The Magic of Marrakech
Magical, intense, bustling, bold and vibrant.
Our interior stylist, Melanie, went on a style tour in Marrakech Morocco. It was a magical carpet ride of vibrant colour, inspired senses, bustling alleyways, meeting local designers and immersing herself in a creative culture. Read here a recap of her experience.
The magic of Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco–a magical, intense, bustling, bold and vibrant culture. Putting into words my experience after spending 5 incredible days visiting souks, craftsmen, suppliers, and architectural delights is overwhelmingly difficult because every single minute was an explosion of the senses. What I can say is travelling and immersing oneself in a different culture for inspiration and growth has been the best opportunity and memory I’ve given myself.
After a change in life circumstances, I wanted to do something for me. Why not travel for inspiration? Style of Morocco, a tour hosted by Greenhouse Interiors, Julia Green, and lifestyle icon, Jono Fleming was calling my name. Led by experts in the field, we were able to deep dive into the untouched, raw side of Moroccan culture, filtering out the standard tourist sights for a tailored experience of shopping, eating and touring. Along the way we learnt about pattern, colour, design elements and even had an incredible hands-on workshop with a local ceramist. The other bonus, travelling with like-minded individuals from all walks of life who were there to be immersed in design and style.
To go into detail about each experience would result in a very long blog, so here are my top 3 memories.
Souks souks souks - if there is any place to be inspired, it’s in the souks. The sounds, smells, colours, textures are in abundance wherever you look. You see amazing arched doors, arabesque motifs, geometric-patterned tiles, ladies dressed in amazing fabrics and the hustle of each shop owner trying to sell their craft. We were taken to select local artisans to shop for rugs, cushions, ceramics and clothing. It took a lot of self-control to not take home one of everything. That’s not to say I didn’t buy a complete dinner set, glassware and a new wardrobe of shoes... when in Rome (aka Marrakech).
Ceramics painting - A personal icon of my is Laurence Leenaert, founder of LRNCE, a studio crafting hand made goods that celebrate the diversity of Moroccan. We had a surprise treat of being offered a 1:1 workshop at her boutique accommodation overlooking the souks, Laurence teaching us the craft of painting ceramics. From understanding where she sources her pigments, her design inspiration for each collection, and detailing the local process of production. Fangirling is an understatement. I walked away with appreciation for the craft, more inspiration and four self-painted ceramic bowls that are “creative” to say the least.
Jardin Majorelle - The gardens of Yves Saint Lauren are one of colour, sense explosion, colour, sense explosion and more colour. Think cobalt blue and vibrant yellow amongst red floors, lush greenery and sounds of trickling water features. It’s a mix of opulence, Moorish / Islamic / Art Nouveau / Art Deco and Modernist style, but surprisingly held such a calm, serene and tranquil quality. A must-see for anyone, it really pushes the boundaries of convention and challenges you to think more broadly when trying to create a feeling within a space.
Morocco has given me a new appreciation to experiment with colour, pattern, texture and smell. There is not a wrong or right in styling, it’s up to the individual’s imagination and how they are inspired by the feeling created in the space.
When you let yourself be creative, think outside the box, and don’t follow standard trends, you’re able to create something that is personal, uniquely yours and a story to go with it.
Don’t be afraid to go bold–I dare you to paint that wall cobalt blue! In the end, it’s just paint right?
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Sari & Melanie