The bright, highly saturated, colour in the palette is derived from the beautiful intricate designs of the tiles which adorn many surfaces, horizontal and vertical, both inside and outside. Cobalt blue, bright red and emerald green are typical colours used in Moroccan tiles and inject stunning uplifting hues into the earthy heart of the colour scheme. Image: Thesocietyinc.com.au

Baroque carving and tile are characteristic of Moroccan tables, side tables, and storage units. Saying that is like saying “Water is wet,” and expecting the listener to understand the vastness of the ocean. The tile tops can be geometric designs or historical scenes. Intricately carved timber panels are an integral part of Moroccan architecture and are used in doors, windows and screens as well as furniture and accessories. Photographer: Toa HeftibaBy simply introducing the unmistakeable Moroccan shapes into a scheme you can bring a striking look to an all white scheme. However you can see that even with a contemporary built bathroom or kitchen with classic, simple straight lines, you can introduce a touch of Morocco with their tiles. I'm taking a look at the fundamentals of Moroccan style and how they can be adapted to suit homes in other parts of the world. There are elements that many of you will have used at some stage as the style in certainly an enduring one. Image: April & Oak Moroccan style colour palettes Mirrors are typically framed with embossed cool metallic finishes which bring a cool contrast to the richness of the palette. The casual breezy beach house in the above image has taken its cue from the colours and design of Morocco. The silvery tones combined with the Moroccan style tile and the ornate counter stools evoke the look without the full rush of colour. Beautifully evocative, Moroccan style is simply stunning. The richness of the colours, the classic lines of the architecture and the exotic furniture designs make this one of the most interesting of all the global decorating styles. Difficult to replicate in its entirety, there are nonetheless many features from this look that we can introduce into our own homes, wherever we may be in the world.

Traditionally Moroccan homes are built around a central courtyard. Running water from central or wall mounted fountains, open walkways, decorative tiled walls and lots of greenery to cool things down, are features of a Moroccan home. A mixture of natural timber, handmade tiles and natural stone are typically found in these settings. Image: Royal Mansour Hotel One of the simplest ways to evoke a Moroccan style is to replicate the colour palette. The thing I love about regional styles is that rather than adopting what is popular at the time, they take their colour palette from local resources and therefore the style naturally works in their environment. Kilim cushions and rugs, the mainstay of the Bohemian look, are also very much a part of Moroccan style. The richness, warmth and variety of the colour palette and the tribal patterns evoke this look.

The appeal of Moroccan style to designers around the globe probably stems from the influence that France had on the country, particularly in the early part of the twentieth century. The colours, designs and architecture created by the Moors across North Africa have been tempered here by French design and the outcome from this fusion of two beautiful styles is magnificent. The design and colour palette of Morocco is soft and relaxed and can therefore be incorporated very well into many global styles including Australian country style. While vivid color and bold patterns are a hallmark of Moroccan design, it's also characterized by sculptural hand-crafted decor accessories in natural materials, like the graphic patterns of Berber rugs, woven baskets, and textiles. Some of the most popular Moroccan textiles are often used in modern interiors to add texture and character, such as wool pom pom throws and sequined Moroccan handira wedding blankets that are used as bed throws and wall hangings, or made into poufs and throw pillows.

Walls in Morocco can also be whitewashed with accents of green which is the colour of Islam and blue, a traditional colour throughout the Mediterranean.The general lifestyle of Morocco also sets the tone for the colour palette with the strong and bright colours of the marketplaces, where tables heave with natural produce and exotic brightly coloured spices. Moroccan living rooms have long been a well of inspiration for interior designers across the globe, and many traditional Moroccan decor objects have become signature elements of modern interiors everywhere.

Porters limewash and distemper finishes would work well in this situation as they create a soft and weathered patina. Their colours of Fired Earth, Turmeric, Vatican Blue and Villa are perfect examples of classic Moroccan hues. Walls are often in natural terracotta tones with furniture and accessories in brighter colours – very often blue and green. Bohemian style, a current universal favourite, owes a lot to Moroccan style. Floor cushions, Moroccan patterned rugs, low seating, Kilim cushions and soft chalky white walls are all elements of Bohemian style and have a firm connection with Morocco. Image: Home-designing.comConvivial spaces that typically include a multitude of seating options for gathering with friends and family, Moroccan living rooms often feature loungey, low-slung banquette-like wrap-around upholstered sofas accented with large coffee tables or multiple small tables for taking tea or sharing meals. Additional seating options often include classic Moroccan embroidered leather or textile floor poufs, carved wood or sculptural metal chairs, and stools. Perforated and patterned, Moroccan metal pendant lights and sconces are known for their sculptural look and for casting magical shadow patterns when illuminated at night. Moroccan textiles include throw pillows in a multitude of textures, colors, and patterns, woven throws, and Berber rugs that work in traditional settings, midcentury modern interiors where they were wildly popular, and add flair to contemporary homes around the world.