roomplanners magazine - mar '11

www.roomplanners.com

roomplanners MARCH 2011

bring it home!

Morocco

inside Morocco’s charming Riads and guest houses

9 must-haves for Moroccan décor

Moroccan chicken tagine

a new furniture collection from

Tommy Bahama bring it home!

Antigua

style color 2011

trends!

global

2 MAR 2011 www.roomplanners.com

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40 CHICKEN TAGINE

An authentic Moroccan main dish.

5 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Honeysuckle... vintage wine... lime twist. Make sense of the 2011 color trends! 10 FROM OUR BLOG

12 ROOMS OF THE MONTH

Global decorating ideas spice up a kitchen and bathroom.

11 GLOBAL STYLE

this month...

about roomplanners

Visit out web site to browse

room ideas, identify your environmental personality

profile or download one of our RoomCues® style guides.

on the cover

Indoor and outdoor living connect in the romantic guest houses of Morocco.

Riad Abaka, in Marrakesh, offers a unique mix of traditional Moroccan and European modern design. More on page 30.

14 TRAVEL MEETS LEISURE

An exotic fusion of natural elements inspire a new furniture collection from Tommy Bahama.

24 TROPICAL BREEZE

Windswept shapes and sandy colors bring island living home.

All written information herein is copyright ©2011 Room Planners Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without written permission from Room Planners Incorporated.

www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 3

30

GUEST HOUSES OF MOROCCO

A look inside guest houses in Marrakesh, Fes and Chefchouen.

38

MOROCCO AT HOME

The must-haves of this exotic, sultry style.

30

14 12

24

Find us online at:

WEB SITE www.roomplanners.com

TWITTER www.twitter.com/roomplanners

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/roomplanners

BLOG

http://blog.roomplanners.com

http://blog.roomplanners.com/blog/home-design-furniture-and-color-tips/sleep-well-tonight-a-review-of-sealys-embody-latex-mattress

Editor-in-Chief Loreen Epp

Contributing writers Dominique Waters

Food writer Wendi Hiebert

201 1

This year’s hottest hues put a fresh face on

troubled times. They

seem to encourage us to

feel optimistic, to lighten our load and even to

indulge… a little.

Pantone’s honeysuckle is

said to endow us with courage and confidence,

emboldening us to tackle our troubles and take a

more positive view of things… a shift from our escapist

tendencies last year (2010’s color

of the year was the resort-inspired,

turquoise).

ICI’s lime twist

does the same. This youthful,

cool, green-tinged yellow feels positive, hopeful

and healthy. Any color with this

much yellow can’t help but exude optimism and a lighter

approach… and it’s the perfect hue to discourage clutter!

Even Benjamin Moore’s vintage

wine has a hopeful vibe, blend-

ing the magnificence of purple

with the comfort of brown; suggesting, perhaps, that we’re

up for a little luxury again (either that or a stiff drink), but

want to stay grounded this time.

ALL THREE PICKS SEEM ROOTED IN PASTEL COLORS. But each has a complexity that keeps it versatile: it’s not clear if these hues are bold or elegant, romantic or rational. It’s not even clear if they’re cool or warm… honeysuckle is pink (warm) with cool blue undertones; lemon twist is yellow (warm) with cool green undertones; vintage wine is purple (cool) with warm brown undertones!

2011 colors seem to capture the complexities of our changing

world, reflecting the sort of balance we need and want in our own lives.

Ahead… the leading paint

color trends for 2011, and our own recommendations.

TRUTH IS, THERE WASN’T

MUCH AGREEMENT ABOUT

THAT.

If there was an Oscar for leading

color in 2011, there’d be a three-way tie. Awkward. Or not?

PANTONE chose honeysuckle, a

cool, girl-power pink. Benjamin

Moore nominated vintage wine, a

smoky purple; ICI Paints opted

for lime twist.

Sherwin Williams insisted color

trends had been replaced by self

expression this

year… but all the

same, compiled some timely hues

in case we were stuck.

