When we bought our holiday home in Spain I had the vision to make it a 1001-night house. But it never came into this direction. Maybe after this trip.
I have been to Marrakesh before, from Spain it is easy to go on the ferry, drive trough this amazing country and buy and bring home what ever you like. So I was already a bit prepared for the overwhelming sense of colours, patterns, art, handcraft, odours, fabrics and sound.
Last week I was on an interior inspiration trip. I need a little bit of travel to stay tuned and inspired. I love to see other craftsman dedicated to their art. All this input I carry with me, I don’t have to photograph everything. All impressions get into my memory and I know one day it will get out.
I love to share what me inspired this trip.
- El Fenn. This hotel is amazing. The bold colours combined with tadelakt, velvet, hand-woven fabrics, metal, ceramic lamps, mid-century furniture, zelliges, metal bassins on a travertine base. And the rooftop all in red will surprise you. Who will pick red to do a whole space? It’s great with the red and white striped fabric, the red and white striped lamps in a huge amount, the green zelliges tables, pink and red cushions and above all the red ceramic plates in different sizes and patterns. Visit the El Fenn shop. They have things specially made for them.
- Go to the Medina. And I know it is hard to not end up with a rug. But keep in mind where you want to put it. Don’t believe the vendor because you buy it too quick and too small. For a more modern style of rugs you have to go to the industrial area. Furthermore you can find in the medina herbs, brass lamps, ceramics, clothing, furniture and so much more. And yes, you have to negotiate about prices. For linen visit V. Barkowski. For a lot of furniture and hidden treasures visit Blaoui.
- Jnane Rumi is the latest hot spot outside Marrakesh from an interior and art kind of perspective. All rooms and spaces are well designed. An eclectic style of Moroccan handcrafted combined with art, antiques and colours.
- For clothing I am a fan of Hainut, a handmade clothing shop. If something doesn’t fit, they tailor it for you and deliver it to your hotel. The shop across the street The Different is a great conceptstore. You will find in the Medina.
- For lunch and dinner there are so many places. But from an interior kind of perspective I can point out a few I have visited myself. Make reservations because it can be really busy in Marrakesh. Momo is the pastel restaurant on the square, great food as well. Le comptoir has an interesting Moroccan interior, good food and a show. You can visit Jardin du Lotus for the interior, the food is on a second plan. La Maison Arabe is a restaurant around a swimming pool: great food, good service and everyone takes the same instagram selfie what is a kind of funny.
- Sidi Ghanen is the industrial area where designers and craftspeople have their ateliers and vendor spaces. I was so suprised when I saw in a cushion atelier/shop, the same fabrics I use: a mix of African and Ikat fabrics. So I was not the only one seeing this unique vibe. Lrnce a Belgian artist with fabrics and ceramics.
- The secret garden. I thought it was too busy with people, but that’s me. I don’t like crowds, lines etc. The garden is beautiful and if you want a copy of the book of Bill Willis, it is the only place where it is for sale in the giftshop of the Yves Saint Laurent museum.
