Moroccan flair

Moroccan-inspired design is transforming ordinary spaces with its rich colour palettes and eclectic charm.

Summer’s approach is the perfect time to infuse outdoor areas with a little Moroccan magic – hues like Resene Burgundy, Resene Cinnamon and Resene Apple Blossom will transport you to a serene Moroccan courtyard. The beauty of Moroccan design is that small spaces are embraced. The cosier and smaller the better; patterned walls, plenty of layered textiles and low seating work particularly well in an intimate courtyard space.

It’s Morocco’s unique position at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East that’s resulted in a melting pot of artistic traditions. Moroccan-inspired spaces are a feast for the eyes, defined by a rich colour palette that draws inspiration from the country’s diverse landscapes – the ochre and terracotta tones of the desert, the lush greens of the Atlas Mountains and the blues of coastal towns. Colours like Resene Moroccan Spice, Resene Mocha and Resene Cinnamon encapsulate the essence of Moroccan design, evoking the warmth of the sun and the richness of the earth. Hues like these have been used for centuries in Moroccan homes and architecture, from intricate tilework of palaces to vibrant textiles in markets.

If you have a courtyard or deck area that’s begging for a spruce-up, why not channel a Moroccan-inspired look? Set the tone with a striking colour scheme. We painted the top half of our courtyard wall in Resene Apple Blossom – a cheerful, rosy hue that exudes a sense of warmth. To add character and more dimension, we mixed Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with Resene Quarter Solitaire to create a smudged effect, adding a subtle, sun-kissed glow to the wall, reminiscent of the weathered walls of a Moroccan riad.

Resene Apple Blossom is particularly well-suited for outdoor zones because of its warmth and versatility. It complements natural surroundings, whether it’s the greenery of your garden or the earthy tones of a courtyard. To enhance our Moroccan-inspired look, we added stars in warm cream Resene Solitaire on the bottom half of the wall over our Resene Apple Blossom base. This is easy to do with a stencil and adds a touch of whimsy and magic to the space. The star motif is also a nod to the night sky over the Moroccan desert, where stars shine against the vast expanse of the Sahara. This simple addition transforms our plain wall into a character-packed feature.

Patterns can be key to transforming an outdoor area, but they’re often overlooked or avoided due to a fear of overwhelming the space. Continuing our star theme, we kept it simple with the table stained in Resene Bark, a deep, earthy brown that anchors the rosy courtyard. We sponged on a star border in Resene Manhattan around the perimeter of the table. Resene Manhattan, a soft orange, adds a small pop of colour that ties in with the warmth of Resene Apple Blossom.

Resene Mocha painted on our Moroccan-inspired breeze blocks under the table complements the rich tones of the tabletop. To add softness to the courtyard, we filled large Resene Cinnamon and Resene Mocha pots with toetoe. The combination of these earthy tones with the natural texture of the toetoe adds an organic element to the space.

One of the most distinctive features of Moroccan-inspired spaces is the use of low seating, particularly in outdoor courtyard spaces. This seating arrangement really encourages relaxation, reflecting the Moroccan way of life where people gather to enjoy tea and good company. Large floor cushions create a casual and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the more formal seating arrangements typically found in our Western homes. It’s no wonder designers are embracing this aspect of Moroccan life; it offers a refreshing departure from the rigidity of more formal outdoor seating arrangements. We chose cushions with colours that tie in the warmth of Resene Apple Blossom and add a little more pattern to the courtyard.

No Moroccan-inspired outdoor area would be complete without the soft glow of lanterns. Resene FX Faux Rust Effect is the perfect finish for lanterns on your deck/courtyard, adding an aged, weathered look that enhances the old-world charm of the space. The flickering candlelight within the lanterns creates a cosy atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings in summer. For added colour, consider adding candles in Resene Burgundy, a deep, rich red that adds a touch of luxury, and trays for fruit painted in Resene Cinnamon, which works to tie in the other earthy tones in the space. Accessorising is key to achieving the Moroccan look, as its layers of texture and detail that bring the space to life.

We kept the deck simple in Resene Tiri, a deep charcoal stain that offers a striking contrast to the warm tones of the walls, table and pots. Moroccan-inspired spaces offer a rich and vibrant alternative to our conventional Western design. The key is to be daring with your choices, and above all, embrace colour.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024