There’s no doubt that adding

trendy colors to our wardrobe is usually a better idea than adding

them to our homes. (Who wants to be stuck with yesterday’s news on

their walls at this time next year?)

Still, most of us like to be tuned

into what’s new, since color trends reflect what we’re all feeling and thinking about. So...

is there any agreement between 2011 color pickers on the state of

the nation?

In broad paintbrush terms, yes!

COLOR OF THE YEAR


… and the color of the year is...

vibrant…creative…bold…playful…energizing


restless nomad

purely refined

bold invention

gentle medley

pared down is the new upscale…understated tailored...natural elegance…intriguing

innocent without being sweet...fresh…airy parchment-pale neutrals...pastels...vintage

entrepreneurial…eclectic…experimental…artsy high energy...graffiti city colors…avant-garde

sultry…exotic...primal...global...eclectic anywhere everywhere...earthy...dusky

dreamy

spirited

soulful

serene…harmonious…inviting…luminous flowing...romantic & chic

authentic…personal…expressive warm...welcoming

rock n’ rolla


boudoir gothic

tokyo pop

danish twist

elements of nature and light simple...pure…blonde

east meets west…personalized…fun optimistic...comfort & play…pop culture

contemporary meets vintage…relaxed music-infused…cool…masculine

seduction meets shadow…luxurious deep...mystical…elegant

made with love

the beauty of everyday life

molecular magic

pop up pleasure

calm & exhilarating…clarity…decoded navigating…simple...uncluttered…urban

valued… treasured…shared…proud…honest direct…authentic…modest

human…humble…mellow...honest here and now…simple…informal

science & technology…mesmerizing…sensual intriguing…unexpected

pleasure’s back…charming…childlike…simple lightweight...surprising…refreshing…poetic

finding the way

plum


Benjamin Moore

#2113—60

Porcelain

plum

American Drew, Bob Mackie Classics

Bernhardt Furniture, Stonebriar

steel

Lexington Furniture, Black Ice

Kincaid Furniture, Brookside

Behr

#790E-3

Porpoise

steel

… an urban, fashionable gray in our chic palette, this

timeless hue has a contemporary, metallic quality that’s cool, current and very professional.

WE PICKED OUR FAVORITES FROM THE 2011 TREND PALETTES

...then compared them to our RoomColors (90 timeless hues for interiors) to find out if our favorite trendy hues had lasting power.

THESE 7 HUES passed with... well, flying colors. They’ll feel new this year, but also look good long past December!

RoomColors are designers’ favorite hues for interiors, grouped into 9 environmental palettes.

This unique color-style system simplifies color selection, color combining, color psychology and much more.

More information at:

http://store.roomplanners.simplehelix.com/interior-color-style-system.html

slate

Lexington Furniture, Long Cove

Broyhill Furniture, Perspectives

Broyhill Furniture, Ferron Court

Sherwin Williams

#6239

Upward

.. a muted, nearly neutral hue from our chic palette.

with just enough blue undertones to feel peaceful. This quiet, contemporary hue is stylish and sophisticated.

slate Lea Furniture, Rhapsody

Stanley Furniture

… a bit mauve, a bit taupe, this is a versatile hue that’s pretty without being overly feminine. From our nostalgic palette, it’s both vintage and stylish.

the king’s speech


fuchsia

terracotta

Valspar

#2007-7C New Haven Clay

terracotta

Broyhill Furniture , Northern Lights

Drexel Heritage, At Home in Tuscany

Stanley Furniture, Portofino

fuchsia

Benjamin Moore

#1347

Pink Ladies

… similar to Pantone’s honeysuckle, this hue has a bold,

exotic quality. In our global palette, it feels adventurous,

energetic, colorful and memorable.

Lea Furniture , iRoom

aubergine

Benjamin Moore

#2116-20

Vintage Wine

… Benjamin Moore’s vintage wine is regal and rich-bodied,

a match with aubergine in our classic palette. This is a dark

hue that can be lightened up without looking sweet.

aubergine

Lea Furniture , Off Campus

honeydew

honeydew

Behr

#400C-2

Home Song

Broyhill Furniture , Perspectives Lexington Furniture , Long Cove

Broyhill Furniture , Attic Heirlooms

… more muted than ICI’s lime twist, honeydew is fresh,

but livable. In our modern palette, it’s a natural for

contemporary rooms, but freshens up country styles too.

