From the golds and oranges of the Sahara desert to the deep blues of the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Renowned for its elaborately carved woodworking and its intricately handcrafted tile designs, Moroccan inspired decor has a warm, spicy flair--the perfect theme to create a private getaway right in your own home. Let your creativity flow as you delve into the artistic charm of this old-world culture.

Color
Moroccan colors are at once earthy and exotic. Take your cues from the Moroccan pottery created with the rich, colorful soils of the surrounding earth, like the rich red soil of the far north, the yellowish clay of the Atlantic region dubbed the Yellow Coast or the deep blue ground down from the cobalt-rich rocks in the Fez region. Choose your favorite color to predominate throughout the room and two or three others to complement it.

To achieve an exotic, warm effect, the white walls will have to go. Choose diverse colors in warm tones like gold or pistachio. Something deeper, like burnt sienna, will whisk you away to the jewel-toned sands of the Sahara desert at sunset. A painting technique like glazing or sponging will help to give the walls an old-world textured feel. Don't forget to paint the doors and woodworking a traditional Moroccan blue.

Accessories
Reflect the beauty of this culture by adding exotic pieces to your design scheme. Morocco is known for its intricately detailed glazed pottery, elaborately hand-carved wood pieces and lighting crafted of brass and wrought iron. Even if you haven't been to Morocco or cannot afford a genuine piece of Moroccan artistry, mimic the detail with any highly ornate, intricately designed accessory, available at many import stores.