Do-It-Yourself Moroccan Style

Moroccan Textiles

• Layer a room in brilliant color and exotic patterns with authentic Moroccan textiles, or choose fabrics with typical Moroccan motifs like distinctive lattice patterns and geometric and floral designs. Make your own pillow covers, curtains or throws with Moroccan fabric. Drape fabric over end tables, night stands or a dresser to soften the look while adding color and design. Look for patterns such as the feathery Ikat, one of the oldest dying and weaving techniques and used by dozens of cultures, which provides a rich, ethnic look to furniture when used on accent pillows. Add a luxurious look to your bedroom with an embroidered silk Moroccan bedspread and matching curtains. Scatter pillows, floor cushions, a few Moroccan poufs and rugs around a sectional sofa, corner bed or an outdoor conversation area. Drape fabric loosely from the ceiling and walls to create a tent-like effect or provide the look of an exotic Middle Eastern dwelling.

Moroccan Stencils

• With Moroccan-style stencils, you can add a custom look to walls, architectural features and furniture. Lattice or trellis designs make elegant accent walls. You can create strong contrast using only two colors, or, if you feel more confident, try a more complex tile pattern using three or more colors. It may take some practice to get the hang of the stencils. If you've never tried it before, pick up a few practice boards, which are sold at most paint stores, before beginning a project on the wall. If stenciling an all-over pattern intimidates you, try stenciling a border around a door, window, headboard or other small area such as the stair risers on a short, two- or three step staircase.

Moroccan Tile

• One of the defining characteristics of Moroccan architecture, handmade Moroccan tiles add a beautiful, artistic touch both inside and outside the home. Zellige tiles feature intricate mosaics formed by tiny, individual, cutout colored ceramic shapes set in plaster molds to form tiles of varying sizes. Expert craftsmen begin learning this art form as children; the skill is passed down from one generation to the next. Moroccan tiles create a custom, upscale look in kitchens and bathrooms, on stair risers, around fireplaces, swimming pools and fountains. Start with something small if you've never installed tile, such as a border along the top edge of your bathroom wall tile or kitchen backsplash. Try embellishing a small, thrift store tabletop with Moroccan tile to create your own custom piece.

Moroccan Lighting

• Moroccan-style lamps and lanterns add a signature look with their unusual shapes, beautiful-colored glass and intricate cutout designs. Henna lamps are made from goat skin, which is sometimes dyed with paprika or saffron and decorated with traditional henna and Moroccan designs. Hanging pendant lanterns range in size from very large chandelier-like fixtures to small candle lanterns illuminated with tea lights or small votive candles. When illuminated, the detailed metal cutouts and colored glass panels create light canopies on walls and ceilings. Create your own Moroccan lanterns by painting glass jars in various colors and embellishing them with gold dimensional puff paint, which mimics the intricate metal cutouts and henna designs on authentic Moroccan lanterns. Layer the room with a variety of authentic and do-it-yourself Moroccan lanterns. Hang a group of lanterns on the patio for an unusual light display. Place lanterns on furniture, in wall alcoves, bookcases or on shelves to enhance the romantic ambiance of the space.