… an appetizing, slightly European hue from our nostalgic palette that connects us to gardens and

vineyards. This vintage hue feels warm and timeless.

furniture tip

anchor the bed

movie set design

the king’s speech… the therapist’s office! do-it-yourself decorating

wine country style


more news & ideas at http://blog.roomplanners.com

from our blog

Placing an area rug under (or partly under)

a bed reinforces it with an extra layer of color and texture… ensuring it stays

(or becomes!) the focal point of a bedroom.

Coordinating the color of the rug with the headboard, bed linens or artwork directly

above the bed builds up the composition... while placing the rug on angle (even a

slight one) makes the room look wider.

Anchoring any piece of furniture with accessories will make it look more

substantial!

According to home builders, wine country,

or Mediterranean styles are as popular as

ever. Loved for their warmth and intimate connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, the look is undergoing some updates, but not waning as one of the favorites.

For a look at one of our favorite wine country furniture styles, check out our Napa RoomCue.

OSCAR-WINNING

THE KING’S SPEECH brought us a memorable story… and a very memorable interior! The office of speech therapist Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush) featured

an eclectic design that suited his offbeat, unorthodox personality… and our growing preferences for a freer mix of design ideas.

The most fascinating part of this slightly eccentric room was a peeling wall that revealed generations of layered wallpaper and paint colors.

A well-worn Louis XV sofa with gilded frame and floral bouquet design added more vintage style. Faded, mismatched oriental rugs were all that filled the rest of the large interior - and the movie offered an up-close look at each of them as Bertie, the future King George VI, rolled around on the floor doing his

speech therapy exercises! MORE PHOTOS AT:

http://issuu.com/roomplanners/docs/roomcue_-_napa_by_aspenhome

http://blog.roomplanners.com/blog/home-design-furniture-and-color-tips/the-kings-speech-and-the-therapists-office

PHOTO COURTESY: Stanley Furniture

IF YOUR FAVORITE ISLAND WAS BECKONING THIS WINTER,

BUT YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT PAST YOUR ICE-PACKED DRIVEWAY,

IT MAY BE TIME FOR A LITTLE WARM-WEATHER STYLE.

Exotic-looking rooms can bring our favorite destination home or just help us relax with vacation-style intensity. And with the winter beating we just took, exotic looks inspired by somewhere very, very far away may

be just what we need.

So… from Antigua, the South Pacific and the tip of Africa, we went in

pursuit of some house-warming ideas to heat up the pages in this issue… and the rooms in your home.

global style


PHOTO COURTESY: Riad Abaka www.riadabaka.com

room of the month

BATHROOM

area rug

vanity cabinet

Tile floor-

ing

flooring

WHY IT WORKS!

counter


angled wall tile… with a light-dark color contrast looks exotic!

unmatched mirror… perfectly eclectic, it looks one-of-a-kind. (We’d have hung it a little lower; to overlap the tiled wall.)

furniture-like vanity… rich wood, fabulous detail, (like an imported antique!)

black marble counter… looks good with the black-framed mirror.

open shelves on the vanity cabinet… casually stores towels, bottles or woven bins in open view.

tall baseboards… match the band of white tile above.

antique brass faucets... look warm and tarnished!

sky blue walls… contrast the warm wood, bringing the look of warm weather indoors!

dark floors… always look exotic!

exotic rug… adds pattern and unexpected warmth in a bathroom!

A PLAIN BATHROOM

GOES GLOBAL WITH

TILED WALLS AND AN

EXOTIC VANITY.

