Come with me to the Casbah!
A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty û sweet, succulent and an
amazing shade of orange-red. Orange and red continue to be popular
colors in decorating this year but 2004's shades are softer and more
vibrant, like ripe persimmons and pomegranates.
Don't limit these jewel-tones to the inside of your house. They can
be incorporated into a beautiful outdoor theme by using the rich and
exotic influences of Morocco.
ò In countries such as Morocco, which line the balmy
Mediterranean, curtains are often used in place of doors to allow
breezes to circulate freely. Use gauzy fabric such as mosquito
netting or scrim, a light, sheer, loosely woven cotton or linen cloth
used for upholstery lining. Since it's inexpensive, you can install
luxuriously full draperies without going broke.
ò If you'd rather not have curtains, consider using the same
fabric as a tent over a table or a chaise. Some nettings come with a
center hanging unit, or you can easily make one of a 2' square piece
of plywood and some rope.
ò Intricate latticework is another element often seen in
Morocco. You can emulate the look by edging pieces of plain lattice
(the closer the weave, the better) with old carved porch posts. Paint
roughly with turquoise or azure and then further distress the finish
with sandpaper. Alternatively, you can install a carved wooden room
screen.
ò Wood furniture will give you the most authentic Moroccan
look. Don't have wood furnishings? Try constructing a simple low-
slung chaise from a used solid core door with six fence post tops
screwed into the bottom. Paint or stain it to look like rich wood and
top with a thick cushion (use an 8" foam mattress cut to measure).
Use a heavy-weight fabric for the cushion cover and make sure it's a
bright orange or red color!
ò You can improvise a table from a hollow core or solid core
door set on cement blocks or stacks of bricks. Cover it with layers
of rich cloths in your chosen colors. You'll find this table sits low
to the ground and you'll be able to eat in the traditional Moroccan
way: sitting on pillows and rugs. Cover the cushions with co-
ordinating or contrasting fabrics in rich finishes. Use azure,
persimmon and lots and lots of gold fabric.
ò Tiles are an absolute must in Moroccan style. If you cannot
incorporate them in the floor of your space, by painting a tiled
pattern on a wooden deck, laying tiles on a patio, or edging your
pool-side cabana, be sure to pick them up in a tabletop, a plant pot,
a wall-hanging or a large tray. Mix bright turquoise or azure blue
and goldy-orange tile pieces in intricate patterns to capture the
Moorish look.
ò Moroccan-style lanterns usually have some sort of filigree
work, whether wicker, metal or some other material. They are often
pointed at both ends, necessitating hanging. Most often, they will
enclose a flame, either of candles or small oil torches. You can also
use white or ivory pillar candles instead of, or in addition to,
hanging lanterns.
ò Use accent pieces of dark wood or brass. Pile a brass tray
high with exotic fruit such as persimmons, tangerines and glossy
pomegranates.
ò For greenery, use succulents such as banana trees and mother-
in-law's tongue, and tropicals like palms and ficus. You can also add
more color to your space with lush pots of bright geraniums.
Use the rich color and sensual textures of Morocco in your outdoor
space and this summer you'll be escaping to the casbah!
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to
helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich
them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free
report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space".
Mail to
debbie@...
