Photo courtesy of Jon Chica / Shutterstock Inc
Bahia Palace. Majorelle Gardens. The Koutoubia Mosque. From kaleidoscopic zellige tilework to rainbow-hued spice souks, every turn in the ancient kingdom of Marrakesh is a veritable feast for the senses, blooming with color. Below, how to bring home the opulence and elegance of Marrakesh, inspired by the myriad colors to be found in the caravan city.
Pink and Coral
Photo courtesy of OldskoolDesign / Shutterstock Inc
With dusty rose sunsets and thick walls of beaten clay, this desert city makes liberal use of pink and coral tones.
Gateway, Colorado | Kerry Endsley, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
To capture the far-flung appeal of a traditional Moroccan riad, mimic the rosy tones in your home’s exterior. This Colorado ranch house takes on a particularly romantic appeal when washed in the glow of dusk.
Red
Photo courtesy of Jon Chica / Shutterstock Inc
From spice souks teeming with saffron to the vast expanses of clay buildings, it’s no surprise that Marrakesh has long been referred to as the Red City.
Singapore | Veniz KWONG, List Sotheby’s International Realty
A perfect choice for décor that makes an impact, red can be incorporated in small doses—or liberally applied for a bold burst of warmth. Consider punctuating a neutral space with a strong graphic print as in this Singaporean bungalow to add vigor and zest into any room.
Orange
Photo courtesy of Todamo / Shutterstock Inc
Whether infused in tea or adding vibrancy to a tagine, the color orange can be found virtually everywhere inside the thousand-year-old walls of the medina.
Riverside, Connecticut | Steve Archino, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
Give your home a dose of Vitamin C by combining this citrusy hue with shades of green to create a palette bursting with cheery optimism, like this Connecticut foyer. On the warmer side of the spectrum, a persimmon velvet sofa in this Cote d’Azur living room adds texture and richness, reminiscent of the glow of a desert sunset
Yellow
Photo courtesy of KajzrPhotography / Shutterstock Inc
From the gilded tones of the Hassan II Mosque to the golden gates of the Palais Royale, the color yellow in Moroccan architecture often accompanies wealth and influence.
Harbour Island, Bahamas | James Malcolm, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
To recreate the shining glow of the desert, opt for side paneling and exterior finishes in sunny shades to bring brightness to your home: for inspiration, see the cheerful façade of this Bahamian abode. Alternatively, select lighter washes of yellow, as chosen for this Texas home’s entryway, to add an authentic appeal in any space.
Purple
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Moroccan sunsets can range from fiery reds to burnished golden, and you’ll often see shades of plum, violet, and eggplant swirling around the painterly desert skies. When it comes to the color purple, lighter shades tend to have a soothing effect on the mind, while darker hues can often trigger creativity and introspection.
Cayman Islands | Patty Nugent, Cayman Islands Sotheby’s International Realty
Keep things subdued with soft washes of lilac—perfect for a relaxing bedroom—or go bold like this Cayman Islands beach house with bright punches of magenta to add bohemian flair.
Moroccan Blue
Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh, photo courtesy of Ser Borakovskyy / Shutterstock Inc
As embodied by the electric blue villa gifted to the city by Yves Saint Laurent, the color blue is comparatively rare inside the walls of the medina—but is arguably the most striking shade to set against the desert tones of North Africa.
Highland Park, Texas | Alex Trusler & Karla Trusler, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
To capture the oasis-like enchantment of the Jardin Majorelle, consider using pops of blue to add contrast to a neutral space like this Texas living room.
Green
Photo courtesy of Todamo / Shutterstock Inc
While lush gardens may not be the first thing to come to mind when pondering the tawny tones of the desert or heady aromas of the hazy souks, some of Marrakesh’s top destinations are beautifully manicured gardens where greenery thrives in full bloom. Symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and paradise, green is often used to cover the shrines of saints in Morocco in order to seek their blessings.
Ulster, Ireland | David Ashmore, Ireland Sotheby’s International Realty
With this tradition in mind, consider opting for a vibrant shade of emerald like this doorway in Ireland to invite good spirits in the home.
When making the pilgrimage to Marrakesh, you’re bound to come home with more than a few souvenirs. Let the complexity of colors and historic allure of this desert city inspire your next redecorating project.
On the hunt for more design inspiration? The colors of Hong Kong await you.
Video of the Week: Unparalleled Modern Villa in Primosten, Croatia
Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week.
Marko Pažanin, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty
Opal Cove Resort is a luxury resort complex consisting of seven modernly designed villas that represent the perfect fusion of minimalist architecture and the captivating natural surroundings. Located in one of the most alluring seafront sites in Dalmatia, Opal Cove Resort offers plenty of lavish features that ideally complement the invigorating ambiance of pristine Adriatic sea, blissful sunsets, and lush Mediterranean nature.