Behr

#560A-3

Utah Sky

wall tile

faucets

PHOTO COURTESY: Hooker Furniture /147-65 Sink Cabinet

spicy color scheme… hues of curry, saffron and turmeric will inspire any cook!

two-tone tile pattern on the backsplash… it’s unusual, adds texture and elongates the room.

marble countertops in a wood tone… feel handcrafted and gourmet-inspired!

light counters… lighten

this cozy room and offset the dark ceiling.

open shelves… add gourmet-style warmth; perfect for displaying exotic spices and cooking supplies!

makeshift table instead of an island… extra surface for cooking and an intimate eating area next to the cook!

iridescent curtains… cover up stark white window frames and add a sultry, Arabian nights quality!

retro stove in stainless steel… befits the most exotic gourmet cook

KITCHEN

WHY IT-WORKS!


room of the month

WARM COLORS AND

UNEXPECTED TEXTURE

SPICE UP A SMALL,

MAKESHIFT KITCHEN.

cabinets

curtains

backsplash

flooring

appliances

Behr

#230F-5

Suntan Glow

counters

Legendary for its distinctly

sophisticated interpretation of

island life, the Tommy Bahama brand was born to celebrate the

good life!

The company’s founders admit

they first sketched out the Tommy Bahama brand idea on

a cocktail napkin while sipping pina coladas at the beach. What

followed was more than a fictional character that inspired elegant tropical living. They

fashioned a lifelong philosophy of leisure; a belief that all things

should be enjoyed in an unhurried way.

As a lifestyle company, Tommy Bahama today represents

everything from premium rum to men’s and women’s sports-

wear, denim, swimwear, accents and distinctive home

furnishings that bring

destination travel home.

The newest addition to the Tommy Bahama Home brand is Royal Kahala (by Lexington

Home Brands), joining four other collections under this tropic-inspired brand. Like the

others, Royal Kahala’s use of tactile, natural materials to represent a lifestyle of travel and leisure doesn’t disappoint.

The collection’s rare mix of mahogany, bent,

leather-wrapped and woven rattan, penn shell, split bamboo, sugar cane, coco shell and

The captivating black sand

beaches of Hawaii and

Polynesia served as

inspiration for an exotic

fusion of elements in

Royal Kahala…

A NEW FURNITURE COLLECTION

from Tommy Bahama Home.

leisure

travel MEETS


It’s this eclectic approach to style that Haney believes, is at the heart of sophisticated home

décor today.

“The hallmark of inspired design is the ability to blend styles and finishes effortlessly, while creat-ing an environment that encourages hospitality

and conversation.” Haney believes Royal Kahala

will resonate with those who appreciate unique

detail and unexpected details.

“This collection showcases the design and detail of exceptional individual pieces.” A mirrored

night stand with custom pulls serves as one example. “It’s made with Australian blacklip abaloene shell,” he reveals, adding that this

remarkable shell features an iridescent mother of pearl inner surface with a distinctive black lip

around the outer edge.

Even the names of individual pieces in this collection are likely to inspire a love of the unique and exotic… from the Diamond Head bed

to the Black Sands night chest, Island’s Edge table,

Sunset Cay lamp table and Lotus Blossom mirror.

tortoise shell finishes bring some of nature’s most rare and unique materials indoors, fusing

them in unexpected, sophisticated ways.

“Royal Kahala represents the most refined and

elegant lifestyle within the Tommy Bahama

Home portfolio,” says Phil Haney, President of Lexington Home Brands. “The designs exude flavors of the Pacific Rim, blending unique

natural materials with the best of eclectic, travel-inspired style traditions.”

Dominating those travel-inspired styles are British Colonial, with its rich, deep wood tones

and attention to detail... and Campaign, with its streamlined, refined symmetry. Blended with

distinctive influences from Africa’s Ivory Coast and a relaxed attitude unique to the Caribbean,

this mix of exotic ideas reflects both the intrigue and the romance of travel from past centuries through to today.

Royal Kahala’s unexpected themes and variety of

influences suggest a connoisseur’s approach to sophisticated island living; one that invites

unusual expression and a collaboration of ideas.


ABOVE. A zebra-print rug and wood window shutters add exotic appeal, standing out against shapely light and dark furniture. RIGHT. A richly-detailed Campaign-style desk recalls furniture once designed to fold up for travel.


