roomplanners MARCH 2011
www.roomplanners.com
global style
a new furniture collection from
Tommy Bahama bring it home!
Antigua bring it home!
Morocco inside Morocco’s charming Riads and guest houses 9 must-haves for Moroccan dÊcor Moroccan chicken tagine
color
2011
trends!
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necessary.
on the cover
this month... 5
COLOR OF THE YEAR Honeysuckle... vintage wine... lime twist. Make sense of the 2011 color trends!
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FROM OUR BLOG
GLOBAL STYLE
More on page 30.
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TRAVEL MEETS LEISURE
about roomplanners
An exotic fusion of natural elements inspire a new furniture collection from Tommy Bahama.
Visit out web site to browse room ideas, identify your environmental personality profile or download one of our RoomCues® style guides.
TROPICAL BREEZE Windswept shapes and sandy colors bring island living home.
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Editor-in-Chief Loreen Epp Contributing writers Dominique Waters
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GUEST HOUSES OF MOROCCO A look inside guest houses in Marrakesh, Fes and Chefchouen.
ROOMS OF THE MONTH Global decorating ideas spice up a kitchen and bathroom.
Riad Abaka, in Marrakesh, offers a unique mix of traditional Moroccan and European modern design.
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Indoor and outdoor living connect in the romantic guest houses of Morocco.
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38 MOROCCO AT HOME The must-haves of this exotic, sultry style.
Food writer Wendi Hiebert Find us online at: WEB SITE
www.roomplanners.com
www.twitter.com/roomplanners
www.facebook.com/roomplanners
BLOG
http://blog.roomplanners.com
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CHICKEN TAGINE An authentic Moroccan main dish.
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.
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2011
… and the color of the year is... TRUTH IS, THERE WASN’T MUCH AGREEMENT ABOUT THAT. If there was an Oscar for leading color in 2011, there’d be a threeway 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!
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
COLOR OF THE YEAR
wine has a hopeful vibe, blending 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. www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 5
purely refined
dreamy
pared down is the new upscale…understated tailored...natural elegance…intriguing
gentle medley
serene…harmonious…inviting…luminous flowing...romantic & chic
spirited
innocent without being sweet...fresh…airy parchment-pale neutrals...pastels...vintage
bold invention
vibrant…creative…bold…playful…energizing
soulful entrepreneurial…eclectic…experimental…artsy high energy...graffiti city colors…avant-garde
restless nomad
sultry…exotic...primal...global...eclectic anywhere everywhere...earthy...dusky
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authentic…personal…expressive warm...welcoming
danish twist
finding the way
calm & exhilarating…clarity…decoded navigating…simple...uncluttered…urban elements of nature and light simple...pure…blonde
made with love
tokyo pop valued… treasured…shared…proud…honest direct…authentic…modest
the beauty of everyday life east meets west…personalized…fun optimistic...comfort & play…pop culture
rock n’ rolla human…humble…mellow...honest here and now…simple…informal
molecular magic contemporary meets vintage…relaxed music-infused…cool…masculine
boudoir gothic
seduction meets shadow…luxurious deep...mystical…elegant
science & technology…mesmerizing…sensual intriguing…unexpected
pop up pleasure
pleasure’s back…charming…childlike…simple lightweight...surprising…refreshing…poetic www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 7
WE PICKED OUR FAVORITES FROM THE 2011 TREND PALETTES
American Drew, Bob Mackie Classics
...then compared them to our RoomColors (90 timeless hues for interiors) to find out if our favorite trendy hues had lasting power.
plum
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
Broyhill Furniture, Ferron Court Broyhill Furniture, Perspectives
Benjamin Moore #2113—60 Porcelain
Bernhardt Furniture,
Stonebriar
plum
… 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. Lexington Furniture, Black Ice
steel
slate
Lea Furniture, Rhapsody
Sherwin Williams Lexington Furniture,
Long Cove
#6239 Upward
Kincaid Furniture, Brookside
Stanley Furniture
Behr #790E-3 Porpoise
slate
steel
.. 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.
… an urban, fashionable gray in our chic palette, this timeless hue has a contemporary, metallic quality that’s cool, current and very professional.
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Broyhill Furniture , Northern Lights
the king’s speech
Lea Furniture , iRoom
Stanley Furniture, Portofino
terracotta
fuchsia
Valspar #2007-7C
Drexel Heritage,
At Home in Tuscany
Benjamin Moore
New Haven Clay
#1347 Pink Ladies
terracotta
fuchsia
… an appetizing, slightly European hue from our nostalgic palette that connects us to gardens and vineyards. This vintage hue feels warm and timeless.
… similar to Pantone’s honeysuckle, this hue has a bold, exotic quality. In our global palette, it feels adventurous, energetic, colorful and memorable.
