Meta description: Dreaming of a Moroccan-inspired kitchen remodel? This extensive guide covers everything you need to know, from tilework and colors to furnishings and lighting. Get inspired with photos, tips and ideas to bring exotic Morocco into your home kitchen.

Introduction

Transport your kitchen to the exotic locale of Morocco with a remodel inspired by traditional North African design. Known for vivid colors, intricate patterns and ornate details, Moroccan style is both dramatic and inviting. Tiles, textiles, lighting, furnishings and more can introduce touches of Marrakech and Casablanca into your most-used room.

A Moroccan kitchen remodel can be achieved on any budget. Whether you want to go all-out with custom tilework, hand-carved cabinets and imported lanterns, or simply introduce the look with paint, accessories and decorative accents, Moroccan style makes a big visual impact. Read on for ideas, tips and inspiration to craft your own exotic kitchen sanctuary.

Colors and Patterns

Rich, saturated hues are a hallmark of Moroccan decor. While red is the most iconic shade, you can also incorporate cobalt blue, golden yellow, vibrant green and deep purple. Use color on the walls, backsplash, cabinets and accessories. For a more subdued look, stick to neutral cabinetry and walls and bring in color through tilework, textiles and decor items.

Pattern and texture add further visual interest in a Moroccan kitchen. Opt for eye-catching encaustic cement tile or handmade zellige tile for your backsplash and/or floor. Vertical stripes, diamond shapes and starburst motifs commonly feature. Play up this look by selecting patterned materials like hammered copper sinks, woven dining chairs and textured rugs.

Ideas for Adding Color and Pattern:

• Paint walls a vivid hue like spicy red or lapis blue. Use multiple colors for an eclectic look.
• Select patterned tiles with traditional Moroccan motifs for the backsplash or floor.
• Use patterned and colorful fabrics for curtains, chair cushions and table linens.
• Choose patterned rugs with diamond, star or medallion motifs. Kilim, rag and tufted rugs fit the style.
• Incorporate hand-painted and mosaic ceramic pieces into the decor, like serving platters, vases and soap dispensers.

Tilework

Elaborate tilework is a defining feature of Moroccan architecture. While authentic zellige tiles can be pricey, there are budget-friendly ways to mimic the look. The key is choosing eye-catching patterns and combining tiles of varied colors and sizes.

For the backsplash, consider handmade encaustic cement tiles or ceramic tiles with ornate detailing. Geometric patterns and nature motifs work well. Use boldly-hued tiles in glossy and matte finishes for added dimension. Extend the tilework onto your countertops for seamless flow.

For flooring, look for tile shapes like hexagons, scalloped circles or interlocking diamonds. Handmade terra cotta tiles offer an artisanal Moroccan vibe. You can also find ceramic tile printed to mimic zellige patterns. Use mosaics sparingly as accents between solid colored tiles.

If budget is a concern, purchase a few decorative tile sheets and surround them with affordable matching tiles for your backsplash. Or just tile a focal area behind the stovetop or sink. There are many inexpensive ways to get the colorful tilework look while controlling costs.

Moroccan Tile Tips:

• Shop importer websites to browse authentic zellige and terra cotta tiles at various price points.
• Use encaustic cement tiles for the backsplash and octagonal terra cotta for the floors.
• Opt for handmade artisan tiles over machine-made for more authenticity.
• Combining glossy and matte tiles adds depth and interest.
• Look for ceramic tiles etched with Moroccan patterns for a budget version of intricate zellige.
• If doing a full backsplash isn’t feasible, just tile around windows or behind appliances.
• Use tile stickers or wallpaper for a temporary style injection.

Cabinets and Furnishings

When it comes to cabinetry and furnishings, look for opportunities to work in Moroccan-inspired elements through carvings, colors, materials and shapes.

Cabinets: Wood cabinets suit the natural, earthy feel of Moroccan style. Opt for painted or stained finishes over wood veneers for more depth. Add intricately carved door panels, custom tilework or mosaic accents. Dome-shaped arched cabinets can replicate traditional architectural motifs.

For painted cabinets, use vivid colors like cobalt blue, dark purple or sea green. A bolder palette sets the scene for an exotic space.

Countertops: Quartz or solid surface materials like Corian work well for achieved patterned looks. Select colors and patterns like white marble or tan granite that emulate exotic natural stone.

Hand-painted tiles in intricate patterns also make stunning countertop surfaces, either as full slabs or inlaid as geometric medallions.

Hardware: Opt for wrought iron pulls and handles with cutout patterns and flourishing metalwork. Give cabinets a handcrafted feel with hammered hardware or ceramic knobs painted in metallic hues.

Furnishings: Carved wood stools or benches work for casual Moroccan seating. Choose patterns like medallions, hexagons or lattice work.

For a dining set, look for a wooden table with ornate legs and distressed painted chairs. Handcrafted furnishings add artisanal flair. Use luxurious textiles to dress tables and pillows.

Additional Touches: Display handmade servingware and decorative accents for an authentic feel. Incorporate elements like carved wood bowls, embroidered pillows, patterned vases and mosaic garden stools.

