Beyond the Pouf: A Designer in Morocco, Part Two

Moroccan Passageways: Framing an Entry

After 10 days in Morocco and 5 cities, the interior design element that I most want to incorporate into my work is the way that they frame and entryway. 
Whether it be a dilapidated structure or an interior with plain white walls, Morocco places a great deal of importance on how beautiful the door or archway is. 

Colorful, textural and playful, the archways of Morocco incorporate multiple materials ranging from rough wood to mosaic tile to carved plaster. And while the doors are a standard rectangular shape, they are often beautifully framed by the welcoming curves of the archways. All of these aspects create a playful element to even the most basic entry, incorporating texture and juxtaposition - two of my favorite elements of good design. Enjoy these photos for inspiration as to how you can bring some Moroccan design into your home interior. As a San Francisco interior designer, I will personally be looking for ways to do this myself - so call if you need some help!!   Until next time!

Beyond the Pouf: a designer in Morocco

Negative space and pattern play.

In this first post from Morocco you'll find some photos of how creatively they play with shadows. 

Being a San Francisco interior designer and traveling through Morocco with my husband and two young girls, I am having to resist the urge to make this into a shopping trip! (Anyone want to put in an order for some home decor??)

 

No doubt Moroccan design is everywhere these days - from the lanterns to the rugs and of course the ever popular Pouf - temptation is at every corner of the Souks for me . But this being my second trip to this exotic land, I am captivated this time by things beyond the amazing crafts and colors of Morocco. Rather two things have struck me:  how they play with the absence of light and the negative space it creates, and the importance of framing and decorating a passageway. 

These are two design concepts that are often little considered in American design. 

When determining lighting layout for clients, as designers we place much importance on how to provide ample light to a room. We work in as many ceiling cans as possible without it looking too busy; and then of course the decorative center ceiling fixture and/or pendant that can stand on its own to light up the whole room if necessary. 

Moroccan lighting and interior design has given me a new appreciation of the importance of illusion, pattern play and the use of the negative space. 

Designer Names on Affordable Home Accessories

I swear that most compliments I get on something I am wearing is inevitably from Target - to the point where one friend now just calls it out before asking. And while I haven't been wowed lately by their home accessories, it's certainly always a stop on any cost-conscious shopping trip.

Grain Napkins from Privet

Green bowl from Privet

On May 9th Target launched The Shops, a curated group of specialty shops from around the country. Privet offered really sweet pieces for the home, most sold out soon after it went live.
 

From Privet

And now the large retailer announced that they will launch a new set on September 9th, with two of them providing unique home items: The Curiosity Shoppe (from SF!!) and Patch NYC . I look forward to seeing what they bring to the masses, as the web sites show some really fun pieces!

Curiosity Shoppe

Patch NYC

 I just read that now JC Penny is entering the race to grab some market share of the design-conscious consumer. They will be launching lines from Jonathan Adler, Michael Graves, Bodum and Terence Conran.

JC Penny discussed the Michael Graves initiative as: "(Michael) has put together for JC Penney the most comprehensive and innovative assortment of goods that range from functional to giftware that I have seen. Uniting it is Michael's consistent philosophy of ‘great design doesn't have to be expensive.' Innovative, fresh, compelling, this will truly be a remarkable addition to our mix."

 Absolutely, Michael!! It's about time that designers enabled everyone to have a well-accessorized, unique and textural home. Enjoy your shopping!

May Bursts with Color - The Sweet, Feminine Palette

This month, with May arriving and it really feeling like spring has sprung, I'm gathering ideas based on different color palettes.

I will admit it. I usually gravitate towards cooler colors - icy blues, greyish lavender, khaki green. But, for some reason I have recently been obsessed with the warm hues of persimmon, coral and raspberry - ideally all together as in this Moroccan inspired table setting! In any case, they really can brighten up a tired space and put you in the mood for some summer heat.


This will come as no surprise to many, but Anthropologie holds the key to a fabulous makeover in your home with this palette. Starting out, don't we all want to find a place to hang this Knotted Metali Chair - someone, please, please buy this - a kids room, porch, anywhere! Ok, well, if you really can't, this outdoor chair by Fermob, the Dune Chair, is also a great punch of color for your outdoor space.

From Anthropologie                                  From Fermob

RUGS: I am whole-heartedly embracing the trend of the tribal flat weave rugs. Not only are the patterns easy to incorporate into many different home styles, but they're also adding such texture, often mixing kilim and cut pile and fringe. Below, again from Anthropologie, the Huari Runner and Rug (I just love the runner!)

Huari Rug - both Anthropologie

Huari Runner

PILLOWS: Now it's time for some pillow talk. Oomph has a lot of great, colorful pieces and the pillow below, the Kazak, is one combines a couple of these hues keeps it soft and subtle.

The Kazak, by Oomph

Getting more graphic with our already bold palette, not a surprise we go to Jonathan Adler on the left. And with flags, especially the Union Jack, being a hot trend right now, he's created a whimsical one that will add that punch you need. The pillow below on the right is from Room Service, another store that is packed full with fun and color-inspired pieces for your home.

 

SIDE TABLES: Another easy and functional way to add a plash of these warm, cheerful colors is through a little side table or stool. Stray Dog Designs has an amazing array of colorful pieces, the Tilda side table being one of my favorite. Made of wood but covered in paper mache, this piece is a must! They also have a few great stools in the same material - their Stump Stool is shown below.

The Tilda Table, Stray Dog

From Oomph again, this Tini II Z table would look great next to a brown couch! They also have incorporated stone tops into this shape, one has a pink base and a white and orange top - a real pop of color! 

 

Stray Dog, yet again, a fun piece: Stump Stool/Table

Oomph's Tini II Z side table

So, embrace the burst of color you see right now, blooming flowers, neon-influenced fashion, and add a few of these sweet pieces to your home.