“exceptional

individual pieces

suggest an

eclectic,

sophisticated

approach to

island living.”

Phil Haney, President,

Lexington Home Brands

ABOVE. Elegant furniture details are enhanced with equally elegant accessories. Artwork above the bed complements the wood finish and aligns with the design of the headboard. Organic-looking bed linens and a folded blanket at the foot of the bed replicate the look of top hotel resorts. BOTTOM. Lamp bases and shades complement the rich texture and colors of the cabinet below.

WATCH THE

ROYAL KAHALA

VIDEO AT:

http://www.lexington.com/whats-new/videos.cfm

NATURAL

TEXTURES PLAY

A KEY ROLE IN

EXPRESSING A

LIFESTYLE OF

TRAVEL and

leisure.

How to set a Brit-

ish Table

Watch Regents Row video at

A rich Kona finish over ribbon stripe and quartered mahogany is used throughout the

collection. In the living room, this rich tone complements decorative nailhead trim and

antique brass accents, offering a striking contrast to ivory-colored fabrics and pops of

bold-colored toss pillows on artisan-quality carved sofa frames.

As a whole, fabric colors in this collection are both fresh and familiar: from dramatic contrasts

of white with Colonial blues, salsa reds and deep browns... to complex monochromatic combinations of earthy hues.

A dramatic, four-seat Edgewater sofa invites a rich layering of colorful, patterned and textured throw pillows, while raffia textures on select pieces reinforce the role of natural materials in interpreting this relaxed lifestyle. An array of


TOP. A bold salsa-like hue ties together a rich layering of sofa pillows. Over-sized candle stands complement heavily carved furniture legs. BOTTOM. Deeply carved table legs recall the work of skilled island artisans.


Mixing red with white and EARTHY brown

TONES feels bold and fresh... but familiar, TOO.

TOP, LEFT. A textured table exaggerates the play of light and shadow; a popular way to dramatize natural textures in an outdoor, or exotic-inspired interior. TOP, RIGHT. A pair of resort-inspired mirrored drawer chests are bunched together to anchor dramatic wall art. BOTTOM. A tiled floor adds instant exotic style and anchors a quartet of lounge chairs. Seating with cushions that look (or are!) removable adds to the light, outdoor quality.

distinctive accent chairs look ready to provide a quiet reading spot or be moved where necessary to gather friends around.

The contrast of the dark Kona finish against white linens is equally dramatic in the bedroom. British colonial influences are distinctive here, both in color and design... perfectly suiting the exotic, languid appeal of the Tommy Bahama tradition, where nothing on your to-do list can’t wait!

In the dining room, rattan or mahogany chairs are paired with a choice of mahogany dining tables. The Islands Edge table, with its undeniably British Colonial roots, offers seating for ten.

The collection uniquely brings together a rich variety of tropical style traditions, inspiring not just the casual, feel-good statement Tommy Bahama is known for, but its sophisticated elegant side as well.


TOP. Dark wood contrasting light-colored walls and fabrics was a signature look in British Colonial design. BOTTOM. A blue-and-white color palette ties together… and tones down a zesty mix of toss pillows on the back of the sofa. Accent chairs with an airy, open design create a lightweight look that’s ideal for warm-weather or travel-inspired interiors.

THE LOOK

of DARK

wood

against

light

fabrics

recalls

British

colonial

interiors

in Africa

and India.


breeze island

O ONCE THE PERFCT PLACE to hide

British ships, Antigua’s unbroken wall of

coral reef now attracts snorkelers and scuba divers from around the world. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for marauding enemy ships to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a wealth of secluded, powdery beaches.

Properly pronounced An-tee'ga, this island paradise hosts breezy, picture-perfect days. That made it the perfect muse for a tropically-inspired furniture collection that puts being home on par with being on vacation.

The Antigua Collection, by American Drew, combines this lush Caribbean island’s organic textures with wind-shaped silhouettes and a sandy color palette. Its clean lines and relaxed shapes feel as easy-going as the island that inspired it.