Lexington Furniture , Long Cove
honeydew Broyhill Furniture , Attic Heirlooms
honeydew
Lea Furniture , Off Campus
Broyhill Furniture , Perspectives
Behr #400C-2 Home Song
… 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.
aubergine Benjamin Moore
aubergine
#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. www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 9
from our blog
movie set design
the king’s speech… the therapist’s office!
do-it-yourself decorating
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:
wine country style 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. 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
more news & ideas at http://blog.roomplanners.com furniture tip
anchor the bed 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! PHOTO COURTESY: Stanley Furniture
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global style
PHOTO COURTESY: Riad Abaka www.riadabaka.com
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. www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 11
room of the month
BATHROOM A PLAIN BATHROOM GOES GLOBAL WITH TILED WALLS AND AN EXOTIC VANITY.
WHY IT WORKS! 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.
PHOTO COURTESY: Hooker Furniture /147-65 Sink Cabinet
open shelves on the
vanity cabinet… casually stores towels, bottles or woven bins in open view.
vanity cabinet
counter
tall baseboards… match
Behr #560A-3 Utah Sky
the band of white tile above.
antique brass faucets...
look warm and tarnished!
faucets
Tile flooring
sky blue walls… contrast
the warm wood, bringing the look of warm weather indoors!
dark floors… always
look exotic!
wall tile
flooring area rug
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exotic rug… adds pattern
and unexpected warmth in a bathroom!
room of the month
KITCHEN WARM COLORS AND UNEXPECTED TEXTURE SPICE UP A SMALL, MAKESHIFT KITCHEN.
WHY ITWORKS! 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
backsplash
gourmet-style warmth; perfect for displaying exotic spices and cooking supplies!
curtains Behr #230F-5 Suntan Glow
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!
counters
retro stove in stainless
steel… befits the most exotic gourmet cook
cabinets
flooring appliances www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 13
travel MEETS leisure
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 sportswear, denim, swimwear, accents and distinctive home furnishings that bring destination travel home.
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.
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 www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 15
tortoise shell finishes bring some of nature’s most rare and unique materials indoors, fusing them in unexpected, sophisticated ways.
It’s this eclectic approach to style that Haney believes, is at the heart of sophisticated home décor today.
“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.”
“The hallmark of inspired design is the ability to blend styles and finishes effortlessly, while creating an environment that encourages hospitality and conversation.” Haney believes Royal Kahala will resonate with those who appreciate unique detail and unexpected details.
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.
“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.
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.
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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.
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.
“exceptional individual pieces suggest an eclectic, sophisticated approach to island living.� Phil Haney, President, Lexington Home Brands www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 17
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 British Table
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
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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.
Watch Regents Row video at
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.
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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 blueand-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.
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THE LOOK of DARK wood against light fabrics recalls British colonial interiors in Africa and India.
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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.
The breezy island of Antigua inspired a picture perfect furniture collection for home.
Properly pronounced An-tee'ga, this island paradise hosts breezy, pictureperfect 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 www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 25
Airy furniture, glass shelves and woven textures instantly put us in vacation mode. 26
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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
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.
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!
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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 cellarstyle 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 resortlike with a quiet neutral color palette, the collection seems intent on transporting us to island life.
RoomCues®
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.
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
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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
guest houses of Morocco
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.
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. www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011
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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
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European modern in this stylish guest house.
riad abaka
www.riadabaka.com www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 33
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 everywhere… from guest room balconies, stairwells and the lobby. Meals are served by the Andalusianstyle swimming pool, under the pergola or on the terrace, depending on the weather, the meal, the mood...
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Andalusian Arabic
architecture reveals rich handcrafting traditions.
riad layali fes
www.riad-layali-fes.com www.roomplanners.com MAR 2011 35
NESTLED IN THE RIF MOUNTAINS, THE VILLAGE OF CHEFCHOUEN is off the beaten track. But the town’s whitewashed blue-and-white stucco houses offer a cool backdrop to native handcrafts 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.
A one-of-a-kind guest house
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is as charming as the town it’s home to.
dar Zman
www.darzman.net
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morocco at home 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)!
! s e t o n n g i s de From the riads and markets of Morocco… the 9 must-haves of a Moroccan interior!
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
plaster walls
1 PHOTOS: Riad Maizie, Marrakesh www.riadmaizie.eu
skirts & drapes
2
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.
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exotic tile patterns
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fancy metal furniture
4 stacks of pillows
5 exotic rugs
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colorful pottery & glass
7 one-of--a-kind mirrors & frames
8 lanterns
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morocco
in the kitchen
TAGINES ARE A DELICIOUS, AUTHENTIC WAY TO BRING MOROCCAN CUISINE HOME.
Traditional Moroccan tagine plates with their cone-shaped covers.
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.
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
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