Design Detour: Marrakesh – A Design Lover’s Winter Escape
A winter escape to Marrakesh is always tempting—but a journey taken in search of beauty, colour, and design delivers far more than expected. For those who travel with an eye for interiors, textiles, and craft, Marrakesh is a living palette, an open-air museum, and a treasury of inspiration all at once.
Soak Up the Sun and the City’s Glow
We were fortunate with the weather: five glorious days of sun in January, which isn’t always guaranteed. The sunlight brings the city’s signature colours to life. That unmistakable pink-peach clay wraps the old town along alleyways and city walls, gradually softening as it stretches toward the desert. Even the desert itself seems to carry hints of pink in its sands—a subtle, sun-warmed echo of the city.
For designers, this palette alone is a lesson in layering and tone. The gentle warmth of Marrakesh clay is universally adaptable, inviting, and surprisingly versatile when translating it into interiors.
Finding inspiration in Marrakesh is hardly difficult in a city this fantastically chaotic and design-abundant. Every corner, alley, and courtyard offers colour, texture, and pattern to spark ideas.
Consider staying at Riad Khour & Chou, a low key but quietly luxurious riad in a more authentic part of town. Delicious food, beautiful rooms, and a cosy atmospheric courtyard make it unforgettable. Bonus: the best masseur ever. Don’t be daunted by the mysterious alleyway leading to it—heaven awaits. (Pro tip: Watch out for motorcycles zipping through the alleys like a swarm—halfway through day one we upgraded our travel insurance for peace of mind, but all ended well!)
Must-See Spots for Design Enthusiasts
Home Decor Mecca:
Mustapha Blaoui – Near the souk, this is a treasure trove of furniture, lighting, and authentic home decor pieces. Wander through endless caverns of inspiration while the sleeping owner quietly lets you explore. Perfect for ideas and eye candy for your interiors.
Pottery Heaven:
Fekhara – About 20 minutes outside the city center by car. Here you see pottery from start to finish—the making, glazing, and drying of tagines, bowls, and more. Generous hosts show you around, and the choice is endless. Ideal for sourcing if you have a shop, and don’t miss the stunning glass tile tables.
Rugs & Custom Furniture:
Soufiane zarib – A VIP rug experience, no rush, and endless options. The shop also features resin and bone furniture that can be custom made. Press the light switch-style button for a warm welcome.
Flea Market Finds:
The main flea market has its challenges, but hidden among the chaos is an incredible collection of antique doors. Door after door of character and craftsmanship—you may not be able to fit them at home, but they inspire ideas for texture, finish, and patina. Many stalls also make custom pine furniture and metal works.
Marrakesh Flea Market
Other Design Spots:
Sufi Ghanem – The design centre of Marrakesh, but for me, the vibe was sterile and more global-chic than authentic Morocco.
Fekhara
Tile Trails and Textured Marvels
Marrakesh’s kaleidoscopic tiles are endlessly joyful. so don’t miss:
The Secret Garden – Take a guided tour for insider stories on design and history.
Ben Youssef Madrasa – an architectural treasure nestled in the heart of the old Medina with stunning geometric patterns in a historic Islamic school.
Dar El Bacha Museum – A beautiful palace that has been standing since the 18th century and is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. Skip the long queues for coffee but explore the exquisite tiles and interiors.
Travel Tip for Design Enthusiasts:
Wander beyond the main tourist routes. The most authentic inspiration often hides in courtyards, artisanal workshops, and the quieter corners of the city. Photograph patterns, sketch textures, and immerse yourself in the unexpected details—the city is generous to those who look closely.
Marrakesh isn’t just a destination; it’s a masterclass in colour, texture, and craft.
Bringing Marrakesh Home
Back home, I wondered if the soft clay tones of my new finds would fit. They absolutely did. Marrakesh’s warm, inviting pink-peach hues settle effortlessly into any space.
For those looking to infuse their interiors with the warmth and spirit of Marrakesh, wallpaper and fabric designs that echo the city’s colours and craftsmanship offer the perfect starting point. Rich warm tones and intricate hand-stitched textures can bring the vibrant, tactile beauty of the city into any home.
Our Damas wallcovering, designed long before this trip, mirrors the city’s warmth and subtle colour transitions. Inspired by a rare textile fragment from the Silk Roads, it celebrates hand-stitching, storytelling, and timeless craftsmanship. Pair it with soft complementary paints or warm clay tones to evoke the feeling of Marrakesh in your home.
Damas in Oat wallpaper
Our Paris Suzani collection offers fabrics and wallpapers inspired by a Paris exhibition of Suzani textiles, these designs also mirror Marrakesh’s rich colours and intricate hand-stitched patterns, perfect for adding depth, vibrancy, and global craft to interiors.
Paris Suzani wallpaper in Clay Pink
For an extra glow, our Serafina Stripe fabric in Amber literally warms a room, echoing the soft sunrise and sunset tones of Marrakesh rooftops.
Serafina Stripe Fabric in Amber