CLUSTERS OF BAMBOO STALKS create

both the silhouette and structure of case pieces, yielding a lightweight, organic look with the durability and strength that’s unique to this material. Complemented


The breezy island of Antigua inspired a picture perfect furniture collection for home.

Airy furniture, glass shelves and woven textures

instantly put us in

vacation mode. 26 MAR 2011 www.roomplanners.com


on vacation. Ring pull hardware look nautical, recalling life-preservers and port holes.

The collection’s multi-toned wood finishes and textures make it easy to add more natural textures… a wicker or rattan chair in a quiet corner for an afternoon of reading, storage bins on open shelves or matchstick blinds on windows.

by tightly woven rattan drawer fronts and exotic primavera veneer patterns, this tropically-minded mix of materials seems intent on putting us in vacation mode.

Antigua’s toasted almond wood finish and sand-colored upholstery is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air (especially with the sea of dark furniture finishes everywhere you look today). Its light finish seems as capable of lightening our mood as it does maximizing daylight in our room.

Cabinets, dressers and drawer chests sit on shapely legs, adding to the lightweight airy look. Glass shelves, mirrors and cabinets

with glass doors on three sides simulate reflective ocean waters, expanding the light and perceived size of a room. Open shelves and cabinets that float in the middle of the room feel as buoyant as we do, inviting us to take it down a notch, display our things out in the open and enjoy more casual lifestyle. An airy etagere, open on both sides, makes the perfect room divider.

Gently contoured mirrors and chair backs look influenced by nature’s forces. Quiet lines and organic shapes compel us to relax, unwind and sleep as well at home as we do

TOP. Armoires are popular in resort hotels, housing the TV, coffee-maker, bar or a traveler’s wardrobe. A woven rattan texture on the doors adds a breezy style to this large piece. BOTTOM. Hardwood floors or tile are ideal for an island look, but a woven rug adds comfort underfoot and frames the bed. Woven blinds, with or without light drapes, is all island style!

Antigua is suitably entertainment-centric with a variety of tables, buffets, servers and bars that look ready to stash the rum in cabinets or the wine bottles in cellar-style cubby holes. A flip-top, flip-out bar stores happy hour supplies and pulling up the bar stools seems all that’s left to do.

A bar-height table expands as the party does; a single leaf takes the table from square to rectangle. Rattan, splat-back chairs and stools have a casual, bistro feel - and a hand-pull in the back of each chair makes it easy to move with just one hand… adhering to the rule about no heavy physical labor on vacation!

In resort-hotel room fashion, a tall armoire is able to conceal TV or coffee maker (it also looks good enough to be the focal point in a living room). Clever workspaces, including a cabinet that seals work behind closed doors looks able to

trick us into thinking we’re anywhere but at the office.

With its contemporary lines, Antigua invites any variety of ways to personalize the look. Whether zesty and tropical with

painted parrots, pineapple motifs and bright colors… or sophisticated and resort-

like with a quiet neutral color palette, the

collection seems intent on transporting us to island life.


Room

Cue

s® Antigua’s RoomCues®

style guide includes: collection highlights

recommended paint colors & island-style decorating ideas

pocket reference guide to Antigua’s wood, metal & fabric colors—for easy coordination with other products

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO

VIEW or PRINT this FREE 5-page style guide.

CLICK HERE TO OPEN: http://issuu.com/roomplanners/docs/roomcue_-_antigua_-_american_drew

OPPOSITE PAGE. Woven bins, glass vases, seashells and books invite us to relax. LEFT. A casual work area is almost as appealing as a casual work area with doors to hide our work away! ABOVE. A solid-colored sofa transforms to resort-worthy simply by adding toss pillows in tropical textures, patterns and colors.

Interior courtyards are typical of Moroccan riads; complete with a tiled fountain, pool or just a quiet place to relax. PHOTOS COURESY: Riad Abaka, Marrakesh


WHAT IS IT ABOUT MOROCCAN DESIGN THAT CAPTURES WESTERN MINDS? Is it the rich tile work, the pillow-laden wrap-around seating or the drapery that’s as likely to cover beds and doors, as windows?

