Elegant display of Moroccan interior design with white sofas, patterned pillows, and a central Persian rug, all set against warm, terracotta walls and archways.

Moroccan Interior Design Secrets: Beauty in the Details

July 13, 2025

Moroccan interior design brings together centuries of skill, trade, and influence. It uses techniques passed on and reinterpreted through generations and remains one of the richest craft traditions in the world.

Across Morocco, artisans specialize in every detail—tilework, leatherwork, wood carving, metal forging, wool weaving, lamp-making, and ceramics. These crafts shape entire homes in a style that feels layered and tactile.

Of course, Moroccan interior design doesn’t follow just one rulebook. The styles vary by region, climate, and history. While contemporary Moroccan design is exciting in its own right, this article focuses on the more traditional elements—the kinds of details you’d find in a riad courtyard or a craftsman’s workshop. Let’s take a closer look.

Moroccan interior design featuring a cozy nook with striped cushions, ornate wooden furniture, and a decorative metal lantern.

The Foundations of Moroccan Interior Design

Morocco’s architectural and design identity is shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French influences have all left their mark, creating a layered aesthetic that continues to evolve.

Arches and Tall Ceilings: A Moroccan Signature

Walk into any traditional Moroccan home, and one feature quickly stands out—arched forms and high ceilings. These elements have deep roots in Islamic architecture and became central to Moroccan design over time.

An eye-level shot captures a symmetrically designed hallway with a series of archways, progressing into the distance. The walls are coated in a warm, peachy orange hue, contrasted by the dark brown bases of the pillars that support the arches. The floor is adorned with a patterned tile design in black and white and a band of gold, mosaic-like tiles decorates the lower sections of the walls and pillars. Elegant, wrought iron lanterns dangle from the ceiling at intervals.

Tall ceilings were often seen in homes of wealth and prestige. But they weren’t just for show—they also made homes more comfortable during hot seasons, allowing warm air to rise and circulate. The visual effect, though, is undeniable: rooms feel open, airy, and grand.

Arches, on the other hand, are everywhere. You’ll see them in doorways, windows, and wall niches. Some are more ornamental, while others are structural. Even lanterns and carved wood panels often mirror the shape. It’s one of those motifs that ties everything together, both inside and out.

Morocco’s Incredible Tilework

A wall fountain is set against a backdrop of intricate Moorish tilework. The fountain is a simple, white stone structure with a shallow basin. Water trickles from a small, metallic nozzle embedded in the tilework above. The tilework features a complex geometric pattern with colorful floral motifs in shades of blue, red, yellow, and green. The surrounding walls are painted in a warm, light pink, and dark-framed windows flank the tiled panel. The floor is covered in a green and white herringbone pattern, completing the courtyard's vibrant and culturally rich ambiance.

Tilework is one of Morocco’s most celebrated crafts, and it plays a huge role in interior design. The star of the show? Zellij. These hand-chiseled tiles are glazed and fitted together to form beautiful designs.

Zellij tiles first rose to prominence during the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. Since then, they’ve become an essential part of Moroccan decor—from the most modest homes to lavish palaces.

In interior design, these tiles appear in many forms:

Entryways with tiled steps or patterned floors
Kitchen backsplashes and countertops
Bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling tiling
Garden paths and courtyards
Outdoor fountains and pools

They can be bold or more subdued, depending on color and placement. Some patterns are loud and joyful, while others are quiet and detailed. But in every case, they reflect remarkable craftsmanship.

Moroccan Color Palettes: From Earth to Jewel

A cozy, sunlit room with an orange cast features two white sofas adorned with vibrant red and gold patterned pillows, facing each other across a colorful patterned rug. A rustic wooden coffee table sits between the sofas, holding a decorative urn and ceramic fruits. Arched doorways and a niche containing a non-working fireplace add architectural interest, while potted plants bring a touch of nature indoors.

There’s no single color scheme in Moroccan interiors. The palette shifts with geography, tradition, and personal taste. You’ll find both muted earth tones and vivid jewel shades—sometimes in the same space.

Take Marrakech. Homes there often lean into saturated color—terracotta reds, cobalt blues, emerald greens—paired with patterned tiling and carved plaster. In contrast, coastal towns like Essaouira prefer softer tones. White, sand, taupe, and pale blue dominate, echoing the sea and the slower pace of life.