Backsplash Ideas

The backsplash is a prime area to inject eye-catching Moroccan style through vibrant tiles, colors and dazzling patterns.

Bold Colors

Saturated jewel tones from glossy tiles make a striking backdrop. Try deep red or sapphire blue for a dramatic look. Contrast with bright white cabinets.

Encaustic Cement Tile

Intricate encaustic tiles are hallmarks of Moroccan design. Opt for diamonds, stars or medallion shapes in vivid color combinations.

Zellige Patterns

Zellige-style ceramic tiles mimic the ornate mosaic look on a budget. Find geometric patterns and vivid floral motifs.

Mixed Patterns

Blending patterns and colors heightens the eclectic vibe. Combine floral motifs, checkerboards and medallion accents.

Metallic Accents

Punchy metallics add eye-catching contrast. Try copper, silver or gold tiles sparingly between colorful patterns.

Carved and Etched Tiles

Detailed carved and laser-cut tile designs add artisanal flair. Work them in between solid tiles.

Mosaic Medallions

Create a focal point mosaic medallion or niche behind the range using zellige-style tiles. Surround with less expensive field tiles.

Flooring Options

Moroccan flooring ranges from colorful patterned tiles to distressed woods and woven rugs.

Terra Cotta Tile

Rustic handmade terra cotta tiles in octagons, hexagons or diamonds replicate traditional zellige floors.

Encaustic Cement Tile

Another option is vivid encaustic cement tile laid in interlocking patterns like diamonds or starbursts.

Etched Moroccan Ceramic

Ceramic tiles etched with zellige-type designs offer the look at a lesser cost. Find them in geometric and floral patterns.

Painted Concrete

Concrete flooring painted in earthy red and blue hues emulates the colors of a Moroccan medina. Stencil on patterns.

Wide Plank Wood

Wider oak or acacia planks in a light distressed finish complement the natural, grounded feel.

Kilim Rug

Turkish kilim rugs in vibrant jewel tones and geometric patterns bring in coveted textile accents underfoot.

Pallet Wood

Upcycled pallet flooring creates a worn, artisanal appearance perfect for a Moroccan kitchen.

Countertop Ideas

Countertops present ample opportunities to incorporate colors, textures and patterns evocative of Morocco.

Quartz

Quartz offers durability and pattern options. Look for shades like creamy marble or black granite with gold veining.

Concrete

Pigmented concrete counters come in any color. Create custom Moroccan mosaics or use stencils to achieve intricate tile looks.

Tile

Vivid decorative tiles like hand-painted zellige or patterned encaustic work beautifully for small surfaces like islands.

Soapstone

A soft gray soapstone countertop has swirling dark veining that mimics exotic marble. It develops a patina over time.

Wood

Wood species like acacia and bamboo suit the earthy Moroccan vibe. Opt for wide planks to show off the wood grain patterns.

Solid Surface

Select solid surface materials like Corian in warm beige tones with custom inlaid tile accents.

Lighting Ideas

From ornate metalwork to colorful glass, Moroccan lighting sets an exotic mood.

Pendants:

• Hammered metal lanterns with punched patterns
• Colorful glass lanterns in jewel tones
• Candle chandeliers dripping with crystals
• Ceramic lanterns with traditional tilework

Sconces:

• Metal sconces with cutouts and perforated patterns
• Colorful glass sconces
• Wooden sconces with carved details
• Mosaic candle wall sconces

Ceiling Fixtures:

• A decorative hammered metal chandelier as a showstopper over an island or table
• Suspended metal lanterns at varying heights for dimension
• Strung Edison bulbs for ambient lighting

Undercabinet:

• Attached metal cages holding long candles
• Disconnected series of small pendant lights
• Thin strips of mini LED spots

Furniture Ideas

Dining Set:

• Carved wood table with turned legs
• Marble topped table
• Painted chairs or benches
• Woven chairs with patterned cushions

Kitchen Island:

• Wood top with carved corbels or legs
• Tile-fronted cabinetry
• Overhang for Moroccan lantern pendants

Comfy Seating:

• Upholstered banquette
• Pile of comfy patterned pillows
  -Bench cushioned with vibrant textiles

Outdoor:

• Painted wicker chairs
• Table with colorful tiled top
• Patterned outdoor rug

Accessories

Punch up your Moroccan motif with the right accessories strewn about the space.

On Shelves:

• Ceramic tagines and tea glassware
• Colorful glass bottles and vases
• Brass cups, bowls and teapots
• Patterned plates and serving trays

On Walls:

• Handwoven tapestries or embroidered hangings
• Carved wood or leather mirrors
• Framed mosaics or tile pieces

On Tables:

• Patterned and fringed table linens
• Vivid textile placemats
• Taper candles in colorful glass holders
• Fresh greenery and florals in ceramic vases

Throughout:

• Terra cotta garden stools
• Benches and ottomans covered in suzani textiles
• Colored glass lanterns lined up on ledges

Common Questions

What are some budget-friendly ways to get the Moroccan look?

Some lower cost options include using tile stickers or removable wallpaper on the backsplash instead of pricey tile, buying pre-made cabinetry and painting it, using concrete flooring painted with stenciled designs instead of intricate tiles, and incorporating touches of vibrant color and metallics through accessories and lighting instead of a full-scale renovation.

