Tunisian style decor is characterized by rich colors, intricate patterns, and ornate furnishings. Embracing this North African decor aesthetic can create a warm, welcoming home environment. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to decorate in Tunisian style.

Pick Vibrant Colors

Tunisian decor utilizes bold, saturated colors. Opt for rich jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, and golden yellow. You can also incorporate earthy neutrals like sand, ivory, and terracotta. Use these colors when selecting paint for your walls, rugs, pillows, throws, and other accessories. The vibrant colors will add energy and visual interest to your space.

Paint Walls in Deep Hues

Paint your walls in deep saturated hues like crimson, cobalt, or amber. This creates an enveloping backdrop. For a bit more vibrancy, use two complementary colors on adjacent walls. For example, paint one wall turquoise and the opposite wall in a rich orange. The contrast will make both colors pop.

Layer in Patterned Rugs

Scatter room-sized patterned rugs in coordinating colors over wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors. Moroccan rag rugs, Turkish kilims, and Indian dhurries boast bold geometric designs in bright color palettes. The patterns and colors will enliven your floor space.

Add Accent Pillows and Throws

Punch up sofas and beds with a mix of solid and patterned throw pillows and throws in compatible hues. Look for embroidered and printed textiles with North African-inspired motifs. The mix of patterns and textures adds visual depth.

Incorporate Intricate Patterns

Tunisian decor relies heavily on ornate patterns for richness. Seek out textiles with complex motifs like arabesque designs, tile patterns, and floral prints. Use these patterns in rugs, pillows, drapes, and upholstery. Repeat colors and patterns throughout the space for a cohesive feel.

Drape Windows with Patterned Fabrics

Adorn windows with patterned drapes or valances. Flowing sheer drapes over planted shutters create an inviting backdrop. For fuller coverage, hang opaque patterned drapes in vibrant hues. Layer the drapes over neutral Roman shades.

Display Geometric Patterned Wall Art

Hang geometric patterned art on the walls in coordinating colors. Vintage Turkish textiles, Moroccan tiles, and Tunisian embroidery boast intricate designs. Framed blocks of patterned fabric make striking art. Repeat key patterns to tie the look together.

Accent with Ceramic Accessories

Introduce Tunisian patterns through ceramic tabletop accessories. Opt for serving platters, vases, bowls, and tiles with arabesque and floral designs. Display them on console tables, mantels, and shelving for pops of pattern.

Select Ornate Furnishings

Tunisian decor embraces lavish furnishings with hand-carved details. Incorporate intricately decorated wood furnishings like armoires, chairs, tables, and room dividers. Seek out pieces with ornamental metalwork for added opulence. Place them strategically as statement pieces.

Invest in an Intricate Armoire

Make a bold statement by incorporating a hand-carved armoire. Opt for one with detailed scrolling, floral carvings, or fretwork. Use it to conceal a TV or as a chic wardrobe storage piece. Its ornate presence will amplify the room’s exotic flair.

Display a Carved Wood Console

Situate an intricately carved console table behind a sofa or against the entryway wall. Look for one with turned legs, scalloped aprons, and hand-painted finishes. These ornamental tables provide functional storage and captivating style.

Pull Up Ornate Dining Chairs

Select dining chairs with turned spindles, scrolled arms, and cabriole legs. Upholster the seats in a vibrant patterned fabric with tassel or nailhead trim for added flair. The detailed chairs anchor the space in old-world charm.

Embrace Eclectic Furnishings

Tunisian decor embraces an eclectic mix of furnishings. Combine traditional wood pieces with painted wrought iron, leather poufs, brass-topped tables, and patterned ceramics. The blend of materials, styles, and eras cultivates rich character.

Add Painted Metal Étagères

Inject a pop of wrought iron with a painted metal wall shelf or étagère. Opt for one with scrolled brackets and detailing. Use it to display collected ceramic pieces and greenery. The metalwork adds striking contrast to the wood furnishings.

