Moroccan Decorating In Your Home

by Adam Peters

The principle features of the Moroccan decorating style, such as heavy furniture, bright fabrics and the use of strong colors. How you can make it work in your own home.

It is often difficult to tell one style of furniture from another, they are so much alike. That is not a situation that is likely to happen when it comes to Moroccan furniture.

A motif beloved by hippies, poets and artists, Moroccan decor as well as furniture is now becoming popular among the rest of us. It creates a tranquil oasis of beauty to any home.

The main feature that you will notice about Moroccan furniture is the use of color. The word "plain" barely exists in this vocabulary. Stunning, vibrant colors, mirrors, fabrics, mosaics are all incorporated to create and exciting world of color and texture. The most prevalent colors are the bright colors of the Mediterranean on which it is bordered on the nor ht, such as blue green and red and the fiery colors of the desert on which it is bordered on the south, such as gold and yellow. Do not expect subtlety in Moroccan furniture; everything is bold, brash and makes a definite statement.

The tropical feel of the desert and the sea are woven into this style of decorating. The idea is to bring the outdoors alive and into your home, since it is too hot to go out into it. Furniture is heavy and very sturdy, with exotic designs that reflect the natural themes surrounding the home. Leather chairs, gilded arms and legs, mosaics worked into table tops and around mirrors are all common features of the Moroccan look. The materials are of the best quality with a wide range of bright colors and varied textures.

Mixed patterns are used extensively in Moroccan design. Fabrics are not just on curtains and sofas, but draped loosely over chests and chairs. The fabric may be interesting mixture of diamonds, squares and other shapes that you would not expect to find together in any other style of decorating. But these pieces are considered more art that furniture, and so the mixture works well in this context.

The fabrics used are usually intricately patterned silk. This offers an interesting contrast to the heaviness of the furniture pieces. Tapestries hung on walls, shades on lamps, and fabric draped on tables will be of a heavily designed but fine silk. Other materials such as leather and wool may also be used and are made a part of the furnishings. If you have ever seen a lamp in this style, you will be astounded at the intricacy and detail it contains. They may be carved out of wood, hammered out of metal and be adorned with brightly patterned fabric.

If you have ever dreamed of a life as a pasha, lounging on pillows and surrounded by bright colored but soft feeling fabrics against your skin, the Moroccan style is for you. Another may find it too garish, but if it suits your taste, it can make for a beautiful home.

Adam Peters is the copywriter of http://www.home-decorating-
reviews.com . A focused website that offers the best articles on decorating
moroccan style
and interior ideas.
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Lighting Up Your Decorating Project With Moroccan Home Lighting

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Lighting is one of the hardest choices in any decorating project. Wall Sconces, chandeliers, floor lamps, candle lamps or electric light fixtures? After you have decided for a nice chandelier, some sconces and few accent lights, now comes the question what kind?

You are looking for uniqueness, a beautiful design, size, hopefully with a nice story behind your pick. That is exactly what more and more find in Moroccan themed interior design, the fastest growing interior design concept in the US.

Moroccan lighting is one of the most unique concepts for many reasons. Moroccan Decor is generally very hard to find in the US and also very unique because of the different historic, cultural and art influences in Morocco.

Moroccan lighting with its vivid colors, elaborated geometric forms, exotic designs, and unique raw materials is the most recognized symbol of Moroccan decor.

Henna lamps, made with stretched goat skin and hand decorated with traditional henna designs, and at times dyed with saffron or paprika based dyes, are one great way to add an earthy and rustic touch to any space. Henna wall sconces can also be used without lighting just as decorative wall pieces.

Often said that Morocco is the country of recycling where nothing goes to waist, the goat skin is recycled into these beautiful lampshades and passed on to henna artists to put in the final decorative touches. Most if not all the henna artist are women that earn extra cash and for who it is the only way to achieve financial independence.

A Stained glass lamp with carved motives can be a bolder more extravagant way to spice up your space. With Moroccan lamps, also referred as Moroccan lanterns (useful search words if you are researching them on the net) you can introduce a little eclectic flair in virtually any existing concept you may already have.

If you already have wrought iron or rustic furniture, then get one of those cool hand hammered chandeliers. A Chandelier is the perfect option that would delightfully enhance that sense of magic and warmth that only Moroccan chandeliers can accomplish.

Using few pieces of Moroccan lighting and some accent pieces will recreate a true exotic Moroccan oasis.

Tips on using Moroccan lighting:
Consider "playing" with different wattage that can help you realize a different look, experiment with using a candle instead of a light bulb, when possible a candle works best in small spaces. When using henna lamps or wall sconces, use very low wattage 20-25 watts is recommended. Colored light bulbs are a great way to add a color emphasis to your project.

Maintain your Moroccan lighting: Maintenance of your Moroccan lighting is minimal and doing so will ensure that your items last for a long time. Most of the light fixtures that have opening side doors only require the hinge to be lubricated once a while.

