Moroccan Interior Design: 10 Ways to Transform Your Home

Do you feel a pull toward something fresh yet deeply rooted in history? Your home’s walls wait silently, ready for the touch of Moroccan design to bring them to life.

Moroccan interior design blends rich colors, mixed patterns, and unique textures to create spaces that feel both luxurious and lived-in. This North African style can be added in small doses or bold statements, depending on your taste and comfort level.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes Moroccan design special and how to incorporate its key elements into your home. We’ll explore everything from rugs and poufs to colors and plants, giving you practical ways to add this beautiful style to any room. Let’s begin.

What is Moroccan Interior Design?

Moroccan interior design stems from Morocco’s position at the meeting point of African, European, and Middle Eastern cultures. This mix of Arab, Berber, and French influences has formed a distinct style with its own special feel.

The main features of Moroccan design include:

• Rich colors combined with natural tones
• Detailed geometric patterns
• Handcrafted items showing skilled workmanship
• Different textures work together
• Flowing spaces with clear areas for various activities

This style has stayed popular because it makes homes feel both special and lived-in. The focus on handmade, unique pieces appeals to people tired of mass-produced items.

Today, many homes blend Moroccan elements with other styles to create spaces that feel personal and warm.

10 Ways to Add Moroccan Style to Your Home

Are you looking to bring Moroccan beauty into your space but not sure where to start?

These ten simple methods will help you add touches of North African charm to any room without completely changing your home’s current style.

1. The Magic of Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan rugs are one of the most well-known elements of this design style. They come in various styles, from the simple cream and black geometric patterns of Beni Ourain rugs to the colorful patchwork of boucherouite rag rugs.

When selecting a Moroccan rug, think about the room’s current colors and how much foot traffic the area gets. Lighter rugs work well in bedrooms, while more colorful, harder-wearing options suit living areas.

Quick Tips:

• Place your rug at an angle under a coffee table for visual interest
• Layer a smaller Moroccan rug over a larger plain rug for depth
• Use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping and add cushioning
• Vacuum regularly, but avoid using strong suction that could damage the fibers

2. Poufs: Versatile Moroccan Staples

Leather or fabric poufs provide extra seating, footrests, or even side tables in a pinch. These round or square cushions come in various materials, from smooth leather to woven textiles.

Poufs work well in almost any room – next to a sofa, at the foot of a bed, or in a reading nook. Their small size makes them easy to move when needed.

Quick Tips:

• Use a pouf as a footrest that can double as extra seating when guests visit
• Group two or three poufs of different heights or colors for visual appeal
• Fill an empty corner with a pouf and a small plant for an instant-styled look
• Try a metallic leather pouf for a touch of shine in a neutral room

3. Pattern Play

Moroccan design loves patterns – from simple stripes to complex geometric shapes. These patterns appear on everything from rugs to cushions to wall hangings.

The key to mixing patterns successfully is to vary their scale. Pair a large-scale pattern with a medium and small one, keeping them in the same color family.

Quick Tips:

• Stick to a limited color palette when mixing different patterns
• Start with one patterned piece you love and build around it
• Balance busy patterns with solid colors to give the eye resting spots
• Use black and white patterns as neutrals that work with any color scheme

4. Layered Textiles and Textures

Creating a cozy Moroccan-inspired space means adding lots of different textures – smooth silk cushions might sit next to rough wool throws, while tassels and pom-poms add playful touches.

Layering is essential, with multiple cushions on sofas, throws draped over chairs, and textiles that invite touch.

Quick Tips:

• Mix at least three different textures in each room for visual interest
• Include some natural fibers like wool, cotton, or jute for warmth
• Add cushions in varying sizes rather than all the same
• Include something with fringe, tassels, or other decorative edging

5. Moroccan Color Palette

Traditional Moroccan homes often feature bright blues, deep reds, sunny yellows, and rich oranges. However, you can adapt this to suit your home and climate.

In cooler regions like the UK, warming tones of terracotta, mustard, and deep green can create a cozy feel while still honoring the Moroccan spirit.

Quick Tips:

• Use warmer colors in north-facing rooms to counter cool light
• Paint a single wall in a rich Moroccan-inspired color rather than all four
• Start with neutral backgrounds and add color through smaller items
• Look to Moroccan spices for color inspiration: saffron, paprika, cinnamon

6. Tile Work and Backsplashes

Moroccan tiles, often called zellige or zellij, feature bright colors and intricate geometric designs. These handmade clay tiles can transform walls, floors, or small areas like kitchen backsplashes and bathroom surrounds.

For beginners, peel-and-stick tile options offer an affordable way to try the look without committing to permanent installation.

Quick Tips:

• Focus on one area for maximum impact—like a kitchen backsplash or shower wall
• Consider cement tiles with Moroccan patterns for high-traffic floor areas
• Use tile as a border around a plain wall for a subtle touch
• Pair colorful tiles with simple white walls and neutral cabinets for balance

7. Metalwork and Brass Accents

Metalwork plays a key role in Moroccan design, from pierced metal lanterns that cast patterned shadows to brass trays and containers. These items bring warmth and light reflection to a space.

