Using natural bathroom furniture and jewel colours for a Moroccan look
Creating an exotic Moroccan bathroom will transform a plain and uninviting room into one where it is a pleasure to spend time. Using the colours, textures and lavishly embellished style of Moroccan designs can be a great way to brighten up your bathroom.
Lighting is a key element in creating this look; installing a light fixture, such as lanterns with a tarnished brass finish, is the perfect way to add a more exotic feel to the space. Typical Moroccan lanterns have coloured glass panes in shades of sapphire, topaz, emerald and ruby, all of which cast a beautiful glow in the bathroom when lit. These coloured glass panes are also effective at creating low lighting, which makes for a more relaxed and luxurious ambience. Bright, fluorescent lighting should be avoided at all costs when creating this look, as it is too harsh for this particular design. Other typical Moroccan lamps that would look great in a bathroom are those made from linen, which often have a henna design imprinted on the panels. Vintage metal candlesticks are another useful way to add some soft, glowing light to the room.
In terms of bathroom furniture, the key is to use natural materials and keep the pieces as low to the ground as possible whilst maintaining their practical use; it is common in Moroccan style rooms for the seating to be almost at ground level, softened with colourful cushions. When this style is applied to the bathroom, it means that the bathtub might be built with stone, wood or ceramic and practical bathroom furniture such as cabinets and shelving should have a similar finish and height, to maintain the consistency of the design. Adding tarnished metal handles to wooden cabinets is another simple, yet effective way to add to this type of design.
Textiles are an essential aspect of creating an authentic Moroccan bathroom. Remember that, in a bathroom where moisture and heat are present, any textiles used must be durable as well as aesthetically pleasing. With this in mind, curtains and a rug are usually the best choices; you can always bring more colour into the room with towels and other accessories as well. Moroccan rugs are typically knotted or flat, with eye catching and vibrant patterns; geometric patterns are particularly popular. Replacing a rather plain and dull standard bathroom matt with a Moroccan one is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a bathroom for the better. A brightly coloured shower curtain can have a similar effect. Embroidery is commonplace in Moroccan textiles, so any soft furnishings in this style will help in creating an exotic feel.
Colours, bright, vibrant and rich, are seen in every room styled in the Moroccan style. Painting the walls of the bathroom in colours that reflect the landscape of Morocco will create a wonderfully luxurious and exotic ambience; soft, golden yellows, rich, deep reds and a splattering of jewel coloured textiles will create a truly beautiful space. These rich colours are not harsh or overbearing, but rather sumptuous and calming. The room will become the perfect place to soak in a steaming hot bath and completely relax.
How bathroom furniture can help in creating your perfect room
The bathroom is one of the most popular rooms in most homes and whether it’s for personal grooming or simply soaking in the tub after a stressful day, the furniture in your bathroom should be as stylish and practical as possible. Because it is such a frequently used room, spending a bit of extra money, effort and time is well worth it.
The first thing to do when deciding on bathroom furniture is to pick a theme of some kind. There are hundreds to choose from, so this may take some time. You could go for a classic look, with heavy wooden furniture pieces, a rich colour scheme and low lighting. This is perfect for those who want to create a calming and somewhat luxurious ambience in their bathroom. Or for people who prefer a lighter, more feminine design style, shabby chic furniture might be a good choice. Furniture such as a set of drawers made from white wicker, with a matching bin and a claw tub would create a pretty and spacious look with a certain vintage appeal. For a more contemporary bathroom, a colour blocking design could look great; in this case pieces such as a black bathtub, chrome fixtures and sleek lighting designs would look very striking alongside a splash of bright red or white.
Choosing furniture which picks up on a distinctive texture which appeals to you is a great idea. Having a pattern on a bathtub which matches the soft furnishings such as the curtains or towels can bring the decor of the room together. Or you can keep the walls and soft furnishings neutral, for instance in muted pastels or shade of cream, whilst fitting in brightly coloured bathroom furniture. This will really make a statement when people enter the room.
Whilst the style of the room is very important, remember to make the furniture as practical as possible. Many people have relatively small bathrooms, so storage must be carefully considered. Shelving can be as conspicuous or hidden as you want, depending on your preferences. Some people might prefer to have open shelves in front of the bathroom mirror, so that they needn’t spend time looking for things. But there are others who would rather keep the overall look of the bathroom as clean and simple as possible by having minimalistic shelves underneath the sink. Remember to keep a storage area for essential items such as bathroom towels, cosmetics etc.
Mirrors are a very important aspect of bathroom furniture. They can make the room look far larger than it actually is, for instance a wide mirror on one wall of the bathroom can open up even the smallest of spaces. Mirrors combined with the right lighting can also help to create any kind of ‘mood’ that you want. Wall lights are better than overhead for creating softer light and a calming atmosphere, whereas overhead lighting using a statement light fixture can create as brighter, slight more spacious look. Mirrors in striking shapes or with a funky frame can also alter the look of your bathroom for the better.
Comments