Toss in Leather Poufs

Scatter leather poufs around the living room or bedroom for casual multi-purpose seating. Opt for poufs embossed with Moroccan patterns or geometric shapes. Their soft shapes balance the room’s hard edges and angles.

Pull Up a Brass Tea Table

Situate a round brass tea table beside a traditional sofa or chair. The metallic sheen plays off the saturated wall colors. Use the table for tea service or curating collected decorative objects.

Incorporate Arches and Alcoves

Arches and alcoves are hallmarks of Tunisian architecture. Mimic this look by framing doorways or windows with Moorish-style arches. Build out small recessed nooks flanked by arches for a charming reading area or display.

Frame Doorways with Architectural Arches

Transform a basic doorway into a dramatic Moorish archway. DIY a faux archway with molded trim or build out a real one with brick or stone. Paint or finish the archway to complement the wall color. The striking focal point evokes old-world grandeur.

Construct an Architectural Wall Niche

Build out a recessed arched niche on a living room wall. Flank it with sconces or spotlights to illuminate decorative objects. Line the back wall of the niche with patterned wallpaper or tiles for added ornamentation. Display art, greenery, or collected pieces within the niche.

Recess a Cozy Reading Nook

Carve out space for a relaxing reading nook by recessing an area with an arched entry. Furnish the nook with patterned cushions and pillows. Add sconces and arched bookshelves to complete the inviting retreat.

Incorporate Natural Materials

While rich colors dominate, Tunisian decor also utilizes natural materials. Incorporate wood, wicker, leather, terracotta, and stone elements for organic contrast. Display greenery and introduce arches, tiles, and mosaics for an authentic outdoor-inspired feel.

Display Collections on Wood Shelves

Mount natural wood shelving to display ceramic wares, framed photos, and collected objects. Seek out shelving with carved Moroccan-inspired patterns. The organic texture balances the room’s ornate elements.

Add a Wicker Chair or Two

Tuck a hand-woven wicker chair or two into the living room or sunroom. The breezy chairs complement the space’s exotic flair. For added comfort, top the chairs with patterned cushions that pick up the room’s color scheme.

Strategically Place Potted Plants

Dot the space with potted palms, ferns, orchids, and succulents. Place them in hand-painted ceramic pots or carved wood planters. Greenery freshens up the ornate interior with organic tones and textures.

Incorporate Authentic Touches

Mount a Carved Wood Room Divider

Situate an intricately hand-carved wood room divider to section off space in an open concept home. Opt for one with cutout patterns and distressed finishes. Use it to delineate a dining area or accent wall. The ornate divider adds exotic architectural detail.

Display Vibrant Boiled Wool Pillows

Add authentic pops of color and texture with pillows wrapped in hand-woven boiled wool. Use these rustic pillows to top benches, daybeds, and traditional chairs. They’re embroidered with traditional tribal motifs.

Add Moroccan Tilework

Incorporate colorful handmade encaustic cement tiles in entryways, kitchens, and baths. Display them vertically on the wall or create a backsplash. Opt for tiles featuring traditional zellige patterns. The intricate tiles are an iconic Tunisian decorative art form.

Install a Turkish-Style Hammam

Create a soothing at-home spa retreat with a custom tiled hammam-style shower or steam room. Line the walls and benches in boldly colored moroccan-style tiles. Add brass accents and arched entryways. Plush towels, candles, and greenery complete the lavish space.

Shop for Authentic Tunisian Decor

Seek out authentic Tunisian decorative wares to anchor your space in exotic flair.Browse import shops, fair trade retailers, and specialty online boutiques. Look for:

• Vibrant patterned Tunisian textiles: shawls, upholstery fabrics, pillow covers
• Handmade Tunisian ceramics: painted bowls, cups, serving platters
• Intricately embroidered and beaded Tunisian wedding blankets
• Metal lanterns and lighting fixtures with cutout patterns
• Carved wood and leather ottomans, stools, and trunks
• Vivid glass mosaic tiles and tabletops

Shopping from ethical Tunisian artisans supports cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Let these authentic touches guide your space’s exotic style journey.

