The eclectic aesthetic has been trending in décor for quite some time, but it’s getting even more specific, with influencers across social media drawing on inspiration from the souks of Morocco – and further afield. Think sun-baked palettes, natural materials, laid-back silhouettes and rustic accessories. It’s not just those working in the industry who are getting their ideas from North Africa, either – everyday homeowners are looking to recreate sunnier climes as a form of escapism in these increasingly unpredictable times. Indeed, it’s telling that #moroccaninterior has 550K views (and counting) on TikTok. The look is as practical as it is beautiful, too. In the winter, the look can warm up your space when it’s still cold outside, while during the summer is complements the light that’s streaming through the windows.
Here, we reveal aspirational but practical Moroccan living room ideas that are sure to add far-flung style – and a sense of adventure – to even the most homegrown of spaces. Think of it as a holiday without stepping foot outside of your front door. No passport required.
1 Choose warm colours
Colour is key when it comes to creating a Moroccan-style living room. Look to the warmer hues in the colour wheel like toasty browns, burnt oranges, sunny yellows and blushing pinks to cosy up even cool north-facing rooms. Rather than vibrant, bold shades, utilise softer, muted iterations to reflect spaces that appear to have been faded by the sun, while evoking the glamorous bygone era made famous by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1950s and ‘60s. Use these colours as the foundations for building the scheme in your living room – on the walls, floors and in key furniture such as our luxury sofas – then complement with rich jewel tones in smaller pieces like coffee tables, soft furnishings and accessories. Think deep teals, ruby-reds and emerald greens to create a jewel-box of a space that’s both inviting and decadent. Finally, finish with ochres and golds in the smallest of accents, adding a touch of glamour to proceedings.
Editor’s picks
Choose something slouchy and convivial for the sofa to recreate the social and relaxed vibe of Moroccan parties from yesteryear. Our pick is Togo by Ligne Roset – a design classic for over 50 years, no less – with its low-seat, body-hugging shape and signature folds. Plump for upholstery inspired by the colours of the desert in orange, red or yellow.
When it comes to a coffee table, the lower the better, such as the oversized Bowl table – crafted by artisans from solid mango wood – or the Flower table with its ornate petal-like edging. When hosting friends for afternoon tea, forgo the formality of chairs for cool and casual floor cushions – these Amechi Cushions should do the trick – and gather everyone around.
2 Opt for warm lighting
Complement your toasty colour scheme with similarly warm lighting in wall lights, pendants and table lamps. Ensure the bulb is warm by choosing yellow bulbs instead of white ones – much like you would to add warm twinkle to a Christmas tree – and select rustic rather than refined styles. Think about warming materials and finishes in rich or yellow woods and gold or bronze metals to really turn up the temperature in your Moroccan-style living room.
Editor’s picks
Hang these statement Makiko pendant lights in a natural bamboo finish over your relaxed sofa and low coffee table to zone a space for lounging with a book or gathering with loved ones. Otherwise, the gold Beat pendant by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon will certainly give your Moroccan-style living room a glow-up.
Highlight architectural features, illuminate artwork or simply wash the wall in light with a decorative style in similar finishes such as the wooden Clava Up by Umage, woven Lantern by Golden Editions or stainless-steel Spring by Tom Dixon.
Finally, layer your lighting scheme with a couple of statement lamps in natural materials: our Kinloch ceramic style with linen shade is perfect for boho spaces.
3 It’s all about the rugs
With your colour palette sorted, it’s time to add further depth and interest, namely in rugs – after all, Morocco is famed for the floor coverings it sells in its souks. The secret is two-fold: choosing styles featuring busy patterns in beautiful hues; and layering them for added texture. For authenticity, try not to choose luxury rugs that match each other. Quite the opposite, in fact – find styles that purposefully clash for an effortless and ‘thrown-together’ look.
Editor’s picks
Start with something oversized in a neutral colour that can act as your base – the Dolzago by Linie Design or Shuka by Lorena Canals are good examples – then layer over the top with different sizes, shapes, patterns and colours. More really is more. Get inspired by the Whitfield from our collection, or Baobab by Louis de Poortere and Bandas by GAN. Remember your colour palette during the selection process so you’re building on the same tones and shades.
4 Layer your fabric
Next, it’s time to layer on even more fabric in cushions on the floor, sofa and any occasional chairs, plus luxury throws over the backs and arms of sofas. Eschew luxurious, heavy fabrics in favour of lighter, more rustic styles and tie them into colours elsewhere.
Editor’s picks
Begin by building a base of plain cushions in earthy shades – our Islington cushions in blush or tobacco, navy are perfect – teamed with ‘one-offs’ in a combination of quirky patterns and colours (almost as if you’ve picked them up randomly on trips abroad over the years). See the Cabana in yellow and sand stripes; the Alice in a copper check; and the Sapowaydidi with a diamond motif. Anything with texture or detail – beading, fringing – is an added bonus.
5 Be creative with your pouf
Poufs are everywhere in Morocco, commonly used as a replacement for tables, while providing somewhere comfortable to sit when flexibility is required. Here in the UK, they’re more commonly referred to as footstools, but the concept is the same.
Editor’s picks
Give you traditional Moroccan pouf – generally made from leather or fabric – a contemporary twist with our Matera, Togo by Ligne Roset or our Isola.
When not in use, top with a tray in a gleaming metallic – such as the Brew by Tom Dixon – and style with objets d’art, tea-making paraphernalia or coffee table books.
6 Don’t forget about room fragrance
Smell is arguably the strongest of the senses, immediately recalling a cherished memory or transporting you to a favourite place, so don’t forget to add a luxury home fragrance to your Moroccan-style living room.
Editor’s picks
Floral and woody, our Jasmine & Sandalwood natural reed diffuser provides a long-lasting fragrance that’s truly evocative, while this leather-scented candle by MALIN + GOETZ is infused with the smell of artisans honing their craft in the souk. With Morocco’s landscape carpeted with fig trees, this fig tree diffuser from Urban Apothecary will make you feel like your living room is among them.