We set out to try to see for ourselves... in a way we suggest every visitor to Morocco do: from inside this country’s charming riads and guest houses.

guest houses of

The famous Morocan riad, or guest house, developed out of

Islamic notions of family privacy and seclusion for women. With few windows to the outside, riads were designed to open onto an interior courtyard; most featured a central fountain and intricate tile work.

In cities like Marrakesh, many crumbling riads are being restored and used as hotels… offering outsiders a look at a lifestyle and decorative tradition second to none.

Morocco

marrakesh

AT THE HEART OF MOROCCO,

MARRAKESH BOASTS THE LARGEST

SOUK (market) and one of the busiest

squares in Africa, the Djemaa el Fna,

bustling with story-tellers, acrobats,

snake charmers, dancers and musicians.

Located just inside the Medina’s wall, minutes from the famed square is the

Riad Abaka… a fascinating blend of

traditional Moroccan and modern

European design.

Pointed arches, tile work, pillow-laden beds, clay-colored plaster walls and

other traditional Moroccan design traditions remind us where we are. But

tranquil, unadorned surfaces and cool, urban wall colors look updated and

familiar to any guest; an east meets west approach that blurs the lines of east and west, past and present.

Away from the madding crowds, the Riad’s one-of-a-kind guest rooms open

onto a secluded patio courtyard with candle-lit swimming pool, curtained

dining room and inviting areas to drink mint tea, get comfortable and stay awhile.

Traditional Moroccan meets European modern in this stylish guest house.



marrakesh Traditional Moroccan meets European modern in this stylish guest house.

riad abaka

www.riadabaka.com

THE FASCINATING FEUDAL CITY OF

FES LURES YOU IN with its narrow

labyrinthine of streets, souks, mosques and thousands of craft shops. Richly

tiled surfaces, carved doors, pointed arches and grillwork offer a living

testimony to the past!

Located minutes from the Medina’s

famed blue gate, the grand Riad Fayali

Fes showcases the charm of authentic

Andalusian Arabic style. Medieval

walls, mammoth doors and ornate iron window grills protect intricate tile work, carved wood and banquette-lined

walls... offering insight into traditional Moroccan design and the outstanding

skills of Moroccan craftsmen.

Alike neither in design or size, each

guest suite has its own magic carpet name... Alcasaba, Alambra, Alcazar; conjuring up romantic Arabian nights

to come. Open to the sky, views of the courtyard’s architecture are every-

where… from guest room balconies, stairwells and the lobby.

Meals are served by the Andalusian-

style swimming pool, under the pergola or on the terrace, depending on the

weather, the meal, the mood...

fes


Andalusian Arabic architecture reveals rich handcrafting traditions.


riad layali fes

Andalusian Arabic architecture reveals rich handcrafting traditions.

www.riad-layali-fes.com

NESTLED IN THE RIF MOUNTAINS,

THE VILLAGE OF CHEFCHOUEN is off

the beaten track. But the town’s white-washed blue-and-white stucco houses

offer a cool backdrop to native hand-crafts not found elsewhere in Morocco.

Its high-altitude fresh air and smell of fresh bread baking in local ovens make the three-hour trek from Tangiers more

than worth the effort.

Stone steps away from the town’s

fascinating medina, the Dar Zman

guest house is as captivating as the town itself.

The charming interiors of all eight guest rooms are topped only by the colorful

top-floor dining room and Andalusian terrace where a breakfast of goat cheese,

olives and fried bread is served next to panoramic views of the mountains.

Warm, spicy orange hues in guest

rooms contrasts cool blue hues in corridors and reception areas; the same

blue seen on the town’s stucco homes. Fabrics and tiles tie these complimentary hues together, contrasting dark, carved

furniture and locally-made artifacts that showcase the skills of local artisans.


chefchaouen A one-of-a-kind guest house is as charming as the town it’s home to.


