Architecture and Design Library: Moroccan Style

I've owned this book for about a year now and can't get enough of it. The pictures are so vibrant and beautiful, it's become a favorite in my "library". I recently ordered the India Style book and look forward to it's arrival. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in exotic design ideas or if you simply love Moroccan design.

Even before I ever dreamed of stepping foot into Morocco, I was in love with its style. Even before I knew it was a style, it bewitched me. Ornate carved tables, ceilings, doorways, and niches surrounded by vibrant draperies, curtains, tableclothes, and throws- these are the earmarks of Moroccan style (North African style might be a better term). Little hidden bits of whimsy and "mountain" style tucked into corners, window sills and hidden, peeking over doors and from under furniture- these are the details of Moroccan style. All of this appeals to my inner-ongoing sense of style. As a child, the things I completely and without abandon loved- Morocco, and her style, are these things! We all have an innate style within us, things that appeal to us from the time we might first see it, at a young age and then rediscover upon adulthood, and find to our surprise that we still love it, whether it is current, in vogue or the 'it' style. This is Morocco, indeed all of North Africa, to me. You'll find, among native pieces, tables carved from Syria, candlesticks from Egypt, billowing fabrics from India, Kenya, and beyond. You'll see motifs that have followed humans since time began. A gathered grass/twig broom on a mantlepiece designed in Spain, coarsely styled wooden bowls surrounded by brilliantly gilded tea glasses used by the King himself. You'll find a niche that you swear wasn't there five minutes ago, painted a moving indigo blue, filled with miniature candle holders, filigree jewelry, and carved wooden boxes. You'll walk on floors painted with the same knotwork you saw at the masjid (mosque). You'll walk into a bathroom covered in tiles ceiling to floor, all 15 different colours. One minute you'll think you're in a palace that has been collecting things for hundreds of years, next you'll be in a tiny home that is so small, you cannot understand how its simple design and vibrant colour makes it feel so extraordinarily huge.Exasperatingly simple Berber rugs lie side by side topped with exquisite, nearly painfully detailed Zemmouri pillows. A large simple brass tray holds a stunning antique teapot. Your host's simple yellow slippers lie next to his wife's lush velour heeled slippers with glittering jeweled toes. If I cannot be in Morocco on a regular, that is, daily basis, I can at least surround myself with her beauty. Look at this book and suddenly, you can see the Morocco in every piece you have, whether it is from Taiwan, New Jersey, Finland or Indonesia. Every item that comes to Morocco is granted immediate "Morocco-ness" and believe me, once you look through this book and think about all you know that is Morocco, you'll understand. Once a visitor, you'll be able to confer this feeling on every piece you own. With this guide, it won't be hard at all!

The photography in this book is breathtaking. I hadn't realized that the book was only 96 pages when I ordered it. I zipped through it so fast - the end comes too quickly. A good inspiration for those interested in Moroccan style.

To be honest, I've never really been into interior design, but Morocco has always fascinated me and this attractive book immediately caught my eye. Although rather short, "Moroccan Style" is full of some of the most stunning photographs I've ever seen of North African homes. The colors just jump out at you. In addition, it covers a pretty broad spectrum of upper-crust Moroccan home interiors, ranging from traditional Islamic styles to the fascinating contemporary blend of Muslim and Western. Separate chapters show us a sample of exteriors, interiors, furniture, weavings, and tiles. While the book IS a little short on text, so what? What is there to say about a couch anyway, especially when there's a picture of it right in front of you?I might mention two things about the book, though. First, it focuses overwhelmingly on interior DESIGN, not exterior ARCHITECTURE. The single chapter on Moroccan exteriors is very interesting, but skimpy. Second, you won't find anything at all about the less affluent sectors of Morocco here. The author has stuck entirely to the classy villas on the coast. That's not necessarily bad, but I think she could have broadened her look at Morocco's intriguing architecture by covering some of its less ritzy homes, as well as mosques and government buildings. But in any case, a very nice book for what it is.

Interiors for every room and home from romantic villas to a tent bedroom are dispalyed in this book. Some are very old and some are modern examples. A good cross section is shown. There is also a chapter on exteriors, which mainly shows beautiful and unique details of Morrocan architecture.Exquisite flat and pile woven traditional Berber rugs are highlighted in one chapter. They are used as wall, furniture, & floor coverings in old world Morrocan and modern day approaches.Zellij, or mosaic tile work, is shown on floors, walls, stair risers. furniture, pools, fountains, columns, fireplaces, bathtubs and kitchen cabinets. The designs are mostly traditional and show superb craftsmanship. Close-ups would be appreciated in this chapter.The text is excellent, if somewhat limited. However, the number of photos make up for this.