What Moroccan colors work best in a kitchen?

Vivid jewel tones like ruby red, sapphire blue and emerald green are classic. Earthy neutrals like beige, brown and creamy ivory also work well. Metallics like gold, silver and copper add nice accents.

What kind of tiles should I use for a Moroccan backsplash?

Authentic zellige and encaustic tiles offer intricate patterns but can be costly. A budget-friendly alternative ispatterned ceramic tile etched to mimic zellige designs. Also look for vibrant glass mosaics and cement tile reproductions.

What type of countertops suit a Moroccan kitchen?

Tile, concrete, quartz, soapstone and wood all complement the style. Look for materials that allow for patterning – either throughout or with inlaid decorative tile accents.

What lighting works in a Moroccan inspired kitchen?

Lanterns in hammered metal, colored glass and ceramic are all fitting choices. Look for intricate metalwork like punched patterns, fretwork and cut outs. Candlelight enhances the exotic vibe.

Conclusion

With vivid color palettes, opulent textures and ornate details, a Moroccan-style kitchen remodel brings exotic excitement to your home. Varying your tiles, choosing eye-catching lighting and incorporating handcrafted furnishings and accents allows you to create a space that’s dramatic yet welcoming. Whether you go for an authentic approach or just add touches, this global design aesthetic infuses cuisine and culture for an intriguing space.

5 Top Trends For 2023 Kitchen Remodeling Projects

The kitchen is often the heart of our homes.

As the hub of activity for your family, it’s important that the kitchen design seamlessly works with the needs of your household while serving as an open and enjoyable space where friends and family can gather together.

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen this year, keep these 5 top design trends in mind to ensure that your dream kitchen is not only gorgeous and functional, but also follows recent innovations and styles in the latest design world.

1. Biophilic Design

Bringing nature into the home has never been a more popular design trend. Biophilic kitchens are healthy and visually stimulating spaces inspired by nature and its natural elements and patterns.

A biophilic kitchen design might include:

• Natural Materials: Using wood, stone, reclaimed wood, and raw finishes that include the materials’ natural variations. This provides visual texture and warmth that feels connected to the outdoors.
• Plants: Designing greenery into the space with window boxes, potted herbs on open shelving, accent planters, and living green walls. This brings life and freshness indoors.
• Natural Light: Adding more windows, skylights, or lighting fixtures that mimic daylight. Abundance of light is connected to nature.
• Water Features: Incorporating a small decorative fountain can bring in the calming ambience of water.
• Natural Shapes and Patterns: Curving cabinetry, arched doorways, custom range hoods that mimic plant shapes, geometric patterns, and organic textures add biophilic elements.
• Views to Nature: Positioning the sink in front of a window with a scenic outdoor vista creates an immersive experience.

2. Curved Kitchen Cabinets

Incorporating curved lines into kitchen designs is an elegant trend that adds softness to the room. Swooping cabinetry, rounded islands, circular breakfast nooks and arched built-ins provide gracefully flowing silhouettes.

Curved kitchen elements to consider:

• Rounded island with custom millwork
• Subway tile backsplash laid in a herringbone pattern
• Arched upper cabinets for glassware
• Circular flooring inlay behind a round dining table
• Recessed curved niche for a built-in banquette
• Apothecary drawers with circular pulls

The elegance of curved cabinetry adds refinement, charm and sophistication to modern and traditional kitchen aesthetics.

3. Colorful Cabinets

All-white kitchens have dominated for years. The current trend is a move toward more color in cabinetry and painted islands. Vibrant and moody hues give the space warmth, character and personality.

Try painted cabinets in these trending color ideas:

• Deep green like emerald, sage or forest
• Vivid blue in navy, cobalt or teal
• Energizing yellow like mustard or lemon
• Sophisticated dark red or burgundy
• Mysterious charcoal or black
• Gentle pastels like lilac, peppermint or sky blue

Pair colorful lower cabinets with bright white uppers for crisp contrast. Accent cabinets also pop against neutral backdrops.

4. Mixing Finishes

The days of kitchens having a uniform look in terms of finishes are fading out. Mixing finishes like metals, wood stains, paint colors and materials create depth and visual interest.

Try these combinations of finishes:

• Black stainless steel appliances mixed with satin brass hardware
• Dark wood island topped with white Carrara marble
• Navy cabinets combined with wood and white painted units
• Aged bronze faucet paired with polished chrome light fixtures
• Glossy tiled backsplash mixed with matte stone countertops

Varying finishes adds character and layers to modern, industrial, traditional and other kitchen aesthetics.

5. Smart Home Technology

Homeowners are increasingly incorporating tech-forward features that add convenience, efficiency and cutting-edge innovation to their kitchen design. Smart kitchen elements include:

• Faucets you can turn on/off and control temperatures from an app
• Refrigerators with touchscreen panels, cameras and WiFi connectivity
• Voice assistant capabilities to look up recipes, play music, make calls
• Remote controlled blinds, smart lighting, video doorbells
• High-tech islands with charging stations, outlets and device do