An interior space showcasing Moroccan interior design, featuring a cream-colored sectional sofa, archways leading to an outdoor space, and typical Moroccan decor elements like a hanging lantern and patterned rug.

Then there’s Chefchaouen, a city painted almost entirely in blue. The origin of this tradition is often linked to the Jewish community, who painted buildings blue to symbolize the sky and spiritual connection.

These color stories reflect how Moroccan interior design adapts to every place and meaning.

Essential Features of Moroccan Interior Design

There are a few elements that show up consistently across traditional Moroccan interiors. Some are structural, others are decorative, but they all play a part in shaping the space.

A living room showcasing Moroccan interior design elements, featuring a low white sectional couch adorned with colorful throw pillows in shades of purple, red, and maroon, set against warm orange walls. A vibrant red rug with intricate blue and green patterns centers the space, underneath a round wooden coffee table topped with decorative objects. A detailed metal lantern hangs from the ceiling, complementing sconces on the walls. Arched doorways and a framed tapestry add to the Moroccan aesthetic.

Arched architecture: Used in doors, windows, and alcoves, arches are a staple of Moroccan design.
Rugs with personality: Boujad and Kilim rugs bring bold patterns and color, Azilal rugs feel more bohemian, and Beni Ourain rugs offer a neutral, geometric softness.
Relaxed seating: Low-slung benches, plenty of cushions, poufs, and even floor seating create a laid-back, social feel.
Intricate detailing: From carved wood furniture to embroidered textiles, detail is everywhere. Nothing feels mass-produced.
Unique lighting: Moroccan lamps are hard to miss. Brass lanterns, pierced metal pendants, and sculptural sconces cast moody shadows and glow beautifully at night.

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Together, these features give Moroccan interior design its unmistakable charm—layered, inviting, and full of details that create an exquisite picture.

Elegant Moroccan interior design with arched doorways, ornate lanterns, and comfortable seating that creates a welcoming, sun-drenched space.

Moroccan Interior Design Examples

Moroccan interior design shifts depending on the space and materials. These examples show how traditional elements can be combined in different ways, depending on the atmosphere you’re going for.

A Seating Area That Balances Energy and Ease

Moroccan interior design with seating area featuring yellow walls, woven furniture, and arched alcoves.

This kind of terrace is all about energy. A bright rug sets the tone right away. Woven furniture keeps things natural, while white cushions create balance. Add some colorful throw pillows, and it instantly feels inviting. Arched wall niches filled with Moroccan pottery bring in shape and texture without taking over the space.

A Coastal-Inspired Space

A bright and welcoming Moroccan interior design living room features a warm, neutral palette with traditional architectural details like arched doorways. Two light-colored wooden sofas with plush cushions face each other, flanking a simple wooden coffee table adorned with decorative items. A textured pouf sits on a light rug, enhancing the room's cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Moroccan relaxation.

For something softer, go with a neutral palette—think beige, white, and warm wood tones. Cotton or linen fabrics keep it light. A few low pendant lanterns help add warmth in the evenings. This kind of setup works well in coastal homes or anywhere you want a breezy, relaxed feel.

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A Casual Nook With Character

Moroccan interior design featuring a built-in white sofa against an orange textured wall, adorned with yellow and orange throw pillows, set on a geometric patterned tile floor.

Light terracotta walls bring in warmth. Tiled floors add character. A built-in bench lined with cushions makes for easy, informal seating. Throw in a bunch of ornate pillows, and the space feels playful and comfortable.

A Living Room That Feels Like a Palace

Moroccan interior design: A traditionally-decorated living room has two sofas, a loveseat, red rug, round coffee table, and a crystal chandelier.

In more formal homes, the features get a little more dramatic. Think extra-high ceilings and tall arches that immediately draw the eye up. A bold rug—maybe in red or deep blue—anchors the room, while a chandelier adds a strong focal point. Lastly, golden accents bring in a bit of luxe without feeling too ornate.

Final Thoughts on Moroccan Interior Design

Moroccan interior design offers something rare—it’s rich in tradition, yet endlessly adaptable. With just a few well-chosen pieces or architectural details, you can bring this layered and thoughtful style into your own home.

If you’re drawn to handcrafted details, beautiful materials, and rooms that feel lived-in yet artful, Moroccan design might just be the style you’ve always needed.

Continue reading: Moroccan Tiles for Bathroom: A Stunning World of Style