&noscript=1 /> Timeless Tile: Modern Moroccan - StoneImpressions

My take on the Modern Moroccan Craze

I have witnessed firsthand the pendulum swing in interior design; starting with 80’s Modern utilizing loads of lacquer, Lucite, sea foam and mauve, to the heavily detailed Tuscan/Mediterranean era, back again to Clean Line Modern using an abundance of espresso in fabrics and wood stain, and finally to the current Modern Farmhouse with hints of rusticism awash in white and grey.  And I’ve been wondering, is Modern Moroccan going to be what defines the next era in  interior design?  Our clients have been using StoneImpressions Moroccan inspired patterns in applications creating interiors that give you the feel of being on vacation somewhere exotic yet modern.  One of my absolute favorite install shots is our fittingly named Morocco pattern.

Moroccan is a blend of old world design and modern textured patterns.

Morocco Pattern on Limestone from our quick-ship program, Artisan Stone Tile

I am immensely thrilled to be the West Coast rep for StoneImpressions.  As I’ve been visiting tile shops in my territory, I’ve been noticing a lot of Moroccan styled patterns.  Prior to working with StoneImpressions , I had the pleasure of selling tile to designers, builders and homeowners in the South Bay of Southern California.  Many of my customers started asking for Moroccan patterns.   Not so much the arabesques that were so prominent with the Tuscan Mediterranean era, but geometric shapes, stars, zig-zags, stars and cross, hexagons…..something Moroccan…. yet……modern.

  I love how this designer used Waterways on the floor contrasting the pattern with clean line modern cabinetry and adding the star pendants to create the Modern Moroccan vibe.

Waterways pattern in powder bathroom on carrara

Design by Mollie Openshaw, Design Loves Detail

How to do Modern Moroccan Right

In moving from one design moment to the next, I greatly appreciate interior designers who do NOT do a complete departure from where we have just been but have the sensibility to incorporate and blend with where we are going.  In our last blog, Hilary talked about the blending of modern and traditional patterns and elements. 3 years ago, I remodeled my kitchen in a Coastal Farmhouse look with the requisite white cabinets, stainless bin pull hardware, grey rustic wood look tile floor and a blue opaque glass mini brick back splash.   It’s only been 3 years, but I am going to change my backsplash.   I am obsessed with our new pattern Miabella Sea Glass on Arctic White  from our upcoming new StoneImpressions Mural collection.  I know that this Moroccan influenced beauty will be a perfect blend with my farmhouse kitchen and result in a unique oasis feel that I am looking for.

Miabella Mural color options

Susan’s Favorites

 One of my favorite interior designers, who I believe is truly the master of blending modern with Moroccan , is Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Named by Architectural Digest as one of the world’s top 100 designers, he designs for the likes of Cher, Elton John and most recently Kylie Jenner. Martyn is British born and got his start selling antiques on the streets of London at a very young age.  He is well traveled and his roots and experience result in a layering of exotic and bold elements from countries from across the globe in his client’s interiors. In 2018 Martyn breathed new life into The Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells California masterfully layering bold black and white contrasting modern stripes with Moroccan stars.

Inspiration decorative tile photo

(From Atelier Martyn Lawrence Bullard)

                The Interior Designers I follow on Instagram are off in faraway places this summer posting photos with back drops rich in patterns, textures and bold colors. Have you been on a wonderful vacation, like Morocco for instance, promising to bring that exotic vibe back to everyday life? Look no further. StoneImpressions’ patterns can do exactly that.

Modern Moroccan Inspiration by StoneImpressions

Medina pattern on carrara in modern moroccan kitchen

Medina pattern in Modern farmhouse kitchen

Design by Four Chairs Furniture

 

Zara tile pattern in modern master bathroom

Sanza pattern on 12x12 carrara in modern moroccan kitchen

Design by Bees Knees Interiors, photo by Kyle J Caldwell

Sanza pattern on 6x6 carrara in modern moroccan kitchen

Design by Diana Weinstein, photo by Jane Bieles

sanza pattern on 6x6 carrara in modern moroccan kitchen

Design by Diana Weinstein, photo by Jane Bieles