Incorporate Tunisian Hospitality

Tunisian decor goes beyond aesthetics to focus on cultivating a gracious, welcoming environment. Embrace the generous spirit of Tunisian hospitality with:

Comfortable Seating Areas

Furnish living rooms and sitting areas with plush sofas, daybeds, and lounging chairs so guests feel pampered. Include small tables for tea service.

Ample Lighting

Illuminate spaces brilliantly with table lamps, sconces, and striking lighting fixtures. Candles also add warm, welcoming glows.

Fragrant Touches

Display fresh greenery and flowers. Burn incense or essential oils in diffusers to scent rooms with calming fragrance.

Offerings of Food and Drink

Serve guests refreshments like mint tea, Turkish coffee, juices, and assorted sweets on decorative glassware and plates.

Creating a gracious environment for cherished company is central to Tunisian hospitality. Extend the welcoming spirit into your décor.

How to Decorate Specific Rooms

While Tunisian style decor can be incorporated throughout the home, certain elements work especially well in specific rooms:

Living Room

• Deep blue or green painted walls
• Patterned rugs layered over carpeting
• Ornate armoire as visual anchor
• Brass accents like a tea table and lanterns

Dining Room

• Vivid painted or wallpapered accent wall
• Intricately carved wood dining set
• Azure blue dining chairs
• Statement light fixture with cut metal or glass

Bedroom

• Pale neutral painted walls
• Upholstered bed frame with nailhead trim
• Patterned bedding and abundant pillows
• Matching oak nightstands with metal hardware

Kitchen

• Embossed leather bar stools
• Green and white tiled backsplash
• Terracotta vessels displayed on open shelving
• Wrought iron lighting fixtures over island

Bathroom

• Encaustic floor tiles
• Vibrant patterned shower curtain
• Arched mirror over ornate console sink
• Metal lantern lighting

Entryway

• Terracotta tile flooring
• Carved wood bench with bright pillows
• Mirrored table with gilded lantern lamp
• Framed calligraphy art pieces

Thoughtfully planning oùt how to bring Tunisian elements into each living space will create a cohesive exotic oasis.

How to Decorate in Tunisian Style on a Budget

While ornate furnishings and intricate details define high-end Tunisian decor, embracing this exotic style on a budget is also feasible:

Shop Discount Home Stores

Scope out discount home stores for ceramic accessories, metal lanterns, and decorative furnishings like side tables or chairs with scrolled details. These small touches evoke the ornate style without breaking the bank.

Seek Out Vintage and Secondhand Pieces

Browse flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales, and online auctions for quality secondhand ornate furnishings at a fraction of retail prices. Refinish or reupholster pieces as needed.

Use Removable Accents

Stick to inexpensive removables like bold patterned pillows, tablecloths, curtains, and rug runners to transform a space temporarily. Switch them out seasonally for an instant style refresh.

Paint Key Furniture Pieces

Give tired furnishings or flea market finds new life with coats of vivid jewel-toned paint. Painted detailing mimics ornate carvings and metal inlays.

Embrace DIY

Try easy affordable DIY projects like stenciling Moroccan motifs onto walls, framing scrap fabric into art, or decoupaging ceramic vessels. Add DIY decorative shelves, arched doorways, or recessed niches for character.

With strategic planning, you can curate an exotic Tunisian oasis on a moderate budget. Focus on a few statement pieces and inexpensive accents.

How to Incorporate Key Tunisian Style Elements in Every Room

While embracing Tunisian decor in your entire home creates a cohesive exotic oasis, not everyone may want a space that is uniformly themed. Fortunately, it is easy to incorporate Tunisian style elements strategically in certain rooms or zones.

Entryway

First impressions matter, so an exotic entryway sets the stage for experiencing the home’s Tunisian details.