A one-of-a-kind guest house is as charming as the town it’s home to.

dar Zman

www.darzman.net

design notes! skirts & drapes

morocco at home

exotic tile patterns

plaster walls


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From the riads and markets of Morocco… the 9 must-haves of a Moroccan interior!

Over the centuries, Arabs, Berbers, Spanish, French and Portuguese all made themselves at home in Morocco, layering on their cultures and preferences.

Today, Morocco is a unique mix of Andalusian and Arab traditions, blending sun-washed Mediterranean textures with exotic rugs, velvets, silks, ornate tile patterns and rich, spicy colors.

The best (and easiest!) way to bring Moroccan style home is to replicate its colors, textures and accents rather than anything too literal (pointed arches, for example, look better in Morocco than Maine)!

1. plaster walls… are Morocco! Simulate this three-dimensional texture with a paint finish—a subtle faux suede or a color wash in spice tones, blues or greens.

2. skirts & drapes… doesn’t just cover windows in Morocco! Hang tall panels on one or both sides of an interior doorway or around a bed. Or drape chairs and tables with slipcovers in silk, velvet or organza.

3. exotic tile patterns... are usually bold in color and energetic in pattern. Create ornate or mosaic designs on table tops, bathroom walls or floors using tiles that are slightly uneven or misshapen.

4. fancy metal furniture… is a popular choice for beds, settees, chairs and tables. Choose fancy wrought iron designs and pair them with simple wood or painted cabinets.

5. stacks of pillows… shouldn’t match, but be plentiful on settees, sofas and beds. Use ornate patterns, opulent fabrics and rich colors inspired by jewels or spices.

6. exotic rugs… and rug-like textures dress up floors, walls, ottomans and benches in Morocco. Spicy-colored oriental, dhurrie or Berber rugs, in any shape or size, will work.

7. colorful pottery & glass… are more than tableware in Morocco! Use plates and glassware (in spicy oranges, cobalt blues and grass greens) on shelves too.

8. one-of-a-kind mirrors & frames… are used over sinks, tables and dressers. Opt for one that looks like a piece of art; the more exotic or quirky, the better!

9. lanterns… go anywhere—on a table, on the floor or hung from the ceiling (with a tassel on the bottom!). Long and narrow lanterns are most authentic - in steel, iron or brass.

PHOTOS: Riad Maizie, Marrakesh www.riadmaizie.eu

lanterns

one-of--a-kind mirrors & frames

colorful pottery & glass

exotic rugs

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fancy metal furniture

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stacks of pillows


moroccan chicken tagine 2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Pinch saffron

1 whole chicken, cut up, excess skin & fat removed

12 cinnamon sticks

1-3/4 cups water

2 tbsp honey

16 apricots

2/3 cup sultana raisins

Hot cooked couscous

Chopped fresh cilantro and/or parsley

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic;

cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in

ginger, cinnamon, salt, pepper and saffron; cook

for a minute, stirring frequently.

Add chicken, turning pieces over to coat well with

spice mixture. Add cinnamon sticks and water;

bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over medium

heat, turning chicken pieces occasionally, until

chicken is cooked and very tender, about 40

minutes. Remove chicken; cover and keep warm.

Add honey, apricots and raisins to liquid in pan.

Bring mixture to a boil; simmer until sauce is

reduced and thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.

Remove cinnamon sticks. Serve chicken and sauce

over couscous, sprinkled with cilantro or parsley.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

The tagine, a traditional Moroccan dish, originally referred to a

round earthenware dish with a cone-shaped lid designed to protect food from a cooking fire’s open flames. Today a tagine also describes what’s in the dish!

Differences in regionally available food and in cooks’ preferences have fueled a variety of tagine recipes in Morocco. The dish can be made with poultry, meat or fish, and includes a medley of spices, as well as raisins, prunes, apricots, olives and/or lemons.

TAGINES ARE A DELICIOUS, AUTHENTIC WAY TO BRING MOROCCAN CUISINE HOME.

Traditional Moroccan tagine plates with their

cone-shaped covers.

morocco in the kitchen

roomplanners magazine - mar '11

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