Moroccan riads, traditional houses with interior gardens, offer a treasure trove of design inspiration for modern homes. Their enchanting blend of intricate details, vibrant colors, and serene layouts can transform any space into an exotic retreat.
Explore how to bring the magic of these Moroccan gems into your own home with practical design ideas.
1. Use intricate tile patterns
Walking into a room with zellige tilework feels like stepping into a mathematical dreamland. The geometric patterns create a mesmerizing effect that draws the eye and calms the mind.
Mix and match colors or stick with monochromatic schemes for different moods. Start small with a kitchen backsplash or bathroom accent wall if you’re hesitant about going all-in.
2. Incorporate carved wooden screens
Mashrabiyas (wooden lattice screens) add instant architectural interest while filtering light beautifully. Sunlight dancing through these screens casts enchanting shadows that change throughout the day.
Beyond their beauty, these screens offer practical privacy without sacrificing natural light. Use them as room dividers, headboards, or even mount smaller versions as wall art.
3. Add colorful mosaic accents
Splashes of mosaic can instantly elevate ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. Imagine a coffee table topped with hand-cut tiles forming kaleidoscopic patterns that spark conversation.
Mosaic pieces work wonderfully in unexpected places too. Picture frames, mirror borders, or even stair risers become artistic statements. Small accent pieces like coasters or trays offer low-commitment ways to experiment.
4. Choose arched doorways and windows
Graceful arches instantly transport you to another world without requiring a passport. Something magical happens when rectangular openings transform into curved gateways between spaces.
Even in modern homes, horseshoe or keyhole-shaped arches add architectural character that flat doorways simply can’t match. Paint them in contrasting colors to make them pop or keep them subtle for understated elegance.
5. Layer textured rugs and textiles
Barefoot luxury begins with layers of handwoven rugs creating depth underfoot. Nothing compares to the feeling of walking across a genuine Beni Ourain or vibrant kilim rug.
Mixing patterns might seem intimidating, but that’s exactly what creates authentic Moroccan magic. Anchor your space with a larger neutral rug, then layer smaller, more colorful ones at angles for that perfectly imperfect look.
6. Use lantern-style lighting fixtures
Magic happens when light filters through metal lanterns, creating constellations on your walls. Unlike harsh overhead lighting, Moroccan lanterns cast a warm, ambient glow that transforms ordinary evenings into enchanted ones.
Cluster multiple lanterns at varying heights for dramatic effect. Metal lanterns with colored glass panels create jewel-toned light pools, while filigree designs project intricate shadow patterns that dance across your space.
7. Include lush indoor plants
Greenery breathes life into Moroccan-inspired spaces, mimicking the verdant courtyard gardens of authentic riads. Palm varieties and citrus trees in terracotta pots create instant oasis vibes.
Jasmine and bougainvillea add fragrance that completes the sensory experience. Arrange plants of varying heights around seating areas to create intimate conversation nooks. Snake plants and succulents offer low-maintenance alternatives for busy plant parents.
8. Opt for low seating arrangements
Gathering close to the ground creates an intimate atmosphere that conventional furniture simply can’t match. Floor cushions, poufs, and low-slung sofas invite people to relax differently than they do in everyday life.
Arrange seating in conversational clusters rather than formal rows. Mix and match heights with some floor cushions alongside low tables and benches.
9. Add decorative plasterwork (tadelakt)
Running your fingers across tadelakt walls reveals a silky-smooth finish unlike any other surface. This traditional lime plaster technique creates waterproof surfaces with subtle luminosity that changes with the light.
Bathroom walls and shower enclosures showcase tadelakt beautifully. Apply it in earthy tones for authenticity or experiment with modern hues. The seamless, joint-free application creates a flowing, organic feel perfect for curved walls.
10. Use vibrant cushions and poufs
Bursts of color through textiles offer the easiest way to inject Moroccan flair without major renovations. Hand-embroidered pillows featuring metallic threads and mirrored accents catch light beautifully.
Leather poufs double as extra seating or impromptu side tables. Rotate cushion covers seasonally – rich jewel tones for winter, lighter patterns for summer.
11. Incorporate brass or copper accessories
Metallic accents capture and reflect light, adding warmth and dimension to any room. Hand-hammered trays, teapots, and candleholders develop gorgeous patinas over time, becoming more beautiful with age.
Group metal pieces together for maximum impact or scatter individual items throughout a space. Place a large brass tray atop an ottoman to create an instant coffee table. Even small items like incense burners add authentic charm.
12. Choose warm, earthy color palettes
Colors reminiscent of Moroccan landscapes – terracotta, ochre, and azure – ground spaces in natural beauty. Drawing inspiration from spice markets, desert sands, and Mediterranean skies creates cohesive, inviting environments.
Start with neutral walls in clay tones as your foundation. Add sapphire blues and emerald greens through accessories for balance. Black accents in small doses add sophisticated contrast that prevents the scheme from feeling too rustic.
13. Use courtyard-inspired layouts
Rearranging furniture inward around a central point mimics the intimate gathering spaces of traditional riads. Imagine conversations flowing naturally as seating faces a central table rather than a television.
Creating this layout works even in small apartments. Define the “courtyard” area with a distinctive rug or coffee table as the focal point. Ensure pathways flow around this central area just as they would in an authentic riad.
14. Add water features or fountains
Gentle water sounds transform ordinary rooms into tranquil retreats. Small tabletop fountains bring both visual and auditory pleasure, masking outside noise while adding humidity to dry indoor air.
Place a fountain where you’ll hear it during quiet moments – near reading nooks or meditation spaces. Modern wall-mounted options work well in compact areas. Even simple ceramic bowls with floating candles capture the water-centric essence of riad design.
15. Incorporate hand-painted ceramics
Artisanal pottery tells stories through color and pattern while adding authentic character to shelves and tabletops. Each piece carries the slight imperfections that make handmade items so charming.
Display ceramics in unexpected ways – hang plates on walls, use bowls as planters, or arrange tagines as decorative sculptures. Mixing everyday functional pieces with purely decorative ones creates that collected-over-time feeling that defines well-designed spaces.
16. Use patterned wallpaper or fabrics
Bold patterns transport rooms from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort. Accent walls covered in Moroccan-inspired prints create instant focal points that anchor a room’s design.
Commitment-phobes can achieve similar effects with fabric panels hung like art or draped across furniture. Removable wallpaper offers another flexible option. Start in smaller spaces like powder rooms where dramatic patterns feel appropriate rather than overwhelming.