• Paint the front door a vibrant jewel tone like ruby red or sapphire blue to make an energizing statement.
• Flank the front door with matching painted wooden shutters for symmetrical exotic flair.
• Outfit the entry foyer with patterned floor tiles or a colorful vintage rug.
• Situate a carved wood bench or upholstered ottoman by the door to accommodate shoe removal. Top it with embroidered pillows.
• Mount a round brass tray on the wall to hold keys. Seek out styles with cutout Moroccan motifs.
• Display museum-style framed art prints of famous Tunisian tiles or textiles.

These captivating touches offer guests an exciting taste of what’s to come. The vibrant entry primes visitors to embrace the home’s exotic Tunisian details.

Living Room

As the home’s main gathering place, the living room presents the perfect canvas for reveling in Tunisian decor.

• Paint the living room a saturated jewel tone like ruby red or sapphire blue. Then accent the wall with a vibrant floral stenciled border.
• Roll out an ornate vintage Turkish rug as the room’s foundation. Layer it over wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwoods.
• Arrange plush floor poufs around a carved wood coffee table. Top the poufs with embroidered pillows in complementing hues. They create casual seating for guests.
• Flank the carved wood sofa with carved Arabesque end tables. Style them with patterned ceramic table lamps with draped fabric shades.
• Mount a carved wooden console behind the sofa to conceal media components. Style it with vibrant flower arrangements and collected ceramic decor.
• Display an exotic collection of framed vintage textiles or tiles above the sofa as the focal art piece.

These exotic touches transform the living room into an opulent space for relaxing. Guests will delight in the room’s vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and global artifacts.

Dining Room

Make mealtimes a multicultural affair by exoticizing the dining room with ornate Tunisian accents.

• Paint the dining room a dramatic deep teal hue. Then stencil a metallic geometric border under the chair rail for striking contrast.
• Illuminate the space with a bold metal chandelier featuring colored glass elements or dangling beads.
• Cover the windows with elaborate stacked drapery tiebacks featuring colorful embroidered tape.
• Serve dinner on intricately hand-painted ceramic plates and platters. Opt for ornate motifs.
• Adorn the dining table with ceramic tagines and brightly colored glassware. Place orchids and candles in glass vases.
• Use an antique hand-carved hardwood table and studded leather dining chairs for exotic materials.

These touches transform ordinary meals into a cultural experience. Guests will feel transported as they dine under the ornate light fixture surrounded by vibrant ornate decor.

Bedroom

Help guests unwind in an exotic bedroom oasis brimming with Tunisian accents.

• Paint the bedroom walls in a soothing neutral like sand or ivory. Use a deep navy blue on trim for bold definition.
• Top the bed in a mix of embroidered and patterned shams, pillows, and throws. Choose colors and patterns that tie into the overall palette.
• Flank the bed with dark wooden end tables featuring ornate metal hardware. Top them with patterned lamps with draped fabric shades.
• Layer a bold patterned wool rug beside the bed. Display intricately embroidered slippers on top.
• Hang a large round brass mirror with Moroccan-inspired cutouts over the bedside table. This amplifies the ornate lighting.
• Place fresh flowers on the dresser along with a hand-painted ceramic vase. Include collected perfume bottles.

This oasis of ornate details and serene colors creates a relaxing refuge. Guests will enjoy unwinding in the immersive exotic environment.

Bath

Pamper guests with spa-inspired exotic details in the bathroom.

• Line the countertop and backsplash with vibrant patterned zellige tiles featuring traditional geometric motifs. The intricate mosaics establish an exotic backdrop.
• Top the bathroom vanity with an oversized round brass mirror mounted on an articulating arm. Flank it with sconces featuring cut metal shades.
• Display ornamental glass bottles and trays next to the sink atop a carved wood or leather box.
• Add a hint of pattern with ornate shower curtain featuring arabesque designs or intricate flowers. Use in bold hues like emerald green.
• Coordinate plush bath towels and accessories in matching saturated hues and patterns.