Even small touches like brass drawer pulls or a metal tray can hint at Moroccan style without overwhelming a room.

Quick Tips:

• Hang a grouping of metal lanterns at different heights for visual interest
• Replace standard hardware with brass or copper knobs and handles
• Look for items with hand-punched patterns that create interesting shadows
• Mix metals with warm undertones rather than cool silvers for authenticity

8. Carved Wood and Inlay Furniture

Moroccan furniture often features detailed carvings, painted designs, or inlay work using bone or mother-of-pearl. Common pieces include low tables, screens, and storage chests.

One statement piece, like a carved headboard or inlaid side table, can add Moroccan flair without making a room feel themed.

Quick Tips:

• Choose one focal piece rather than filling a room with carved items
• Look for smaller decorative boxes or trays with inlay work as affordable options
• Pair ornate furniture with simple, clean-lined pieces for balance
• Consider a carved wooden screen to divide spaces in an open-plan home

9. Adding Plants for a Moroccan Oasis

Plants are central to Moroccan courtyard design and can help create the same lush feeling indoors. Look for varieties that thrive in similar climates to Morocco, such as palms, citrus, succulents, and herbs.

Display them in terra cotta pots, woven baskets, or painted ceramic containers for an authentic feel.

Quick Tips:

• Group plants of different heights and leaf shapes for visual interest
• Include some trailing plants to soften shelves and tall furniture
• Try scented plants like jasmine or herbs to add another sensory layer
• Use woven baskets as pot covers for an instant Moroccan touch

10. Outdoor Moroccan Spaces

Moroccan design blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. Create your own Moroccan-inspired patio with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, lanterns, and plenty of cushions.

Adapt the concept to your climate with weather-resistant fabrics and plants suited to your growing conditions.

Quick Tips:

• Use outdoor string lights or lanterns to create evening ambiance
• Add a low table for serving mint tea or meals outside
• Create shade with canvas panels or outdoor curtains in Moroccan colors
• Include water features like a small fountain for an authentic sensory experience

Tips for Finding Authentic Moroccan Accessories

Finding truly authentic Moroccan items adds both beauty and meaning to your home. Here are some tips to help you source genuine pieces:

Know Your Sources: When shopping for Moroccan items, seek authentic options at smaller import shops, artisan-focused online marketplaces, or specialty global goods stores.

Recognize Quality Signs: Authentic Moroccan items feature handcrafting signs—pattern variations, material imperfections, and detailed workmanship. Choose pieces with these qualities over overly perfect, machine-made ones.

Support Fair Trade: Select companies that fairly pay artisans and uphold ethical conditions. Reputable businesses now disclose details about their supply chains and partnerships with Moroccan workshops, ensuring your purchase supports traditional crafts.

Mix Old and New: Combine vintage Moroccan finds with newly made pieces for a collected look. Older items add character and history, while new pieces keep traditional crafts alive. This mix offers a more natural, lived-in feel than using only new items.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When bringing Moroccan interior design into your home, watch out for these common pitfalls that can make your space feel forced rather than flowing:

1. Going Overboard with Decorations

Too many Moroccan items in one space can make your home look like a souvenir shop rather than a lived-in space. The beauty of this style comes from thoughtful placement and breathing room between special pieces.

What to Do Instead: Choose one or two statement items for each room, allowing them to stand out against more neutral backgrounds. Let each piece have its moment rather than competing for attention.

2. Ignoring Your Climate Reality

Some traditional Moroccan design elements were created for hot, dry climates and may not function well in damp, cold regions. Heavy fabrics can trap moisture, and some plants won’t thrive in low light conditions.

What to Do Instead: Adapt the Moroccan spirit to your local climate by choosing materials that work in your environment. Opt for mold-resistant fabrics in humid areas and cold-tolerant plants in northern regions.

3. Creating Clashing Color Combinations

While Moroccan design embraces color, randomly mixing bright hues without thought to how they work together can create visual confusion rather than harmony.

What to Do Instead: Select a limited color palette of 3-4 colors that complement each other. Look to traditional Moroccan color groupings like blue and white, or earth tones with pops of saffron and terra cotta for guidance.

4. Focusing Only on Decorative Items

True Moroccan design considers how people live and move through spaces, not just how things look. Focusing only on decorative objects misses the functional aspects of this design tradition.

What to Do Instead: Think about flow and function first—comfortable seating at the right height, tables where you need them, and lighting that works for daily activities. Then add decorative elements that enhance this livability.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Moroccan style into your home means finding a balance between bold patterns, rich colors, and varied textures. The charm of this design comes from mixing handmade items that tell stories with practical, comfortable spaces that work for everyday life.

Remember the key elements we’ve covered—from statement rugs and useful poufs to striking tiles and metal details. Start with one room or even one corner, adding pieces that speak to you while avoiding common mistakes like going too theme-heavy or picking items that won’t work in your climate.

The true beauty of Moroccan design lies in its personal touch. Your space should feel like yours, not a copy from a magazine.