Once a fishing village, Primošten has developed into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Adriatic, offering plenty of coves and beaches to explore and experience the joy of pure relaxation.
With its contemporary architectural design embracing large glass wall dividers, each of seven villas features a mesmerizing sea view and allows you to enjoy constant contact with the inspiring nature that surrounds the resort.
All villas are luxuriously furnished, fully equipped and feature various additional facilities such as sauna, a fitness area, an entertainment-and-socializing area for cozy gatherings. Green roofs are covered with grass and gravel and enriched with authentic Mediterranean trees and plants thus creating the impression of a garden for the surrounding villas.
Wide Open Spaces: 5 Homes Perfectly Positioned for Stargazing
When life gets hectic, there’s no better way to put things into perspective than by simply looking up at the stars. With light pollution in urban centers, it’s not always easy to see the night sky in all its glory, let alone make out any constellations. Luckily, these secluded properties around the world offer respite from the brilliance of city life and the opportunity to truly admire the heavens.
An Oenophile’s Dream Estate in Napa
Dulcy Freeman, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
Nestled in California’s most famous wine region, you’ll find this sprawling estate with plenty of amenities. The four-acre grounds feature a bocce court, orchards, gardens, a tennis court, fountains, and a beautiful swimming pool. Inside, quintessential upscale Californian décor accents six bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room complete with a fireplace imported from France, and an enclosed garden dining room. After visiting iconic Napa wineries like Caymus and Beringer during the day, and dining at one of the many local Michelin-rated restaurants, you can cozy up during golden hour on the terrace and wait for the stars to reveal themselves.
Modern Greek Island Living in Lefkada
Savvas Savvaidis, Greece Sotheby’s International Realty
The only thing that comes close to the beauty of a bright, starry sky is perhaps Greece’s famed turquoise waters—and with six bedrooms and bathrooms on 6,243 square feet, this secluded property on the island of Lefkada offers both. Surrounded by olive and cypress trees, the property still delivers clear views of the sea and yachts passing through the channel. The villa is the ultimate spot to unwind: rest easy with two master bedrooms with ensuites and private verandas, enjoy fresh meals on one of the outdoor dining terraces, and work out any stress in the home gym. Though the nightlife of Nidri is only a short boat ride away, the privacy of this property means it feels like it’s just you and the stars at night.
An Eco-Friendly Paradise in Valparaíso
Patricio Saavedra, Chile Sotheby’s International Realty
For those seeking to be at one with nature, this mountain home is an oasis. The property is located in Valparaíso, a bohemian hotspot offering fresh seafood and miles of beaches; Nobel-Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda also called the city home. Featuring solar panels and a water treatment plant, this innovative, sustainable property also has over 700 avocado trees whose harvest should cover property maintenance costs. A work of art both inside and out, the home’s glass and wood exterior is perfectly balanced, serving as a stylish reminder that living sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury. With three spacious bedrooms overlooking the valley, the dreamy daytime views are only surpassed by the night sky—it’s easy to see how Neruda was inspired to write such poignant lines as “The night is starry / and the blue stars shiver in the distance.”
Harmonious Design in San José
Alejandra Ibarra, Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty
Tucked away in the Costa Rican forest, this modern sanctuary is a haven for local wildlife, and for those looking to relax. The contemporary Sukha House is adjacent to El Rodeo Forest Reserve, meaning you’ll enjoy visits from indiginous species like white-faced monkeys and toucans, plus panoramic views of the Central Valley and Poás and Irazuú volcanoes. This elegant 6,372-square-foot home was constructed with clean, dark lines and floor-to-ceiling windows to reflect the surrounding forest; the structure allows cool breezes to flow through. Here, you feel at harmony with nature, and since Costa Rica offers some of the best stargazing in the world, the heavens feel closer than ever.
Sophisticated Architecture in Wyoming
Brett Frantz, Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty
Dramatic views, contemporary design, and unique, high-end materials make this spacious valley property a sight to behold. The exterior of this home features Kota stone imported from India and banks of windows providing views of the Yellowstone caldera and Teton Mountain Range—at night, the stargazing is spectacular both indoors and on the stone terrace. Built in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, this architectural marvel boasts four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, custom features, and European craftsmanship—but with the jaw-dropping panoramic vistas, you’ll hardly be able to take your eyes off the outdoors.
Taking the time to be awed by nature has astonishing mental and even physical effects, and looking up at the stars helps put the mind at ease. Scattered around the globe, these five private havens ensure nothing gets between you and the firmament.