Henna lamps and wall sconces need absolutely no maintenance, however expect the henna to fall off as it is designed to do so. The actual henna on the skin of the sconces will fall off and leave the reddish design tattooed on the surface, so it is useless to fight it and you will be surprise to see that it your piece will embellish even more.

When using Moroccan lanterns outside consider spraying them with a clear sealant to keep the lamps from rusting. There are two ways of coating your lamps. You can meticulously go over the metal parts only or you can just spray the sealer throughout the fixture including the glass.

If you choose to go over the whole lamp you will finish it in a way that the lamp will appear aged. Beware that at all times you need to keep the hinges protected so you are still able to open and close the door.
Light bulb or candle?

Esthetically speaking using a candle will always bring the most out of your lighting fixture, working best in small space where less light is needed or dim lighting is desired. Using a light bulb will bring more light in larger spaces. If your lantern has a flat base, you can just sit a candle using the same fire safety precautions you would otherwise.

If you decide to go with an electrical bulb remember that most if not all Moroccan lighting importers do not include the wiring kit which you can acquire easily at your local hardware store for a minimal cost.

Once you have the wiring kit all you have to do is insert the kit through the opening door and get the plug out of the top opening of the lamp and voila you are ready to showcase the new lamp.

Moe Tamani is an importer of Wall Sconces as well as a designer of
Chandeliers.
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Moroccan Bedrooms: Create your Harem Style Room

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The bedroom is the most private and your first and last resort for relaxation. Unfortunately, most people use the bedroom to just sleep. A bedroom if properly utilized can be a place for relaxation, meditation and even have a small massage table. Everyone comes back home tired after their day at work to get some rest.

Rest doesnt necessarily mean sleeping. Rest can be anything from watching television to getting a relaxing massage or playing checkers. Every bedroom has almost the same furniture, which is a bed and tables, some decorations, curtains etc.

So what is the best way to convert your bedroom into a relaxing suite and at the same time add some color to it?

First let us understand that the bed is a place where you take rest. To make it more comfortable you can use double cushions and colorful bed sheets or a bed spread. One of the finest ways to redesign your bedroom is by using Moroccan bedroom decor.

Today, Moroccan decor is an extremely popular interior design option for most modern homes as well as eco homes. This is because the Moroccan bedroom decor includes the use of dramatic colors as well as toned colors, which bring to life the beautiful and intricately designed patterns on the elegant Moroccan fabrics.

Converting a bedroom into an exotic Moroccan dream is an exciting as well as a tedious option but the result can be absolutely magical. You can choose anything from the exquisite Moroccan furniture to the colorful Moroccan bedding and other decorations that will set your heart on fire and bring out the deep fires of passion.

Moroccan bedroom accessories come in a huge variety to satisfy every taste and fit in snugly in every bedroom. Most of the Moroccan bedding designs are in spicy colors and can be customized to match the color scheme on your bedroom walls. You can use a Moroccan bed or make one on the ground.

If you make a bed that has the minimum ground clearance then you can give it an earthy feel and touch with more browns, beige and other earth color

Bedspreads-Pillows:
You can add some equally colorful pillows or cushions to give your bedroom the ethnic look. Moroccan fabrics are soft and have embroidered silk will that will provide that exotic look. For example, a tribal bedspread is hand made and stitched. It has detailed embroidery and features small mirrors amidst a hue of brilliant colors than can vary from gold, sage, or chocolate on a cinnamon background.

Imagine the impact of such a color; it will give your bed an earthen touch and feel. If you dont like bright colors then you can look a Berber bed spread, which comes in tones of blue, purple and sage. Absolutely relaxing for the eyes, it has intricate designs that are hand stitched.

Nightstands, Accent Tables and Shelves:
Zouaga Furniture is a typical Moroccan design from the Berber tribal mountains of the Atlas. Hand painted furniture with bright colors and improvised designs and shapes from shelves to the world renowned hexagonal tables and nightstands.

Moroccan nightstands have gained popularity in the past few years, mainly made with Mousharabiya wood (hand carved wood) they are also available with wrought iron screens.

Wrought Iron Screens, Dividers and headboards:
Moroccan wrought iron screens can be used for many different uses... As a headboard, room dividers, fireplace screens, wall decor, to hang a lamp from, as a balcony screen... well you get the idea

Moroccan Lighting:
It is almost like being pampered with royalty and to bring the bedroom to life you can splash the walls with relaxing colors and use Moroccan accessories like the henna lamps to brighten it. You can also add a center table or a dressing table with Moroccan designs and intricately cut through the wood to make it look rusty and dreamy at the same time.

For the creative soul in you can transform on of the Moroccan carved hexagonal tables into a piece of lighting itself. If you have used a wrought iron screen as a headboard you may want to consider using a matching wrought iron ceiling chandelier.

