Mehrab Motif: Bassett's Emporium Collection

texture + pattern are great, but bring your own color to the seats

This one caught my eye on Pinterest, a chair with a Moroccan trellis pattern as it's back. Were Chez Moi a house (a big one), I'd put this collection on my wish list. The collection offers a full range of furniture from Nursery to Office. It's the dining collection that speaks to me most. The whole thing is inspired by antiques with Old World themes, which is...on the money.

Lotus & Fig: Charming Charlie's Moroccan Muse

pattern perfection: moroccan muse jewelry box

A few months ago, I wandered down a quiet wing of a shopping mall and discovered a store called Charming Charlie - and was promptly ensnared by the siren call of their Moroccan Muse collection. It had it all: color + texture + pattern: glorious shades of hot pink, bright orange and gold; airy cotton, gauzy weaves, glossy lacquer, smooth beads, rough straw. Good thing there's a store right on Fifth Avenue, NYC 'cause I didn't have very much time to spend in that mall.

But I did not leave without that gorgeous box...

Retail Odyssey: Earthy & Exotic at Pier 1

the moroccan coffee table base with glass round top

Is Pier 1 killing it, a little, kinda? Some of their summer offerings are shall we say, righteous. Sexy in that understated, clean & natural sort of way. Items that feel rich and stately without being too showy or ornate. 

Mrrrowwwrrrr...

Retail Odyssey: David Bromstad Home

medina laser cut pillow in magenta/pumpkin

Known King of Color, David Bromstad has a home collection at Grandin Road, inspired by the vibrance of his native Miami. Loads of shag, shine and color color color! Despite my own love of color, I'm not particularly flashy. That said, some of these pieces are pretty fabulous. Perhaps I can set up a corner with my four mirrorballs to listen to Donna Summer in the wee hours, with the lights down low...

Lotus & Fig: Moroccan Tile Goods

moroccan tile in pink by micklyn at society6.com

Recently, while pinning away, I came across this beautiful print by Micklyn at Society 6. Obviously the combined color + pattern are exactly my jam:  varieties of pink, orange, lavender combined with a crisp Moroccan trellis lined in shiny gold. What puts this pattern over the top are the stencilled illustrations within each quatrefoil: wings, flowers, birds and lotus! 

Is it not the ultimate?!

Musings & Wants: A Dazzling Divider

just in time for the holidays, new shimmer at pier 1

I simply cannot! This room divider is well within Pier 1's wheelhouse and yet it is such an unexpected piece. Platinum-colored frame with a curvy, elegant Moroccan trellis design. The possibilities: dressing mirror, draped with scarves, angled near a window. Heck maybe dismantled and painted...teal? 

Or even paired up with this lovely...

Retail Odyssey: Gorgeous Global Mirrors

sana mehrab mirror from world market

Mirrors are one of my many weaknesses. After hot pink, color, texture, pattern, turquoise, bedding, hammered bronze, mehrab arches, floor cushions and paisley...comes mirrors. There are ten around here. Ten! Without shame. So why are the decor imps out there sending a perfect storm of showstoppers down the pike? The last thing I need is another mirror, but...

Chez Moi: Moroccan Patterns

It started with the latest issue of Adore Home magazine. As soon as I saw the image above, I was inspired to dig out my own Moroccan-patterned bedding. Both of these duvets came from the now defunct Brocade Home.

Retail Odyssey: New Pieces at Pier 1

It was just one of those random evenings when I was heading down Broadway and decided to stop into a couple of stores. First, Anthropologie which has completely remodeled and actual feels smaller somehow. It is beautiful though...  Then into Pier 1 at 15th Street and there was quite a lot to catch the eye. They too have reorganized they layout including this gorgeous display wall full of African and Indian decor.  

