone, they could relax and enjoy an interior garden such as a riad without compromising their faith and modesty.

37 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

38 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

39 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

40 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

Apart from religious issues, a riad also provides climate control for homes in areas like Morocco that can be punishingly hot. The open air and water features commonly found there can have a pleasant cooling effect on the rest of the home.

41 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

42 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

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46 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

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48 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

49 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

50 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

In modern Moroccan design, colorful cushions on the floor have been replaced with cozy sofas that sit low to the ground but still offer support.

51 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

52 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

53 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

54 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

55 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

56 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

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58 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

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60 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

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62 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

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68 | Designer: Mimar Interiors

This skylight is a more traditional example of the riad design.

69 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

Muqarans are another common and intricate element included in many Moroccan designs.

70 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

This types of decorations can be made from brick, stone, stucco, or wood and common in palaces and mosques as well as luxury homes.

71 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

The ceiling here is a subtle reference to this style while managing to blend into an entirely modern space.

72 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

73 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

The elaborate archways in this room defy categorization, but are clearly Moroccan-inspired with splashes of lovely turquoise.

74 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

75 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

76 | Designer: Nabeel Riaz

77 | Designer: Amine El Hammoumi

The floral patterns in this Moroccan space from designer Amine El Hammoumi give it a feminine bent.

78 | Designer: Amine El Hammoumi

79 | Designer: Amine El Hammoumi

80 | Designer: Amine El Hammoumi

Also from Amine El Hammoumi, this loft uses intricate carvings and rich textiles to evoke the Moroccan spirit.

81 | Designer: Amine El Hammoumi

82 | Designer: Amine El Hammoumi

83 | Designer: Kenan Osman

This home, from designer Kenan Osman, is a sleek and modern take on the Moroccan style.

84 | Designer: Kenan Osman

85 | Designer: Kenan Osman

The tilework and archways bring the lush history of Moroccan design into the modern space.

86 | Designer: Kenan Osman

87 | Designer: Kenan Osman

88 | Designer: Kenan Osman

This final home is one of the most elaborate and fuses both classical and Moroccan elements.

89 | Designer: Kenan Osman

The water feature room divider and detailed ceiling could easily be Moroccan and even riad-inspired.

90 | Designer: Kenan Osman