You can also add some really sensuous and mystical touch of Moroccan design to your bedroom with mood lighting Moroccan candle lamps. These lamps are not to be used as just showpieces; they can change the entire decor of your bedroom and give it a touch of warmth. You can choose from a wide variety of Moroccan lamps and lanterns that come with exotic designs and beautiful colored glasses.

You can place them on the bed table or hand them by the bedroom entrance.
The flickering flame from a Moroccan lamp will add fuel to the fire of romance and remind you of a faraway dream. Dont just sleep... Dream...

Moe Tamani is an importer of Moroccan Bedding and a designer of Moroccan Furniture.

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Moroccan Bedrooms: Revitalize and Relax

by Moe Tamani

Moroccan Bedrooms: Lets get creative!

The bedroom is your private space in the house and it is the place to relax. Unfortunately, most people use the bedroom to just sleep. A bedroom if properly utilized can be a place for relaxation, meditation and even have a small massage table. Everyone comes back home tired after their day at work to get some rest. Rest doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping. Rest can be anything from watching television to getting a relaxing massage or playing checkers. Every bedroom has almost the same furniture, which is a bed and tables, some decorations, curtains etc. So what is the best way to convert your bedroom into a relaxing suite and at the same time add some color to it?

Moroccan Decor:

First let us understand that the bed is a place where you take rest. To make it more comfortable you can use double cushions and colorful bed sheets or a bed spread. One of the finest ways to redesign your bedroom is by using Moroccan bedroom decor. Today, Moroccan decor is an extremely popular interior design option for most modern homes as well as eco homes. This is because the Moroccan bedroom decor includes the use of dramatic colors as well as toned colors, which bring to life the beautiful and intricately designed patterns on the elegant Moroccan fabrics. Converting a bedroom into an exotic Moroccan dream is an exciting as well as a tedious option but the result can be absolutely magical. You can choose anything from the exquisite Moroccan furniture to the colorful Moroccan bedding and other decorations that will set your heart on fire and bring out the deep fires of passion.

Moroccan bedroom accessories

come in a huge variety to satisfy every taste and fit in snugly in every bedroom. Most of the Moroccan bedding designs are in spicy colors and can be customized to match the color scheme on your bedroom walls. You can use a Moroccan bed or make one on the ground. If you make a bed that has the minimum ground clearance then you can give it an earthy feel and touch with more browns, beige and other earth color

Bedspreads - Pillows:

You can add some equally colorful pillows or cushions to give your bedroom the ethnic look. Moroccan fabrics are soft and have embroidered silk will that will provide that exotic look. For example, a tribal bedspread is hand made and stitched. It has detailed embroidery and features small mirrors amidst a hue of brilliant colors than can vary from gold, sage, or chocolate on a cinnamon background. Imagine the impact of such a color; it will give your bed an earthen touch and feel. If you don’t like bright colors then you can look a Berber bed spread, which comes in tones of blue, purple and sage. Absolutely relaxing for the eyes, it has intricate designs that are hand stitched.

Nightstands, Accent Tables and Shelves:

Zouaga Furniture is a typical Moroccan design from the Berber tribal mountains of the Atlas. Hand painted furniture with bright colors and improvised designs and shapes from shelves to the world renowned hexagonal tables and nightstands. Moroccan nightstands have gained popularity in the past few years, mainly made with Mousharabiya wood (hand carved wood) they are also available with wrought iron screens.

Wrought Iron Screens, Dividers and headboards:

Moroccan wrought iron screens can be used for many different uses... As a headboard, room dividers, fireplace screens, wall decor, to hang a lamp from, as a balcony screen... well you get the idea

Moroccan Lighting:

It is almost like being pampered with royalty and to bring the bedroom to life you can splash the walls with relaxing colors and use Moroccan accessories like the henna lamps to brighten it. You can also add a center table or a dressing table with Moroccan designs and intricately cut through the wood to make it look rusty and dreamy at the same time. For the creative soul in you can transform on of the Moroccan carved hexagonal tables into a piece of lighting itself. If you have used a wrought iron screen as a headboard you may want to consider using a matching wrought iron ceiling chandelier.

You can also add some really sensuous and mystical touch of Moroccan design to your bedroom with mood lighting Moroccan candle lamps. These lamps are not to be used as just showpieces; they can change the entire decor of your bedroom and give it a touch of warmth. You can choose from a wide variety of Moroccan lamps and lanterns that come with exotic designs and beautiful colored glasses. You can place them on the bed table or hand them by the bedroom entrance.

The flickering flame from the Moroccan lamp will add fuel to the fire of romance and remind you of a faraway dream.
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." Jalal ad-Din Rumi (13th century Persian poet).

Moe Tamani is an Importer of Moroccan bedroom furniture such as the famous Nightstands accent tables, and Fireplace Screens

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