Throughout the store some real gems stood out:

Guest Post: Magical Moroccan Interiors

This week I'm turning it over to someone else to talk Color + Texture + Pattern:

Hello! I'm Jessica, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful online resource for affordable light fixtures. Every day I get to search for beautiful interior design inspirations and then share them on lovely blogs, like Lotus and Fig! I'm delighted to be here today because I'd like to share a particularly magical style of interior design. The rich textures, ornate patterns and brilliant colors of Moroccan interiors create a truly magical atmosphere that is at once electric and tranquil. I hope you enjoy!

 

Summer Song: One Small Treat

marrakech moroccan spoons in aubergine

If you're being cautious with your cash this summer but still want a little summer indulgence these acrylic spoons from LEIF could certainly set the right mood. Marrakech Moroccan Print Teaspoons not only look the part, they sound like a vacation you can hold in your hands. Whether you're trying your hand at exotic ice cream flavors or just getting down your morning yogurt, these ought to add a little spice to your days.

Retail Odyssey: Target's Global Shower Curtains

Saw some great shower curtains in Moroccan and Indian patterns recently. From paisley to key lattice to peacock and more modern prints, the range is pretty impressive. And the colors are largely cheerful and refreshing - something I prefer in a bathroom, no matter the size.

I took some photos of the store displays because the website photos are just too small to really appreciate:

West Elm: A Riad Grows in Brooklyn

authentic berber rugs, poufs, pillows with west elm seating and side tables

Heaven knows how West Elm continues to do it! They've debuted a "Found Morocco" collection of one-of-a-kind imports. Sure, lots of companies do this. But they've taken authentic Moroccan goods and styled them up in their own casual/modern style. And everything looks fantastic!

Retail Odyssey: And Another Thing...

I did take that swing by my local Target to check out this collection. Of course, there were a lot more pieces in store than are listed online. Lots of handsome modern pottery, metal trays with a Moroccan trim, and carved candles. 

A couple of pleasant surprises were this lamp base and throw rug:

deep, teal ceramic with a lantern pattern around the midsection

Retail Odyssey: Target's New Modern Morocco

Looks like Target is ringing in the new year with one of those things it does so well: a mini collection of Moroccan-inspired home decor. The 'Modern Morocco' collection combines traditional patterns with modern color schemes for a very crisp looking line. 

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The navy pillow seems particularly strong between the colors and the nailhead trim. Very chic and gender-neutral. The bone-colored inlay picture frames are very earthy and subdued. The pattern on that lamp shade is a personal favorite. I need a new lampshade like a I need a hole in the head, but if the embroidery was a nice brown... Poufs are always great and this on seems to be a sturdy canvas with embroidered pattern. Expect it to sell out. And really, that table is fantastic! Light profile, shapely, and a good size at 24"h x 18"w.

I might stroll over to my neighborhood store and check this line out in person.

Earthy Neutrals: Vivaterra's Home Collection

If Vivaterra had a New York store front, my nose would be glued to the window right now. Their home goods are earthy, exotic and really sing out at a time like this, when cozy bedding is the order of the day. My small weakness for exotic mirrors would be well-sated by one of these:

moorish mirror: the perfect shape for my entry wall

Gray Days: Summer's End

Today was a tough one: cold and overcast. It was 48 degrees outside this morning and my windows were still open. Actually, one window was open about five inches. That's enough to freeze my whole apartment. Living on street level, I refuse to open/close windows without being 'presentable' to passersby. (This one time, when I had just moved into my first place and didn't have curtains yet, I came out of the bathroom in a shower cap and towel. The bathroom door was next to big double windows that overlooked a highway entrance. I made eye contact with a lady in the passenger seat of a minivan. Then I got curtains.)  

So, it was a long day of trying to get properly warm. At the office and even hours after having closed the window tonight, I still feel vaguely chilled. Just a little bit shy of comfortable. A hot bath would certainly help with that. But my tub is so tiny, and the grout so old that I never, ever take baths at home. Instead, I'll settle for a good cup of tea and dream of a warm, relaxing, summer soak...

Source: Elle Decor     Photo Credit: William Waldron